Computation Fluid Dynamic Modeling of a Proposed Influent Pump Station

Traditionally pump intake hydraulics have been investigated using scale physical hydraulic models. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a rapidly improving technology that in some cases can be used as a cost or time effective alternative to traditional physical model methods for evaluation of pump intake hydraulics. This paper presents a case study on the use of CFD modeling to re-evaluate and modify the design of a large wastewater treatment plant influent pump station. The pump station has two a self cleaning trench wet wells, which was physically modeled early in the design process. Changes were made to the pump station layout and capacity during subsequent facility design. A CFD model was used to refine the design of the wet wells and evaluate the effects of upstream sewer alignment on the pump hydraulics. This paper presents the results of the CFD model analysis and design refinement.