Full three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation and optimization of a swirling jet-induced cavitation reactor

Abstract

Hydrodynamic cavitation is an efficient method in terms of energy consumption that can be used to intensify the pollutant degradation processes in wastewater treatment. Among various kinds of cavitation reactors, a swirling jet-induced cavitation reactor that has been less studied was investigated in detail for the first time in this work. Recently, researchers have focused more on investigating the parameters that affect the process and control its intensity. In the present work, the efficacy of the operating pressure on the performance of the cavitating device was investigated by calculating the cavitational efficacy ratio (CER) using full three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations. Also, preliminary studies were carried out for the first time to optimize the curvature correction coefficient of the shear stress transport k–ω viscous model to sensitize it to streamline curvature to obtain convergence and stability of the simulations. The optimum operating pressure was found by solving the cavity dynamics equations and calculating the CER parameter. The Rayleigh–Plesset cavity dynamics equation was applied to the cavity trajectory obtained from solving the discrete phase model to track the cavity radius and inside pressure variations. Finally, the validation of the simulation and estimated optimum operating pressure were done by the experimental data reported in the literature that there was reasonable agreement between them.