Numerical Simulation of Flow Fields in Different Baffled Flocculation Reactors

Abstract

The flow fields of the flocculators with different baffle which shape is vertical, perforated, arc and sine respectively were numerically simulated. The simulation parameters such as velocity, turbulent intensity, shaft power were compared in different types of baffled reactor. It shows that the calculated flow field matched the experiment results. Compared with the vertical baffles, the other three baffles such as perforated, arc and sine baffles, in varying degrees increased the average velocity and turbulence, and reduce energy consumption, in which the enhancement effects of sine baffles on flow field were especially prominent. In the sine baffled flocculator the average velocity and turbulent intensity was raised 2.6% and 3.8% respectively, and the shaft power was saved 5.78%. Reasonable structure of baffles can effectively resolve the problem of non-homogeneous mixture, intensify the flow field of flocculation reaction, improve flocculating effect, and reduce energy consumption.