Numerical simulation and structural optimization of water distribution channel between the flocculation tank and sedimentation tank with inclined plate settler
In view of the limited optimization measures of the outflow and their unsatisfactory effects in the design of water distribution channels, we adopted Realizable k-ε turbulence model in CFD software to simulate its velocity field. In the simulation we explored the water distribution channel length (L)for the optimal outflow uniformity with changing inlet widths (b) and water distribution channel widths (B), and optimized the position of sectioning wall in double sectioned water distribution channel .The simulation results indicated that the diffusion of the mainstream at the entrance of the distribution channel was the main factor affecting the uniformity of the outflow. The optimization results showed that, when b was in the range of 1 200-1 600 mm, the outflow uniformity of the distribution channel was optimal when L was 1 750-2 250 mm. If b was greater than 1 600 mm, the optimal L should be increased accordingly, but not more than 3 000 mm. When B was 3 900 mm, the optimal L was 1 750-2 250 mm, and when B was 5 300 or 6 700 mm, the optimal L should be increased by about 500 mm. When double sectioned distribution channel was used, the sectioning wall should be constructed close to the inlet instead of in the middle of the channel. This study can provide some theoretical guidance for the design of water distribution channels.