Applied computational fluid dynamics analysis in optimizing solid-liquid separators | |
| Author | Thananun Plangarom |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-16-22 |
| Subject(s) | Fluid dynamics. Computational fluid dynamics. Heat Transmission. Filters and filtration. |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. EV-16-22 |
| Abstract | The collection of human excreta in form of blackwater was typical features of the existing onsite sanitation system. The discharged effluents and sludge from septic tank in this system still required secondary treatment to safely dispose for good environment and public health. Although such systems were available, these were not very effectively managed or in non-operating conditions. Large amounts of untreated sludge and effluents can lead to a high risk of public health, like being disposed in the nearby environment. The suitable innovation can outdo the problems by proposing the solids and liquids in easily usable forms by using separation system. The main objective was to develop solid-liquid separator applicable to toilet wastewater in a wide range of contaminant. The specific objectives were to determine separation mechanism in the solid liquid separator by using computational fluid dynamics analysis, to develop the new geometry of separator for improving separation performance by using computational fluid dynamics analysis and to validate the separation efficiency of separator between simulation by using computational fluid dynamics analysis and pilot-scale experiments using maximum performance test. In methodology method, simulation program was used to design new model of separator in parallel with calculation by using physic equations for creating the high effective separator. The most effective separator was chosen to create by three dimensions printer for testing. Experiment under maximum performance test was used to test to determine separation performance. For accuracy confirmation, validation between simulation and experiment was used to evaluate for applying in pilot scale. In case of without toilet paper, the new design operated well in solid-liquid separation, the efficiency was reported in range of 99.02% -99.82%. In addition, the efficiency of separator with toilet paper was reported in range of 89.11% -92.22%. The efficiency of separator was reduced because of hygroscopic properties. From validation process, efficiency result from simulation and experiment were nearly equal. As a result, this program can be efficiently used research which related fluid flow. However, some case such as 150 g and 250 g of feces generate different efficiency from maximum performance test under same conditions because feces properties in simulation program was rigid and not bend. In summary, the most significant parameter for designing consist of separation factor and total forces on solid. Liquid separation factor of new design separator at minimum radius point was 4.93 that was suitable to separate liquid out of solid. For solid separation factor, it was 1.32 that was not appropriate to make solid went down to solid container. However, new design was designed small neck dimeter of separator to force solid into solid chamber. Wet toilet paper affect separation performance because of water absorption property of toilet paper. Lattice Boltzmann method in Xfow program was effective and appropriate to analyze this problems and to design new model of separator. |
| Year | 2016 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thammarat Koottatep; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Nguyen, Thi Kim Oanh;Chart Chiemchaisri;Niwat Phoocharoen; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016 |