HYDRODECA: CFD Modelling Platform for Full-Scale Secondary Clarifiers of WWTPs

This work describes the development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation platform focused on secondary clarifiers modelling. This tool allows reproducing in detail the fluid behaviour inside secondary settling tanks (SSTs), with the objective to improve the process in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) by means of a better control, design and operation of those SST. Moreover, additional well-known SST models (empirical and lumped models) have been implemented to supplement the understanding of process operation. The most frequent types of full-scale secondary settling tanks have been studied, focusing both hydrodynamics and sludge settling performance. Several CFD models have been performed according to different configurations, being validated through experimental data. HYDRODECA is a simulation platform based on OpenFoam, developed as a tool for operators, researchers and technicians non-experts in CFD. An intuitive graphical user interface has been introduced, including specific tools to process operational data from the plant and an analysis assistant to understand the simulation results.