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CFD analysis of sludge accumulation and hydraulic performance of a waste stabilization pond

  • Andres Alvarado
  • , Esteban Sanchez
  • , Galo Durazno
  • , Mehul Vesvikar
  • , Ingmar Nopens
  • Ghent University
  • Universidad de Cuenca
  • ETAPA

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sludge management in waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) is essential for safeguarding the system performance. Sludge accumulation patterns in WSPs are strongly influenced by the pond hydrodynamics. CFD modeling was applied to study the relation between velocity profiles and sludge deposition during 10 years of operation of the Ucubamba WSP in Cuenca (Ecuador). One tracer experiment was performed and three sludge accumulation scenarios based on bathymetric surveys were simulated. A residence time distribution (RTD) analysis illustrated the decrease of residence times due to sludge deposition. Sludge accumulation rates were calculated. The influence of flow pattern on the sludge deposition was studied, enabling better planning of future pond operation and desludging.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2370-2377
Number of pages8
JournalWater Science and Technology
Volume66
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Keywords

  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Sludge bathymetry
  • Tracer
  • Waste stabilization pond

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