Application of computational fluid dynamics modelling to an ozone contactor

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling has been applied to examine the operation of the pre-ozonation system at Wiggins Waterworks, operated by Umgeni Water in Durban, South Africa. A hydraulic model has been satisfactorily verified by experimental tracer tests. The turbulence effect induced by the gas injection was modelled by increasing the level of turbulence intensity at the ozone contactor inlet. The simulated tracer response corresponded closely to the experimental results. The framework of ozone reaction modelling was subsequently investigated using values of rate constants from the literature. The predicted profile of residual ozone concentration suggests the current operating strategy can be improved to optimise the ozone utilisation. The wide range of values found in the literature suggests that the ozone reactions are strongly dependent on site-specific characteristics of the water. Further experimental work is required to determine rate constants which are applicable to water from the Inanda Dam.