Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics to Optimize the Design of a 340-MGD Headworks

Abstract

The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) located in Southern California is in the process of building a 340-mgd headworks facility. Carollo Engineers is responsible for the design of the proposed facility. As part of the design, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling was completed on three areas of the proposed headworks facility: the Bar Screen Facility Inlet Structure, the Influent Pump Station Discharge Channel/Grit Basins Inlet Channels, and the Primary Splitter Structure. Utilizing a commercial CFD model, numerical models were constructed to simulate steady-state isothermal three-dimensional (3D) turbulent flow within the selected systems. The model results were used to evaluate the relative performance of the proposed design, and make adjustments, as necessary, to improve the hydraulic efficiency of the system.