AWWA WQTC58801

This paper presents a cost-saving, practical alternative to full-scale testing of large-scale ultraviolet (UV) disinfection facilities. The approach described is based on New York City's planning for what is expected to be the world's largest UV disinfection facility, with a capacity of nearly two billion gallons per day, for the Catskill and Delaware water supplies. In lieu of conventional testing, for which no facilities currently exist, computer models have been applied using a combination of light-intensity distribution and computational fluid dynamics models, to test and validate >20-mgd UV reactors. Both low-pressure, high-output and medium-pressure reactors have been evaluated, to determine the optimal equipment in terms of cost and practicality. It is anticipated that the computer models will reliably predict the performance and efficacy of UV reactors, and pave the way for regulatory approval for design of a full-scale facility. Includes 8 references, tables, figures.