AWWA WQTC65932

Researchers have previously demonstrated the importance of combining ultraviolet (UV) reactor hydraulics with dynamic fluence rate models to predict the effectiveness of the disinfection process. A recent AwwaRF study that successfully applied UV-initiated advanced oxidation for the degradation of organic contaminants recognized the dependence on non-ideal reactor characteristics (hydrodynamics and fluence rate) for the overall advanced oxidation processes (AOP) performance (Linden, et al., 2004). Sharpless and Linden (2003) concluded that development of a predictive UV/AOP model that incorporates reactor hydraulics would allow design simulations that optimize lamp placement, minimize light screening, and improve prediction of contaminant removal in different UV reactors. The research presented herein develops the protocol for using CFD models to simulate UV-initiated AOPs by combining reactor hydraulics, fluence rate distribution, and chemical kinetics. As oxidation pathways for emerging water contaminants are identified, a simulation model, such as the one described, will become an important technique for the evaluation, design, and optimization of advanced oxidation systems. Includes 39 references, figures.