PROJECT DETAILS
Client: SETA PHT
Date: 2026
Simulation Technology: CFD
INTRODUCTION
This project investigated the flow distribution between the equipment’s membranes under different operating conditions and inlet flow rates for permeate and backwash modes, as well as the differences between the two geometries considered for connecting the membranes to the main pipe.
To this end, we have used
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, which required turbulent flow models. The software used for the project is
ScFlow, from MSC Cradle.
CFD MODELS
In this case, we started with the detailed geometries of the system and its components and generated models tailored to the flow study, enabling us to examine the regions of interest whilst reducing meshing requirements in less relevant areas.
We then configured the CFD models, taking into account the inlet flow rates and outlet pressures, as well as the operating conditions of the membranes in each case.
Finally, we selected a mesh that allowed us to capture small differences in flow and pressure drops with the level of detail required to validate the proposed methodology.
STUDY USING CFD SIMULATION
Once the models have been defined, we can calculate the various case studies by numerically solving the equations that describe water flow for incompressible flow and turbulence in a steady-state analysis.
We first assess the convergence criteria by monitoring the residuals and the stability of the parameters under investigation, particularly the velocities and flow distribution.
Once evaluated, velocity maps and flow distribution are obtained based on the operating data provided for each simulation. The aim of these cases is to verify that the flow distribution between membranes is uniform and that the streamlines are distributed appropriately, preventing some membranes from experiencing higher flow and pressure drop than others, or recirculation that affects the overall operation.
