• DECEMBER 2019

Flow Through Water Treatment Plant Piping

Results Pressure
Velocity Inlet Outlet
𝑣 = 0.5 𝑚/𝑠

• The velocity contours on the symmetry plane

show how the waterflow accelerates as it
flows over the bend.

Velocity Inlet
𝑣 = 1.5 𝑚/𝑠

2
Results Pressure
Outlet
Velocity Inlet
𝑣 = 0.5 𝑚/𝑠

• Velocity vectors can be used to analyze

the velocity profile. Flow separation region
• Fluid viscosity, along with the zero-
velocity (no-slip) condition at the wall
leads development of a thin layer of fluid
near the wall, called the boundary layer,
where the velocity varies from zero at
the wall to its mid-pipe value.
• Note the flow separates past the bend
creating a region of slower moving fluid.
Boundary layer
near the wall

Velocity Inlet
𝑣 = 1.5 𝑚/𝑠

3
Results
Pressure
Velocity Inlet Outlet
𝑇 = 20𝑜 𝐶
• The contour plot of the temperature field on
the symmetry plane shows the two streams
start to mix at the elbow section and the flow
has varying temperature at the outlet.

Velocity Inlet
𝑇 = 15𝑜 𝐶

4
Results

• The temperature profile along the section A-B

is as shown on the right.
B

A B

5
Summary

• In this simulation example you learned how to

simulate the flow through a mixing elbow.
• The setup comprised of two inlets with
different flow rates and fluid temperatures.
• You also learned how to analyze flow physics
by examining contours velocity and
temperature, and velocity vector field.