Solving complex hydraulic challenges
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is enabling the design of innovative hydraulic systems to overcome the complex hydraulic challenges facing our clients across the water industry. Reducing the need to build expensive physical models, our team is using CFD to create visualisation before construction – minimising the risk for our clients.
Challenges in hydraulic modelling
Due to the presence of dynamic forces, the use of static and one-dimensional modelling of hydraulic systems can result in inaccurate end-results. Design inaccuracies can mean the efficiency of a system is not being fully optimised – leading to higher running costs and wasted energy. This can cause problems at different stages of the water cycle. For instance, in water treatment, an inaccurate design can fail to treat the entire flow adequately or lead to chemicals being poorly mixed, causing damaging effects. With most dynamic hydraulic forces only detectable by building expensive physical models, it is necessary to utilise cutting-edge tools that facilitate a more advanced level of analysis.
Visualisation before construction
CFD allows us to test our designs before they are built to demonstrate that a hydraulic system works, helping our clients avoid the cost of expensive physical models. CFD works by solving the complex mathematical equations dictating the flow of liquids and producing clear visualisations of hydraulic challenges through simulations. This allows for resolutions to be made before any construction takes place, helping our clients to see innovative solutions that push boundaries – while greatly minimising risk and cost.
CFD expertise
Our experienced modelling team are utilising their CFD expertise on high-profile projects. Our team can model complex hydraulic problems with CFD software and are using their strong capabilities on a wide variety of water projects from wastewater treatment plants to flooding and estuary modelling.
Our CFD services
We are using our expertise in CFD to solve our client’s complex hydraulic problems at each stage of the water cycle.
Wastewater treatment: water and wastewater plant process modelling such as flow distribution, chemical mixing and tank circulation
Pumping stations: CFD is an essential tool in reviewing pump intake conditions including air entrainment
Combined sewer overflows: assess the performance of combined sewer overflows to visualise performance and ensure adequate capacity is provided
Coastal: numerical modelling of waves, currents, sediments, water quality and coastline evolution to support engineering design
Hydroelectrical schemes: assessment of large diameter tunnels and turbine enclosures
Pipe systems: Assess parameters such as velocity or cavitation om a complex pipe system