Numerical models of brine dilution as design tools

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Numerical models of brine dilution as design tools Authors: V. Hernández, A. Riaza & A. Buenaventura, Befesa CTA T. Soriano & E. Ortiz, Hidrogaia A. Moñino, A. Baquerizo & M. A. Losada, University of Granada Presenter: [A. Buenaventura, R&D Manager – Befesa CTA – Spain] Abstract Seawater desalination is already part of the solution to satisfy drinking water needs in many regions of the world. The objective is now to assure that desalination is a sustainable solution, and therefore a solution for the future. Sustainability of desalination depends on two main aspects: energy consumption and negative effects on marine communities due to brine discharge. Regarding the effects on marine communities, more R&D effort is required in order to better understand the phenomenon of brine dilution in the marine environment and the possible effects on its biological communities. This paper presents the work that Befesa CTA, in collaboration with Hidrogaia and the University of Granada, is doing to develop a validated numerical hydrodynamic model which will be able to reproduce marine dynamics and the evolution of the brine transport spilled in the sea. This tool will be useful allowing the design of more effective brine discharge systems that assure the minimal impact on the marine environment. Nowadays several numerical models exist to simulate marine dynamics and water discharges. Nevertheless, the dilution phenomenon depends on many variables (bathymetry, tides, currents, turbulence…) and the simulation becomes very complex. Those simulations have a high content of variability and no much precision, so their utilization is mostly qualitative. Therefore validated numerical models of the discharge of a hypersaline solution into seawater are required. The work presented in this paper allowed the comparison of different models in order to choose the most accurate and adapted to simulate desalination brine discharges into the sea. First of all, a preselection of the numerical models has been made within the set of the commercial softwares more widely used, recommended and validated at the present time. Then a comparative study of the softwares was done against an analytical case. The comparison in 2D of the 3 preselected models against the analytical solution showed similar results and same order of deviations. Next step will be the comparison in 3D and the definitive selection of the most appropriate numerical model to be used. Once selected the most appropriate simulation tool, the results of its simulation will be compared with measurements from a scaled physical model representing a desalination brine discharge. The results of this comparison will serve to validate the model and to define, experimentally, the driving parameters of the brine dilution phenomenon in general.

IDA World Congress-Maspalomas, Gran Canaria –Spain October 21-26, 2007 REF: IDAWC/MP07-169 -1-


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Numerical models of brine dilution as design tools by Enrique Ortiz - Issuu