Experimental and Numerical Modeling of VersaTrap Type G

Abstract

This paper presents the processes and results of experiments carried out on the solids separation performance of a vortex combination. The vortex is generated in a cylindrical chamber above the level of a cylindrical screen. Rocla VersaTrap type G (VTG) which is designed to treat stormwater pollutants from commercial and residential developments was used in this research. Experimental and numerical analysis were conducted on the scale model to establish the hydraulic characteristics and pollutant removal efficiencies (PRE). To replicate typical in situ conditions, the VTG with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% blocked screen conditions, were experimentally tested at Curtin University of Technology. Comparing Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation and experimental results suggest that CFD software is an effective tool for assessing the outcomes of the hydraulic treatment system. Data analysis has proved that the head loss increases in proportion to screen blockage condition. The separation efficiencies are inversely proportional to flow rates. The study findings have capabilities to optimize any other types of stormwater treatment systems.