Three-Dimensional Modeling for Estimation of Hydraulic Retention Time in a Reservoir
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 9
Abstract
A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model is used to estimate the hydraulic residence time for a portion of the Wachusett Reservoir in central Massachusetts. The basin under consideration has several major inflows and exhibits complex flow patterns. The basin is modeled using the FLUENT software package with particles used to track travel time in a steady-state flow field. A tetrahedral mesh with over 1.6 million cells is used with accurate depiction of basin bathymetry and inlet and outlet geometries. Modeling is performed to simulate behavior during a period when conditions are isothermal. It is determined that mean hydraulic residence time is ; approximately half of what would be expected assuming strictly plug flow. The presence of a primary flow path, large scale eddies and stagnation zones contribute to the faster travel times. Reductions in inflow rates produce increased residence times and significant changes in flow patterns.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (formerly, Metropolitan District Commission). The writers appreciate the cooperation of Department staff including Joseph McGinn, Patricia Austin, John Scannell, Larry Pistrang, Vincent Vignaly, Dave Worden, and Paul Penner who provided the bathymetric data for Thomas Basin.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 9 • September 2006
Pages: 976 - 984
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 9, 2004
Accepted: Feb 9, 2006
Published online: Sep 1, 2006
Published in print: Sep 2006
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