Evaluación y optimización hidráulica de un floculador tubular de flujo vertical no convencional para la planta de tratamiento de agua potable regional Bayas-Azogues

Abstract

Over time, it has been observed that rural areas lack secure and continuous access to clean water because it is not economically viable in terms of investment costs in small population zones. The Bayas drinking water treatment plant serves as the primary water supply and distribution system for the community. Therefore, it is essential for it to be in optimal condition to efficiently fulfill its functions. However, this plant experiences hydraulic losses in the final flocculation chambers, affecting its performance. Hence, three alternatives are proposed to optimize the tubular flocculator of the Bayas-Azogues water purification plant through a numerical analysis using the WATERCAD software, under a student license. The technical study aims to minimize losses within the flocculation chamber's waters by maximizing their utilization. Therefore, greater emphasis will be placed on analyzing velocities with their respective gradients and pressures within the system to optimize its efficiency. It is important to emphasize that this study falls within the realm of Civil Engineering, meaning our work focuses on generating solutions that enhance the system's efficiency through modifications that can be made to the geometry and hydraulic behavior within the flocculator, as long as the proposal is economically viable for the residents of the Bayas Parish.