Numerical simulation on the enhancement mechanism of the distinctive division baffle on the performance of a Venturi for process intensification

As one of the advanced oxidation processes, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has become a promising technology for treating industrial effluents by various cavitation devices due to the advantages of cost-effectiveness in operation, higher energy efficiencies, and large-scale operation. In this study, the effect of a distinctive division baffle on the performance of a circular Venturi is proposed focusing on the enhancement of cavitation intensity and reaction area by utilizing computational fluid dynamics. Three geometrical parameters of the distinctive division baffle, including divergent angle (β2), convergent angle (α2), and throat diameter (d2), were investigated, after a well validation of the numerical method with a previous experiment. It was found that the β2 and d2 provided relatively more significant impact on cavitation intensification. Through the comprehensive evaluation of the selected three parameters, the most appropriate geometrical configuration of the novel Venturi was determined as a divergent angle β2 of 6°, a convergent angle α2 of 16°, and a throat diameter d2 of 2.25 mm. Furthermore, the finally recommended design, significantly intensifying the cavitating process, has been tested at different pressure ratios and cavitating zone of recommended design is always much larger than original model. The recommended design achieved a vapor volume increasing rate of 102.3 %, 41 % and 57.5 % at PR = 2, 4 and 6. In conclusion, the novel strategy of Venturi with distinctive division baffle may provide inspiration and reference to the future research and industrial application of HC technology.