CFD Optimization of Disinfection Performance in Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of Baffled Airlift Reactor Design Implementation in an Ozonation Tank

Abstract

Effective and energy-efficient wastewater disinfection is crucial for sustainable water management, especially in light of global water scarcity. This study introduces a novel computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-optimized Baffled Airlift Reactor (BALR) to address inefficiencies in ozonation-based disinfection. By integrating vertical and horizontal baffles, the BALR enhances gas–liquid interaction, increases ozone contact time, and minimizes dead zones, achieving a 99.62% total coliform removal efficiency and a 38% reduction in energy consumption (0.011 kWh·m^–3) compared to conventional systems. Beyond wastewater treatment, BALR can also be considered as an option for industrial applications, such as chemical processing and food safety, offering broad utility. Sensitivity analysis and scalability testing validate the design’s robustness and applicability to diverse settings. These findings establish a scalable, high-efficiency framework for advanced water treatment systems, laying the groundwork for the future integration of renewable energy sources into ozonation technologies.