Siemens And Singapore's A*Star To Establish Joint Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory To Improve Water Treatment Technologies

Singapore - Siemens Water Technologies and the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), a research institute within Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), have agreed to establish a joint Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Laboratory. Both partners want to research fluid dynamics of water treatment processes to improve efficiency of equipment and treatment technology and reduce lifecycle costs of operation. "Based on these results we are able to develop the next generation of water treatment equipment for industrial and municipal applications", said Dr Ruediger Knauf, Vice President R&D Siemens Water Technologies.

Proposed common projects include the hydrodynamics study of membrane bioreactor (MBR); a study for optimization of an advanced flotation unit for oil removal for offshore platforms; and studies aimed at advancement of Siemens proven clarification technology. "Fluid dynamics is an essential foundation for any advanced technology in water and waste water treatment," Knauf stated. "The multiphase fluid flow, gas flow, particle distribution and the complex interactions of these parameters in the presence of heat and mass transfer are critical to performance and separation characteristics and, consequently, energy savings and low lifecycle costs."

The complex computational studies requiring greater computer power and more sophisticated algorithms would be handled by the Institute of High Performance Computing. IHPC is one of several organizations under A*Star and has expertise in handling large complex, multi-phase and multi-dimensional fluid dynamic problems such as those faced by the water industry. Siemens has over the past 12 months, worked closely with scientists at IHPC to obtain a wealth of knowledge on membrane bioreactor operations for Siemens. This initial work has already resulted in changes in engineering design which in turn have resulted in significant performance enhancements for Siemens technologies.

Dr Raj Thampuran, Executive Director IHPC said: "I am delighted about the partnership between Siemens and IHPC, and this cooperation offers a basis to further strengthen an already-excellent working relationship between our organizations." Thampuran added, "Arrangements under discussion include mid-range to long-range technology plans, milestones, staffing and resources, and we hope that the Joint Laboratory will commence operations as early as 1 October 2008."

The lab will be hosted at IHPC's new premises at Fusionopolis, Singapore's epicenter for global science and technology innovation that will open in October 2008.

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