Optimising operation of a biological wastewater treatment application

• Published in: ISA transactions Vol. 48; no. 1; pp. 93 - 97
• Main Authors: Murphy, R.B., Young, B.R., Kecman, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Algorithms; Applied sciences; Bacteria, Aerobic - cytology; Bacteria, Aerobic - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Bioreactors; Bioreactors - microbiology; Biotechnology; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer Simulation; Control theory. Systems; Exact sciences and technology; Feedback - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial Waste - prevention & control; Mathematical modeling; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Models, Biological; Pollution; Process control; Process control. Computer integrated manufacturing; Process operations; Process optimization; Various methods and equipments; Wastewater treatment; Wastewaters; Water Pollutants, Chemical - isolation & purification; Water Pollutants, Chemical - metabolism; Water Purification - methods; Water treatment and pollution; Process operations; Process optimization; Mathematical modeling; Wastewater treatment; Process control; Activated sludge; Aerobiosis; Modeling; Steady state; Optimization; Bioreactor; Compressed air; Non linear model; Nitrification; Water quality; Waste water purification; Dynamic model
• ISSN: 0019-0578; 1879-2022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2008.07.006

The objective of this work was to optimize (minimize) the compressed air required to control the rate of ammonia removal in a commercially operated wastewater bioreactor, while still maintaining operation within environmental consent limits. In order to do this, a nonlinear dynamic model based on the International Association on Water Quality (IAWQ) activated sludge model No. 3 was developed, expressing the nitrification kinetics and hydraulic dynamics of the system. From this model a steady state representation of the plant was derived, and simulated for various load characteristics experienced at the facility, and as a result an optimal load profile was developed for the compressed air distribution to the four aerobic zones. The optimal load profile will ensure that the amount of compressed air required to control the rate of ammonia removal is optimized.