Application of activated sludge models in traditionally operated treatment plants - A software environment overview

Abstract

Activated sludge simulation modelling is considered an accepted tool in engineering practice. However, due to the complexity involved, these models are only extensively used within a limited scientific community. There is a true need to increase the use of these models among average plant operators to make them better understand the interactions of various factors of the process. A user-friendly software environment that enables an ordinary user to access and use these models to simulate a system without the need for either a complete understanding of underlying models or any special programming skills will help promote model applications. This paper defines the broad architecture of such an environment and identifies other applications that should be integrated into the simulator such as expert systems and database systems. It also discusses the steps necessary to develop a reliable site-independent activated sludge simulator. Finally, the paper points out that to introduce mathematical model simulations to traditionally operated treatment plants, a how-to protocol is needed to adjust routine operating data for model use. © 2004 CAWQ.