Dynamic Simulation of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Simulation-based investigation to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous emissions
Project Description
Mathematical modelling and dynamic simulation of municipal wastewater treatment plants, in particular activated sludge systems, have gained increasing attention for design and optimization of wastewater treatment plants within the last years. Standardized mathematical models have been implemented in several simulation platforms. These platforms provide basic tool-kits for physical-chemical process units, biochemical processes, activated sludge and biofilm technologies, sludge treatment and energy consumption estimates. Mathematical modeling of municipal wastewater treatment plants is thus a multidisciplinary effort combining physical/chemical reactiosn with microbiology, and transport phenomena.
The overall aim of such simulations lays in generating a better understand of the physicochemical as well as biochemical processes in technical systems, and to optimize performance and control. Especially, optimization of nutrient removal may benefit from dynamic simulations.
Objectives of the project
The objectives of the study are:
(1) Implementation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant schema with one/two software packages.
(2) Optimization of the treatment plant with special focus on nutrient removal (nitrogen, phosphorous)
(3) Comparison of the results obtained with respective software, defining pros and cons of the each
The software tools available will be Aquasim 2.1g, Simba#, Biowin 5.0 und SUMO.
Capacity
Two IREP student(s) can work on this project.
Pre-requisites or requirements for the project
• Background in civil or environmental engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering
• Software skills: MS office and basic knowledge of mathematic simulation
• Good knowledge of municipal wastewater treatment
Recommended literature and preparation
- Henze, M., Grady, C.P.L., Jr., Gujer, W., Marais, G.v.R. and Matsuo, T. (1987). Activated Sludge Model No. 1. IWA London. IAWPRC Scientific and Technical Reports, No.1.
- Henze, M., Willi, G., Takashi, M., & van Loosdrecht, M. (2002). Activated Sludge Models ASM1, ASM2, ASM2D and ASM3. London: IWA Task Group On Mathematical Modelling For Design And Operation of Biological Wastewater Treatment.
- Tchobanoglou, G., Burton, F. L., & Stensel, H. D. (2003). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse (Vol. Fourth Edition). McGraw-Hill Education.
Credits
18 ECTS
Project available
until end of December 2018