Modelling of wastewater treatment

Dynamic modelling of wastewater treatment processes is used for dimensioning, optimization and operating of wastewater treatment plants. The novel modelling concepts enable us more precise prediction and has also been proven to optimise construction as well as operating costs. 

Process modelling allows us to simulate the processes under different inflow conditions and relate it directly to the effluent quality, energy consumption or operational control parameters. Modelling of different scenarios enables us to calculate most favourable process volumes and make optimised choices for technology selection. This gives us the reliability to provide secure wastewater treatment process in adverse operating conditions.

In addition to the responsibility to ensure the WWTP effluent discharge quality, the resource efficiency and energy recovery is also in focus. Whole plant modelling is a perfect tool to predict the optimal operating range for each treatment plant and allows us to avoid over-dimensioning and increased energy consumption. Modelling also allows to find the optimal chemical consumption (methanol, ferrous sulphate, acid or base) and to perform the most efficient aeration or control of any other technical equipment.

Copyright Dynamita SARL

For most applications we have used the dynamic whole plant modelling approach where activated sludge or biofilm technology is integrated with the models of sludge treatment and anaerobic digestion. In addition, the model includes chemical phosphorus removal, precipitation reactions, pH changes, as well as models of sedimentation processes.

Following processes can be calculated in detail with models:

Boundary conditions for the operation of nitrogen removal,
Phosphorus removal performance, quantity of precipitation chemicals and effects of peak phosphorus concentrations,
The impact of hydrolysis on biological phosphorus removal,
COD removal with two-step denitrification,
Enhancement of nitrogen removal by cascade denitrification,
Temperature sensitivity of processes,
Effects and inhibitions of industrial wastewater in wastewater treatment plants,
Impact of anaerobic sludge treatment and reject water loading on activated sludge process,
Sedimentation of activated sludge based on solid flux theory,
Energy consumption-based optimization and energy saving of wastewater treatment plants,
Calculation of greenhouse gas emissions from a waste water treatment plant

Model calibration is crucial for any prediction model. Therefore we are dedicated to use the detailed laboratory analyses and wastewater fractionation for model development as well as for model calibration. Our qualified process engineers have long experience in performing the laboratory studies, interpretation and integration of the results for modelling purposes.