Heterogeneous Modeling, Identification and Simulation of Activated Sludge Processes

Abstract: Problem statement: The activated sludge system is a complex dynamic process and must account for a large number of reactions between large numbers of components. There is necessity for simulation models which describe the dynamic behavior of the activated sludge process. The application of the models in most treatment plants is limited due to lack of appropriate data acquisition and parameters identification studies. To realize this, an improvement of the operating strategies of Waste-Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) is required. The objectives of this study were to: (i) To build a process model considering mass transfer limitations and simulate an existing plant (Helwan WWTP) and validate the results using data from another existing plant with (Zenine WWTP). (ii) To adjust the model kinetic parameters of the biochemical reactions under the effect of mass transfer conditions to be prepared for simulation purposes. (iii) Study the effect of the operating conditions on the removal efficiency of both substrate and ammonia. Approach: A process model of the process was built considering mass transfer limitations and the three growth processes: Carbon oxidation, nitrification and denitrification. Helwan WWTP was used in order to extract the suitable stoichiometric and kinetic parameters to be used for the simulation. Helwan WWTP was used through the simulation results of the substrate (BOD) and ammonia. Egyptian Zenine WWTP was used for the testing and validatio