Simulation Methods of a System Dynamics Model for Efficient Operations and Planning of Capacity Expansion of Activated-sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants

AbstractIn this study, simulation methods of a system dynamics model for activated-sludge wastewater treatment plants were developed. A wastewater treatment plant in South Korea was chosen for these analyses. For existing conditions, the analyses were performed by varying activated-sludge return rate to observe changes in effluent water quality and treatment efficiency. The inflow rate beyond which aeration tank size needs to be increased was calculated while satisfying the effluent water quality requirement. The corresponding sizes of aeration tank were also calculated for different activated-sludge return rates under the maximum inflow rate which does not require expansion of the aeration tank