A Generalized, Steady-State Simulation of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Abstract

<p> Laboratory and field measurements were combined with theory in developing models for the various wastewater treatment processes. Some assumptions were made, both in an attempt to simplify the complex mechanisms encountered and to explain known experiences and observations. </p> <p> Models for a primary settling tank, a secondary settling tank, a generalized aerobic biological sludge treatment scheme, an anaerobic digestion system and several other unit processes have been developed. The generalized aerobic biological sludge treatment scheme is an attempt to describe in one physical package, all the various activated sludge process modifications. </p> <p> The executive system used is GEMCS · together with its library of subroutines, such as CONTLl, SEPAOl, JUNCOl and SETSPI, some of which have been modified slightly. </p> <p> The models have been tested on the Drury Lane and the Skyway, Burlington, Sewage Treatment Plants, and have been found to agree very well with plant data. The former has a conventional activated sludge process, whilst the latter employs the extended aeration modification. </p> <p> An inter-active version has been developed, which requires the minimum knowledge of GEMCS for its use. This can be applied as a training and teaching tool for plant operators and students in the field. </p>