A step forward in the simulation of difused aeration systems
Annual Conference
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A quandary exists between the continuing desire to reduce aeration energy costs at activated sludge plants, and the difficulty of testing and implementing the advanced control strategies and efficiency improvements needed to do so. Biological simulation models are useful in this regard, and are commonly used to o utline aeration control strategies. The level of approximation that is necessary in these models means that translation from the simulator to full-scale plant can be difficult. In addition, the mod els have limitations concerning the physical and control aspects of the aeration system.
As a means of addressing this difficulty, CH2M Beca has developed a real-time interface between GPS-X, a biological simulator, and IDEAS, a process simulator, wh ereby a simulation of the treatment plant physical aeration system can be integrated with the simulation of the biological processes. Both packages are proprietary and commercially available. The interface has been successfully developed. This paper details the project development and results, from concept through to the first combined-plant model.