Optimization of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Using Modelling Tools
Optimization of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Using Modelling Tools
Source:https://www.un-ihe.org/
Author:Carla Vázquez Gómara
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Kabd WWTP in Kuwait and find solutions to the current issues they are facing, through the application of a model-based approach using the modelling software BioWin. Kabd WWTP was constructed in 2010 and started operating in 2012. It was designed to treat domestic wastewater for biological organic matter and nitrogen removal, by using an activated sludge process treatment consisting on four parallel treatment lines followed by a tertiary treatment, the latter required in order to be able to reuse the produced wastewater for agricultural uses. To develop this study, a protocol was proposed which was based on the STOWA protocol and the guidelines proposed by Meijer and Brdjanovic (2012). The protocol included six steps: project definition, model scheme, data acquisition, data evaluation, calibration and scenario study. The historical data from previous years was gathered from the lab routine analysis records and the Data Control System records, whereas current data was collected by performing a five day sampling campaign. The results of the campaign showed that the plant was not complying with the effluent standards in terms of COD, BOD, TSS and ammonia. It was identified that the secondary clarifiers were performing poorly and that the nitrification process was not fully happening. The model was calibrated based on the STOWA guidelines for calibration. The kinetic parameters calibrated in the case of Kabd WWTP were: Maximum specific grow rate for autotrophic biomass, Substrate (NH4) half saturation constant, Aerobic decay rate, Denitrification DO half saturation constant and Denitrification N2 producers. The model was successfully implemented under steady state conditions and it was used to evaluate the performance of the plant. An increase on the SRT from 5 to 6 days was proposed to solve the problems with high ammonia in the effluent, and also to reduce the daily generated sludge. The model was also used to determine that the plant will be able to comply with the effluent standards until the influent flow reaches Q=200,000 m3/day. Finally, an anaerobic digester was implemented substituting the existing aerobic digester, which showed that the market value of the electricity generated in the plant could reach 686,930 USD per year.
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