Selection of operational strategies in activated sludge processes based on optimization algorithms

• Published in: Water science and technology 1998, Vol.37 (12), p.327-334
• Main Authors: Ayesa, E., Goya, B., Larrea, A., Larrea, L., Rivas, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated sludge; Algorithms; Alpha process; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of waters; Biotechnology; Complexity; Computer simulation; cost criteria; Costs; denitrification; Design; Design optimization; Design parameters; Dimensions; Direct search algorithms; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General purification processes; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; nitrification; optimization; Penalty function; Pollution; Search algorithms; simulation; Sludge; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution; Water treatment plants
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(98)00374-6

This paper presents a new optimization algorithm for the selection of design and operation parameters in complex Activated Sludge (AS) processes. The algorithm estimates automatically the dimensions and operating point of the plant that minimize a global penalty function combining effluent requirements and costs. The mathematical optimization is based on a direct search algorithm integrated in a previously developed simulation package. Some illustrative examples concerning the design and operation of the Alpha process have been included to show the potential of this kind of mathematical tool when the complexity of plant configuration increases. The results obtained by the optimization procedure generate useful guidelines for the design and operation and suggest a great potential in the application for solving more complex problems when additional objectives and costs are included.