Dynamic Modeling of Sludge Compaction and Consolidation Processes in Wastewater Secondary Settling Tanks

The double exponential settling model is the widely accepted model for wastewater secondary settling tanks. However, this model does not estimate accurately solids concentrations in the settler underflow stream, mainly because sludge compression and consolidation processes are not considered. In act...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water environment research 2009-01, Vol.81 (1), p.51-56
Main Authors: Abusam, A., Keesman, K. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activated sludge
Applied sciences
Calibration
Chemical engineering
clarifier
compaction
Computer Simulation
Consolidation
Deformation
Dynamic modeling
Estimate reliability
Exact sciences and technology
General purification processes
Hydraulics
Liquid-liquid and fluid-solid mechanical separations
Modeling
Models, Theoretical
Parametric models
plants
Pollution
settler
Settling
Sewage - chemistry
sewage sludges
Sewerage works: sewers, sewage treatment plants, outfalls
Sludge
Soil mechanics
Velocity
Wastewater
Wastewaters
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:The double exponential settling model is the widely accepted model for wastewater secondary settling tanks. However, this model does not estimate accurately solids concentrations in the settler underflow stream, mainly because sludge compression and consolidation processes are not considered. In activated sludge systems, accurate estimation of the solids in the underflow stream will facilitate the calibration process and can lead to correct estimates of particularly kinetic parameters related to biomass growth. Using principles of compaction and consolidation, as in soil mechanics, a dynamic model of the sludge consolidation processes taking place in the secondary settling tanks is developed and incorporated to the commonly used double exponential settling model. The modified double exponential model is calibrated and validated using data obtained from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. Good agreement between predicted and measured data confirmed the validity of the modified model.
ISSN:1061-4303
1554-7531
DOI:10.1002/j.1554-7531.2009.tb00249.x