Dynamic and Steady State Modeling for the Design of the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Facility at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility

Abstract

The Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility is being upgraded to achieve low effluent nitrogen concentrations. Two modeling approaches were used to assess the plant at different times during the design. Steady state modeling and dynamic models were utilized. The configuration of the treatment process was very similar in each model and influent wastewater characteristics were identical. The steady state model was found to be very useful in examining the preliminary design and assessing effluent characteristics on a general basis. The dynamic model allowed assessment of shorter term parameters (aeration requirements) and allowed the evaluation of unit processes placed in series on a dynamic basis. The computing requirements associated with steady state modeling were substantially less than those required for dynamic modeling. This characteristic was reflected in run times and digital storage requirements. However, both approaches to modeling provide value to the understanding of the plant design.

Probabilistic design of wastewater treatment plants

“…A common tool that is based on the assumption of steady state is a design guideline by which the size of different treatment units is calculated using a set of equations based on: (I) the mass balance equations of the system under steady state conditions, (II) empirical equations as well as (III) experience-based rules (Talebizadeh et al, 2012). However, in situations in which designers are not obliged to use a specific design guideline, the dimensioning of the different treatment units can also be done using a process-based steady state model (Ekama, 2009;Fries et al, 2010).…”