A Mathematical Model for the Activated Sludge Process at the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant

D. P. Lin
C. Lin
L. H. Lin

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DOI: 10.2190/08WU-WLW3-NLL1-MYN1

Abstract

A model based on the balance of mass conversion rate is developed to simulate the function of aeration tanks at the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant. Runge Kutta fourth order numerical analysis is employed to compute effluent soluble BOD and mix-liquor VSS with designed experimental parameters. A fairly good agreement with low standard error of estimates between the calculated and experimental data is obtained. The model is able to not only predict at least forty-eight hours period of BOD and VSS; but also explain several features in activated sludge process such as return sludge, shock loading, steady state, and more importantly its dynamic nature.

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