A new general methodology for incorporating physico-chemical transformations into multi-phase wastewater treatment process models. (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lizarralde, I.; Fernández-Arévalo, T.; Brouckaert, C.; Vanrolleghem, P.; Ikumi, D.S.; Ekama, G.A.; Ayesa, E.; Grau, P.
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 74(2015)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Abiotic processes -- Mathematical modelling -- pH calculation -- Plant-wide modelling -- Water chemistry; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.01.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: This paper introduces a new general methodology for incorporating physico-chemical and chemical transformations into multi-phase wastewater treatment process models in a systematic and rigorous way under a Plant-Wide modelling (PWM) framework. The methodology presented in this paper requires the selection of the relevant biochemical, chemical and physico-chemical transformations taking place and the definition of the mass transport for the co-existing phases. As an example a mathematical model has been constructed to describe a system for biological COD, nitrogen and phosphorus removal, liquid–gas transfer, precipitation processes, and chemical reactions. The capability of the model has been tested by comparing simulated and experimental results for a nutrient removal system with sludge digestion. Finally, a scenario analysis has been undertaken to show the potential of the obtained mathematical model to study phosphorus recovery. Graphical abstract: Highlights: New methodology for biochemical, chemical and physicochemical transformation models. Methodology implemented in a plant-wide modelling methodology. Multi-matrix structure for mass transport between co-existing phases. Numerical resolution for stiff systems.