As part of this project we have developed and patented a novel sensor to monitor batch settling tests. The data gathered by the sensor serve for parameter identification of state of the art settling models. The obtained parameters will support operators to maximize the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) loading under wet weather conditions or to minimize the polymer dosing to control filamentous bulking. The project was developed stepwise: i) a prototype was build using a column, used for conventional batch settling tests, a camera, able to monitor the sludge blanket height (SBH) and total suspended solids (TSS) along the column, and infrared probes to track TSS at the side of the column and bottom, which is used to calibrate the signal from the camera; ii) assessment of different datasets to find the simplest data series that gives the maximum information for model calibration; iii) sensor evaluation using sludge from 10 different full scale WWTP from Denmark and Sweden.
The project has been done in collaboration with the Danish SME BioRAS, experts on image analysis to monitor biological systems. The outcome of the project has been presented in two international conferences: at the IWA Particle Separation Conference 2016, held in Oslo, Norway, and at the 89th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), held in New Orleans, United States. We have submitted a third abstract to the next IWA Specialized Conference on Instrumentation, Control and Automation, to be held between the 11-14 of June 2017 in Québec City, Canada. Currently, we are working on 2 scientific papers to report the statistical analysis to find the simplest data series for model calibration and the developed sensor.
Read more: https://www.bioras.com/
