Mathematical modelling and optimisation of a waste water treatment plant by combined oxygen electrode and biological waste water treatment model

Structured mathematical models of oxygen electrode and biological waste water treatment were combined to optimise the position of electrode in the bioreactor. Parameters sensibility testing of mathematical model has shown that the model was most sensitive to the change of these parameters (in decreasing order of significance): oxygen consumption per unit of BOD_5, specific consumption rate of adsorbed BOD₅, volumetric coefficient of oxygen transfer rate (k_La), and waste water inflow. Two positions of electrode were tested: in the bioreactor and in the bioreactors syphon outlet shaft. Results obtained for the exchange of the oxic/anoxic phase and sludge recycling plant indicated that a reduction of electrical power for the aeration could be achieved if O₂ electrode is placed in the bioreactor tank, compared to position in outlet shaft. Better positioning of electrode has resulted in shortening of the oxic/anoxic cycle by 13% and the daily working time of aerators for 0.5 h per day, respectively. In the same time, the number of oxic/anoxic cycles per day was increased by 29%. In addition, results obtained by mathematical modelling indicated no debasement of chemical composition in out coming purified water if new position will be used.