Feasibility of automatic chemicals dosage control – a full-scale evaluation

Abstract

This contribution discusses the feasibility of automatic control for chemicals dosing in activated sludge systems. The evaluation is made on the basis of a full-scale implementation at the Lommel WWTP (Belgium) of an on-line controlled dosage system for iron chloride and external carbon source. The control laws are very simple and allow intuitive adaptation by the plant operators. The control system results in a significant reduction of the chemicals dosage, better effluent results and a lower sludge production. The implementation is furthermore cost-efficient.