Control of an activated sludge process with nitrogen removal – a benchmark study

Abstract

In this paper, a simulation benchmark of a predenitrifying activated sludge process is used to evaluate a number of control strategies. A main procedure has been to use feedforward terms that are based on simplified physical models. Important mass balance relations may then be incorporated in the control law. The nitrate level in the last anoxic zone is controlled by the dosage of an external carbon source and the nitrate level in the last aerobic zone is controlled by the internal recirculation flow rate. The ammonia level is controlled by a DO set-point controller. In order to be able to have as high a sludge level as possible without sludge escape, the sludge blanket height in the settler is controlled by the excess sludge flow rate. Compared to the default set up of the benchmark, the controllers could reduce the effluent nitrate significantly whereas the effluent ammonia was only marginally decreased. The main problem is that the aeration capacity defined in the benchmark is too low.