A new one-dimensional clarifier model - verification using full-scale experimental data

Abstract

A new one-dimensional clarifier model was developed, including components of existing models, and extended with a height-dependent cross-sectional area and two flowrate-dependent dispersion coefficients. This model is evaluated using data from a detailed one-month measuring campaign on a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. The data included hourly sludge concentration profiles, sludge bed heights at 10 minute intervals, sludge concentrations in inlet, effluent and recycle flows and regular settling properties characterised by batch settling tests. Due to the poor quality concentration measurements at the surface of the clarifier, the model was not calibrated to perform well in concentration predictions at this surface. However, excellent descriptive capabilities were obtained for sludge profiles and blanket level. The Cho et al. settling velocity function was found to be significantly better in terms of description capability than the more traditional Vesilind function.