A new approach towards modelling of the carbon degradation cycle at two-stage activated sludge plants

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Winkler ◽  
H. Müller-Rechberger ◽  
O. Nowak ◽  
K. Svardal ◽  
G. Wandl

A pilot plant has been operated in order to investigate the performance and operating characteristics of the plant concept developed for the extension of the main Vienna STP. Due to the different operational modes included in the plant concept, modelling of the carbon degradation becomes of crucial importance. A new activated sludge model is introduced which combines parts of the carbon degradation model concepts as they have been released in the ASM1-model and the ASM3-model, respectively. A method is presented which utilises results from mass balance calculations and sludge stabilisation experiments to reduce the uncertainty in the determination of the values of the simulation model parameters.

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Müller-Rechberger ◽  
G. Wandl ◽  
S. Winkler ◽  
K. Svardal ◽  
N. Matsché

A pilot plant has been operated over a period of two years in order to investigate the performance and the operating characteristics of the plant concept developed for the extension of the main Vienna STP and to develop a simulation model which will be applied for operation support of the full stage plant. The pilot plant is a two stage activated sludge plant, each stage comprising of four aeration tanks and a clarifier tank. The pilot plant layout allows three different operational modes, each of which has been operated for several periods. The performance of the pilot plant during these periods is described and the different operational modes are compared to each other.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-197
Author(s):  
Ing. Lucio Pezza

A new theory regarding the behavior of activated sludge in a sedimentation tank has been developed, based on the principles of momentum preservation in suspended sludge, the ratio between drag and gravity, and the potential energy of the sludge blanket. Field tests enabled the determination of new criteria for the functioning of secondary sedimentation tanks complying with this new theory.


2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gharari ◽  
M. Hrachowitz ◽  
F. Fenicia ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije

Abstract. Conceptual hydrological models rely on calibration for the identification of their parameters. As these models are typically designed to reflect real catchment processes, a key objective of an appropriate calibration strategy is the determination of parameter sets that reflect a "realistic" model behavior. Previous studies have shown that parameter estimates for different calibration periods can be significantly different. This questions model transposability in time, which is one of the key conditions for the set-up of a "realistic" model. This paper presents a new approach that selects parameter sets that provide a consistent model performance in time. The approach consists of testing model performance in different periods, and selecting parameter sets that are as close as possible to the optimum of each individual sub-period. While aiding model calibration, the approach is also useful as a diagnostic tool, illustrating tradeoffs in the identification of time-consistent parameter sets. The approach is applied to a case study in Luxembourg using the HyMod hydrological model as an example.


2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 479-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Wandl ◽  
H. Müller-Rechberger ◽  
N. Matsché ◽  
K. Svardal ◽  
S. Winkler

Conventional two stage activated sludge plants often lack sufficient nutrient removal performance due to substrate limitation for denitrification in the second stage. For the extension of the Vienna Main WWTP a two stage concept has been developed and tested by means of a pilot plant (scale 1:10.000). The new concept enables the operation of two different modes: In BYPASS-mode a portion of the primary clarifier effluent is fed directly to the second stage; the HYBRID-mode includes the exchange of mixed liquor between the two stages; over the course of the pilot plant investigations it turned out that nutrient removal is strongly increased in comparison to conventional two stage mode, but the two modes of operation lead to different results with regard to the sludge quality and the nitrification performance. BYPASS mode yields a higher SVI in both stages and a lower nitrification performance in comparison to HYBRID mode. This is caused by the negative influence of the primary effluent on the biocoenosis of the second stage. Additionally, the reduced sludge loading of the first stage in this mode results in a higher sludge age which favours the growth of filaments (Microthrix and Nocardia). In HYBRID-mode the higher load of the first stage results in a lower sludge age, fatty components are metabolized and incorporated in the sludge, thus, the growth of filaments is significantly reduced. Additionally, nitrification inhibiting substances are degraded in the first stage, which results in a higher nitrification performance in the second stage.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1885-1918
Author(s):  
S. Gharari ◽  
M. Hrachowitz ◽  
F. Fenicia ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije

Abstract. Conceptual hydrological models often rely on calibration for the identification of their parameters. As these models are typically designed to reflect real catchment processes, a key objective of an appropriate calibration strategy is the determination of parameter sets that reflect a "realistic" model behavior. Previous studies have shown that parameter estimates for different calibration periods can be significantly different. This questions model transposability in time, which is one of the key conditions for the set-up of a "realistic" model. This paper presents a new approach that selects parameter sets that provide a consistent model performance in time. The approach consists of confronting model performance in different periods, and selecting parameter sets that are as close as possible to the optimum of each individual sub-period. While aiding model calibration, the approach is also useful as a diagnostic tool, illustrating tradeoffs in the identification of time consistent parameter sets. The approach is demonstrated in a case study where we illustrate the multi-objective calibration of the HyMod hydrological model to a Luxembourgish catchment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 273-289
Author(s):  
Anmari Meerkotter

The Constitutional Court (CC) judgment of Lee v Minister of Correction Services 2013 2SA 144 (CC) is a recent contribution to transformative constitutional jurisprudence in the field of the law of delict. This matter turned on the issue of factual causation in the context of wrongful and negligent systemic omissions by the state. In this case note, I explore the law relating to this element of delictual liability with specific regard to the traditional test for factual causation – the conditio sine qua non (‘but-for’) test. In particular, I note the problems occasioned by formalistic adherence to this test in the context of systemic state omissions as evidenced by the SCA judgment in the same matter. I also consider the manner in which English courts have addressed this problem. Thereafter, I analyse the CC’s broader approach to the determination of factual causation as one based on common sense and justice. I argue that this approach endorses a break from a formalistic application of the test and constitutes a step towards an approach which resonates with the foundational constitutional values of freedom, dignity and equality. Furthermore, it presents an appropriate solution to the problems associated with factual causation where systemic omissions are concerned. I then consider the transformative impact of the Lee judgment. In particular, I argue that the broader enquiry favoured by the CC facilitates the realisation of constitutionally guaranteed state accountability, and amounts to an extension of the existing norm of accountability jurisprudence. Hence, I contend that the judgment presents a further effort by the Constitutional Court to effect wholesale the constitutionalisation of the law of delict, as well as a vindicatory tool to be used by litigants who have been adversely affected by systemic state omissions.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Ann Urquhart ◽  
Akira O'Connor

Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) are plots which provide a visual summary of a classifier’s decision response accuracy at varying discrimination thresholds. Typical practice, particularly within psychological studies, involves plotting an ROC from a limited number of discrete thresholds before fitting signal detection parameters to the plot. We propose that additional insight into decision-making could be gained through increasing ROC resolution, using trial-by-trial measurements derived from a continuous variable, in place of discrete discrimination thresholds. Such continuous ROCs are not yet routinely used in behavioural research, which we attribute to issues of practicality (i.e. the difficulty of applying standard ROC model-fitting methodologies to continuous data). Consequently, the purpose of the current article is to provide a documented method of fitting signal detection parameters to continuous ROCs. This method reliably produces model fits equivalent to the unequal variance least squares method of model-fitting (Yonelinas et al., 1998), irrespective of the number of data points used in ROC construction. We present the suggested method in three main stages: I) building continuous ROCs, II) model-fitting to continuous ROCs and III) extracting model parameters from continuous ROCs. Throughout the article, procedures are demonstrated in Microsoft Excel, using an example continuous variable: reaction time, taken from a single-item recognition memory. Supplementary MATLAB code used for automating our procedures is also presented in Appendix B, with a validation of the procedure using simulated data shown in Appendix C.


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