Mathieu Spérandio

A Reduced Nonlinear Model of an Activated Sludge Process

Abstract A linear model of an alternating-phase activated sludge process is presented in this paper. Two linear sub-models are derivated from the ASM No. 1, one specific to the aerobic phase and another one for the anoxic phase. Main concerned variables (ammonia and nitrate concentrations, oxygen concentration and readily biodegradable concentration) are the most important for ammonia removal achieved by sequential alternance of nitrification and denitrification phases. Model identification and validation is done by using both experimental and simulated data. Identified parameters match realistic values under applied operating conditions. Model performance is satisfactory, and it has been conceived to be used for online estimation and control purposes