Control and operation of wastewater treatment plants: Challenges and state of the art

© 2016 CEA. This tutorial is the second part of a review of the problems arising with the control and operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for urban wastewater. Having presented in the first part the modelling and simulation steps, in this second part we cover the control and operation issues. This treatment is carried out, mainly, by biological processes, specifically, by the so-called activated sludge process. Dealing with a biological process entails a high complexity both from the viewpoint of modelling and, of course, from what matters to control and operation. The control of WWTP is reviewed from an historical perspective, as well as the most common control loops, the problems that present and some of the proposed solutions. A review of the applications of different control techniques is also cataloged according to the philosophy of the control approach. Finally, it offers an overview of the current trends and future development prospects.