Model based control of filter run time on potable water treatment plant

Control of potable water treatment plant (PWTP) is nowadays based on experience. The aim of this article is to show that model based control of treatment process is more efficient than process operation based on experience. Stimela environment is used for modeling of processes of potable water treatment. Application of the model was conducted on PWTP "Crkvice" in Zenica (BiH). This plant has used conventional rapid sand filters. By effective application of the model it is determined the optimal filter run time for different input turbidity of raw water. This results in the possibility of reducing the consumption of backwashing water, lower costs for its pumping and reducing the amount of coagulants. In the existing practice, based on experience, these benefits are not used.