A Different Face Robust process modeling program has easy-to-use interface

Robust process modeling program has easy-to-use interface. As effluent requirements become more stringent and biological wastewater treatment processes become more complex, using a mathematical process model as part of plant operations becomes increasingly advantageous. In addition to saving time and money by predicting plant performance and effluent quality and providing a basis upon which to test alternative operational strategies, process models can also provide training and improve operator understanding of the treatment process. An innovative approach to process modeling was developed to meet the needs of wastewater treatment agencies. The approach involves the development of a customized plant simulation tool that functions as a user-friendly interface to a more complex process simulator. The main advantage of the customized interface is that it provides access to model variables over which operators have control (such as solids retention time and air supply) and conceals variables that do not change and those over which operators do not have control (such as biological coefficients). The simplified presentation and the customized model input and output display create an operator tool that is user-friendly and that does not require extensive training to use.