OPTIMAL OPERATION OF ALTERNATING ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESSES OF THE MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CASE OF SOUK-AHRAS (ALGERIA)

This research study using a software tool (GPS-X) looks at simulating biological and hydraulic processes at the Souk-Ahras WWTP in order to obtain an optimal solution from a purification performance view point and to provide essential operating rules to enable operation staff to better technically and scientifically base the management of the plants. It allows the operation staff to comply with the current regulations, and further optimize public investment. This approach may be seen as part of the diagnosis of the plant to ensure production of treated wastewater that can be used for the irrigation of a proposed 300 ha irrigation scheme. The study presents dynamic optimisation of a medium size wastewater treatment plant. We used the approach proposed by IAWQ activated sludge model No 1 (ASM1). The objectives are to determine an optimal sequence of aeration/non-aeration times so that for a typical diurnal pattern of disturbances, the effluent constraints are respected, the plant remains in periodical steady state, and energy consumption is minimised. Based on the optimal state trajectories results, two simple feedback rules are proposed. Simulation results with these rules show very satisfactory control performance.