Modelling and Simulation of Full-Scale Sequential Batch Reactor Biological Process Using GPS-X

EasyChair Preprint 15555

Abstract

Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) are effective for treating reject water and high-strength industrial wastewater. The Knardalstrand wastewater treatment plant in Porsgrunn recently upgraded the plant with two full-scale SBRs with volumes of 115 m³ and 100.4 m³, focusing on simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. This project aimed to model and simulate these processes using GPS-X software to optimizes the municipal wastewater treatment. Two SBR models – simple and advanced – were developed for ammonia nitrogen (NH₄-N) removal. Results indicated that the advanced model outperformed the simple model, achieving a 75% nitrogen removal efficiency at a dissolved oxygen (DO) setpoint of 1.5 mg/L through shortcut partial nitrification-denitrification. The advanced SBR model’s ammonia removal efficiency through nitrification increased with an increase in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. In all the simulations there was high nitrite (NO₂^-) accumulation in the reactors, which could be due to the partial nitrification coupled with denitrification. The simulation has showed the presence of a simultaneous nitrification-denitrification process in the full-scale SBR plant. Enhancing model accuracy with quality data and optimizing DO levels can significantly reduce operational energy costs.

Keyphrases: GPS-X, Sequential Batch Reactor, denitrification, model, nitrification, simulation

@booklet{EasyChair:15555,
  author    = {Ida K.B. Stenberg and Robel S. Bekele and Gamunu L.S. Arachchige and Eshetu Janka},
  title     = {Modelling and Simulation of Full-Scale Sequential Batch Reactor Biological Process Using GPS-X},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 15555},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}