Process Performance Optimization through Advanced Automatic Control and Online Monitoring

In this study, a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment process was optimized through automatic control based on real-time online monitoring with the objective of maintaining process stability and consistent effluent quality. OSCAR™, an advanced automatic control system, controlled the air flow, the chemical (FeCl3 for phosphorous removal) dosing, and the waste activated sludge wasting based on real-time process data and operator desired setpoints to save aeration energy and chemical costs and maintain stable critical process parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), solids retention time (SRT), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), etc. The plant saved 10-15 % aeration energy, reduced 45-50% chemical usage, and maintained stable DO, SRT or MLSS concentration setpoints regardless of variable influent and environmental conditions while maintaining effluent concentrations consistently lower than the discharge permit limits. The OSCAR™ control system is a complete software and hardware package designed to reduce operating costs while maintaining desired effluent quality.