Model-based pH monitor for sensor assessment.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Process Control
• Water Treatment Technology

Background:

• Online monitoring of drinking water treatment processes is often difficult due to inherent process complexities.
• Individual measurements may be insufficient for objective process and device assessment.
• pH measurements are common but often unreliable and require maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for objectively monitoring drinking water treatment processes and measurement devices.
• To assess the effectiveness of mathematical modeling in overcoming monitoring limitations.
• To evaluate the performance of pH measurement devices within treatment plants.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a grey-box modeling approach.
• Combining online and laboratory measurements with a priori process knowledge.
• Applying mathematical models to analyze process data.

Main Results:

• The grey-box model effectively assessed measurement devices.
• Objective monitoring of treatment processes was achieved.
• The method proved effective even without detailed process specifics.

Conclusions:

• Mathematical modeling provides a robust solution for monitoring complex treatment processes.
• Grey-box models enable reliable assessment of measurement devices like pH sensors.
• This approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of drinking water treatment operations.