Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Modeling and Simulation Method for Preliminary Design of an Electro-Variable Displacement Pump
Published on: June 1, 2022
Simulation and control strategy for the variational influent of WWTP
Liu Yan-Chen1, Fan Long, Shi Han-Chang
1State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
This study simulated wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operations using activated sludge models to understand how influent changes affect effluent quality. Findings enable better WWTP operational adjustments for stable performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Process Simulation
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operations are often destabilized by dynamic changes in influent quality and flow.
- Activated sludge models (ASM) and simulation software are crucial tools for WWTP design and operation.
- Understanding influent variability impacts is key to maintaining stable treatment processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of influent changes on aeration tanks and secondary sedimentation tanks in WWTPs.
- To establish the relationship between influent dynamics, effluent quality, and sludge blanket levels.
- To develop an optimized control strategy for WWTPs facing influent variability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Activated Sludge Model 1 (ASM1) for simulating the activated sludge process.
- Employed a double exponential model to simulate secondary sedimentation tank performance.
- Conducted dynamic simulations to analyze the effects of influent variations.
Main Results:
- Influent quality and flow dynamics significantly impact aeration tank and secondary sedimentation tank performance.
- A clear relationship was established between influent changes, effluent quality, and sludge blanket levels.
- Simulation results demonstrated the feasibility of adjusting WWTP operations based on influent dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic influent changes necessitate adaptive operational strategies in WWTPs.
- The study provides a basis for optimizing WWTP control through simulation.
- A combined feed-forward and feedback control strategy can enhance WWTP stability under variable influent conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Typical Model Studies
Conservation of Mass in Moving, Nondeforming Control Volume
In the context of a detention basin, the conservation of mass states that the total mass of water entering the basin must equal the mass leaving the basin plus any accumulation of...
Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water
Net Change Theorem
Indefinite Integrals

