WERF: Test site needed for biological nutrient removal research

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Aug. 8, 2005 -- The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is seeking a wastewater treatment facility to serve as a test site for a new research project titled "Optimizing Biotreatment: Integrated Process Models and Control Technology" (project 03-CTS-11). The project consists of developing and demonstrating a model-based control strategy to improve biological nutrient removal (BNR) at a full-scale wastewater treatment facility. WERF is seeking a utility partner that would like to participate in the project and implement model-based control at one of their BNR facilities.

Briefly stated, the main advantage of model-based control is to move from a reactive to a proactive mode of control by forecasting influent flows and constituent concentrations and using a model to determine optimal control actions such as dissolved oxygen levels and recycle flow rates. Model-based control can be tuned for numerous objectives including maximizing the capacity of a given facility, maximizing performance, or minimizing energy consumption for a given level of treatment.

A more detailed description of the project, the characteristics of the "ideal" BNR treatment facility where the project would be implemented, and the benefits of participating as a test site can be found at www.werf.org/pdf/AlternateSite03CTS11.pdf.

To ensure your facility is included for consideration, please contact Dr. Bob Hill of EMA at 281-367-3556 or bhill@ema-inc.com. All responses must be received by Aug. 26.

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