Towards Advanced Aeration Modelling: From Blower to Bubbles to Bulk A. Amaral1),2), O. Schraa3), L. Rieger3), S. Gillot4), Y. Fayolle5), G. Bellandi1),6), Y. Amerlinck1), S.T.F.C. Mortier1), R. Gori6), R. Neves1), I. Nopens1) 1) BIOMATH, Ghent University, Belgium 2) MARETEC, Lisbon University, Portugal 3) inCTRL Solutions Inc., Oakville, Canada 4) Irstea, UR MALY, Villeurbanne, France 5) Irstea, UR HBAN, Antony, France 6) Department of Civil and Env. Eng., Florence University, Italy

Objectives Describe the current status Highlight on-going efforts Discuss future opportunities to improve aeration modelling

Aeration Modelling From blower to bubbles From bubbles to bulk

Air Supply Modelling Current Status Not modelled in detail Ongoing work and Perspectives Modelling the entire system considering the interactions between different components (blower, piping, valves, diffusers)

Oxygen transfer Modelling Current Status 𝐾 𝐿 𝑎 is modelled as a (1) constant or (2) in function of α or (3) other factors, for the entire tank Tanks-in-series models are used to describe the variation of 𝐾 𝐿 𝑎 Ongoing work and Perspectives Studying the impact of wastewater characteristics and hydrodynamics on bubble size Modelling 𝐾 𝐿 𝑎 locally considering bubble size and using compartmental models Tanks-in-series models are used to describe the variation of 𝐾 𝐿 𝑎 (not realistic, not flexible)

Take Home Messages Higher level of detail is required for aeration modeling in wastewater treatment Detailed models bring knowledge that can be translated to the simplified current models: Improved predictions (dissolved oxygen profile and energy) Avoid over-calibration Improved control strategies More reliable decisions

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