1. 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

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

3. Aeration Modelling
From blower to bubbles
From bubbles to bulk

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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

7. More info: http://wst.iwaponline.com/content/75/3/507