Providing Dynamic WWTP Modelling and Simulation to Improve Operational Efficiency (Case Study)

Optimising the wastewater treatment plant of Ravenna, Italy

By DHI Group

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Ravenna, Italy has been considered for an upgrade to improve sludge handling capacity, energy recovery and accommodate the population growth in the catchment. The evaluation of adequate upgrade solutions and the decision-making process have been influenced by the limited amount of data available. To fill this gap, our client HERA S.p.A. approached us to develop a model of the WWTP. We devised a solution using WEST to provide the basis for the evaluation of several operation scenarios. The WEST model proved to be a reliable decision-support tool for the utility to identify the most suitable optimisation and upgrade strategies.

Challenge

Various factors – including low influent organic loading and reduced capacity of sludge treatment – have affected the performance of the Ravenna WWTP. This has resulted in limited energy recovery and high energy consumption due to aeration requirements.

Solution

Development, calibration and validation of a WWTP model using WEST, DHI’s modelling software for the dynamic modelling and simulation of WWTPs and other types of water quality related systems. The calibrated and validated WEST model was used to evaluate several scenarios aimed at improving the performance and the efficiency of Ravenna WWTP.

Results

• Reliable description of WWTP operation and performance
• Assessment of scenarios leading to optimised efficiency and costs
• Support to decision making and implementation of optimal strategies

Read the case highlights in the document attached.

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Taxonomy

• Sludge Treatment
• Modeling
• Optimization
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Design