Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Plant Design and Operation Using Simulation and Cost Analysis

This paper defines an objective economic index, which integrates both investment and fixed and variable operating costs of a wastewater treatment plant. The main objective is to standardize a cost calculation procedure, to be able to compare different treatment scenarios. The development of the cost criterion may be specific to each particular case, especially to assess variable operating costs. The use of cost models and of simulation in the comparison of treatment alternatives is then illustrated through two case studies. The first simple example refers to the design phase of a plant whereas, in the second example, real time control strategies are investigated through dynamic modeling and simulation. Such investigations are likely to result in considerable savings.