This paper provides a systematic approach for the design of buffer tanks. We consider mainly the case where the objective of the buffer tank is to dampen (“average out”) the fast (i.e., high-frequency) disturbances, which cannot be handled by the feedback control system. We consider separately design procedures for (I) mixing tanks to dampen quality disturbances and (II) surge tanks with averag...

A benchmark for the test of control scenarios of sequencing batch reactors (SBR) used for wastewater treatment is proposed. The plant layout includes a buffer tank for wastewater storage in front of the SBR. Performance criteria based mainly on the quality of the effluent are given. The use of the benchmark is illustrated by the study of the effects on the effluent of the control of dissolved o...

Buffer tanks are often designed and implemented for control purposes, yet control theory is rarely used when sizing and designing buffer tanks and their control system. Instead, rules of thumb such as using “10 min residence time” are used. The objective of this paper is to provide a systematic approach. We consider mainly the case where the objective of the buffer tank is to dampen (“average o...

The Tarland Catchment Initiative is a partnership venture between researchers, land managers, regulators, and the local community. Its aims are to improve water quality, promote biodiversity, and increase awareness of catchment management. In this study, the effects of buffer strip installations and remediation of a large septic tank effluent were appraised by water physico-chemistry (suspended...

To precisely measure radon concentrations in purified air supplied to the Super-Kamiokande detector as a buffer gas, we have developed a highly sensitive radon detector with an intrinsic background as low as ± 0.33 0.07 mBq/m. In this article, we discuss the construction and calibration of this detector as well as results of its application to the measurement and monitoring of the buffer gas la...

Let S be a set of n points in Rd in general position. A set H of k-flats is called an mk-stabber of S if the relative interior of any m-simplex with vertices in S is intersected by at least one element of H. In this paper we give lower and upper bounds on the size of minimum mk-stabbers of point sets in Rd and in general position. We study mainly mk-stabbers in the plane and in R3.