A one-dimensional model for a secondary settling tank including density current and short-circuiting

Abstract

This paper presents a dynamic one-dimensional flux model for the secondary settling tank which is suitable for use with the latest innovations in models for activated sludge tanks, and which takes into account observed effects of density current and short-circuiting. The components of the influent to the settling tank are divided into three fractions. Soluble components, non-settleable particulate components (primary particles), and settleable particulate components. (macroflocs). Soluble components and primary particles are considered to follow the hydraulic flow in the settling tank. The transport of macroflocs in the settling tank is modelled according to the traditional flux theory on a layer model of the settling tank extended with a model for density current and short-circuiting. For modelling of the density current in the inlet region of the settler a dynamic inlet height is introduced. The short-circuiting is modelled by the introduction of a factor which accounts for the dilution in the suspended solids concentration at the bottom of the settling tank down to the concentration in the return sludge flow. Settling velocities of the macroflocs for both free and hindered sedimentation are measured, and a new model for the settling velocity is proposed. The model is validated with data from the wastewater treatment plant Lynetten, Copenhagen, Denmark. It was found that the suspended sludge concentration profile and the suspended sludge concentration in the return sludge were predicted well with the model.