Treatment process modelling

Optimising your water and wastewater treatment processes 

Growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations require that new technologies are introduced for water and wastewater treatment, applying new technologies to remove existing pollutants and to remove emerging pollutants of concern.

Conventional treatment processes have the support of decades of design experience to assist with understanding performance and appropriate safety factors. New technologies typically rely on the supplier to optimise performance, while emerging substances have limited treatment efficacy data available. Site visits and performance data at existing plants help reduce the uncertainty associated with new technologies. Process modelling provides greater understanding by enabling you to benchmark performance claims and model flows and loads specific to your site.

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In depth simulations on physical, biological and chemical processes

Process models apply basic principles for removal mechanisms of pollutants and can be developed to apply the best understanding of removal pathways for emerging pollutants. When combined with the hydraulic characteristics of a treatment process, the result is a tool that benchmarks proposed designs for including real-world issues such as varying flows or concentrations, equipment failure and sensitivity analyses. If there is wide variation in removal rates, the model can be adapted to build up a likely performance envelope, and identify changes needed to control the removal.

WRc treatment process modelling experience 

Design support

WRc has led on the process design of multiple wastewater treatment plants.

Process troubleshooting

We have used internal WRc software to analyse wastewater treatment plants around the world and provide specific guidance at drinking water treatment plants for processes including GAC and disinfection.

Compliance checks

We have modelled the likely headroom of treatment plants and explored cost-effective upgrade options for those deemed to be close to exceeding compliance limits.

Data-driven optimisation

We have explored methods for aeration analysis, coagulation dosing control, the impact of chemical dosing on inhibition of biological treatment and the performance of settlement systems.