Calibration Procedure of the Biological Nutrient Removal Model Number 1

Abstract

Activated sludge model calibration based on dynamic data of the biological process is a frequently used methodology. However, because dynamic measurement campaigns are expensive and time-consuming, adequate planning is needed. A poor adjustment of model parameters will be achieved if variables less sensitive to parameter perturbations are included in the calibration procedure. Therefore, a procedure based on sensitivity analysis of the Biological Nutrient Removal Model Number 1 (BNRM1), which takes into account physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in a wastewater-treatment plant (WWTP), has been carried out in this work to select the model variables that are greatly affected by parameter perturbations. These variables should be sampled to perform the dynamic calibration of the BNRM1 model. In addition, a comprehensive study of the most influential parameters has been carried out to understand the linked effects that occur in the BNRM1 model.