Conference Agenda

Digital Twins for WWTPs are live, automated process models running hourly with new data from the plant. They can predict the future, assess instruments, recommend control strategies, and be used to evaluate scenarios with high load, tanks down for maintenance, or anything the user can dream up! Through two case stories and a live demonstration, We'll discuss the advantages of digital tools for meeting energy and cost saving targets and upskilling operations staff, and evaluate shortcomings based on the current state of digital twins and sensors for process control with automated calibration.

Advancements in mathematical bioprocess models and data collection, processing, and storage, have significantly improved the successful implementation of real-time management and control of water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). The integration between online measurements, modelling, prediction, and decision support can be referred to as a Digital Twin. In this abstract, we present the concept and the results of two implementations in Italy and Denmark, both providing decision support towards improvement process, energy and resource efficiency. The Digital Twin in Italy enables stakeholders to evaluate alternative operational strategies and identify the most suitable ones based on process and energy efficiency optimization. The Digital Twin in Denmark incorporates an accurate description of automatic control logics as well as an influent prediction tool, relying on weather forecast, to provide for 48-h predictions of the process status and key-performance indicators. These experiences show the advantages of using Digital Twins alongside conventional operation to improve understanding and management of the treatment plant.

While there may be a long way to go for Digital Twins to be extensively applied, our experience suggests that they can be useful to different stakeholders, from less experienced operators who can be trained in virtual environment, to veterans who can use DT to test and implement advanced control strategies, up to managers who can monitor and evaluate effluent quality, energy consumption and production, use of resources in real-time through a variety of key performance indicators.

Traditional wastewater treatment plant design typically did not solicit the input of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) staff. However, over the last two decades engineers have come to realize the communal experience held by O&M staff. Their daily exposure to performance and reliability issues generates specialized knowledge that many engineers do not possess. O&M staff input can lead to more operable, more dependable, and therefore more efficient and cost-effective plants. Today, O&M staff integration into the planning, design, and construction of wastewater projects is a key component to their success. O&M staff should be giving ample opportunity to provide input throughout a project’s development and be a key voice in the decision-making process to ensure wastewater treatment plants are easy to operate and maintain. Engaging O&M staff early helps engineers understand the nuances of specific plant operations which can be the difference between a good design and a great design Finally, including plant O&M staff in the design of any wastewater treatment project creates a sense of ownership and pride the will be transferred to future staff for years to come. This has never been more present than during the design and construction of the Secondary Treatment Expansion Program (STEP) at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant. Starting during conceptual design, plant O&M staff have actively engaged in workshops, campouts, field investigations, documentation review, and the decision-making process. Their input to the project has been invaluable and is a key component to its success. This presentation will encourage audience participation by pulling the audience to the front of the room, incorporating a short icebreaker, asking stimulating questions, and adding a touch of humor. A goal of this feel-good presentation is to give homage to plant operations and maintenance staff everywhere for their continuous efforts in the field to keep our WWTPs running and recognizing the knowledge and often creative solutions they bring to the drawing board.