Optimal water treatment plant design

The identification of a least cost design and configuration of unit processes for particle removal in water treatment is formulated as a nonlinear optimization program. Simulation models describing changes in particle size and concentration enter into the formulation as constraints. Contact and direct filtration are found to be optimal treatment configurations at particle concentrations less than 15-20 mg/L. Reducing the number of unit processes in a water treatment plant does not always result in a decrease in cost. Results indicate that filter design traditionally relies on low filtration rates rather than pretreatment to ensure filtrate quality. © ASCE.

Duke Scholars

Author Mark Wiesner Civil and Environmental Engineering