INAPPROPRIATE PARAMETERIZATION IN BIOFILM-PROCESS DESIGN CURVES

Even in the present age of microcomputer technology, graphical approac hes have certain intrinsic value in their own right. However, in some situations, graphical presentations of results need extra care with re gard to nondimensionalization or normalization of involved parameters. In the present study, the influence of inappropriate parameterization on interpolated values has been identified with respect to design cur ves of biofilm processes. The interpolation error arising from inappro priate parameterization is illustrated and the associated ambiguity is analytically demonstrated. Subsequently, simplified design curves hav e been developed that are devoid of the limitation of inappropriate pa rameterization and minimize the need for computations and interpolatio n. Proposed design curves are concise and comparatively simple to use. Applicability of the developed curves has been demonstrated through a n illustrative example. Although the issue of inappropriate parameteri zation has been conveyed through the design curves of biofilm processe s, it is equally relevant to other areas as well. With this in view, t he necessity of careful considerations for appropriate parameterizatio n with graphical presentation of results is emphasized.