Mathematical modelling of prefermenters - I. Model development and verification

A dynamic mathematical model of prefermentation is presented. Prefermentati on is becoming an increasingly popular unit operation in biological nutrien t removal wastewater treatment plants. The aim of the prefermenter model is to provide a tool for optimisation of prefermenter design and operation. M odel assumptions. equations and parameters are detailed. The major specific ation for the prefermenter model is that it is relatively simple, but can s till describe the effects of the main design and operating parameters on vo latile fatty acid (VFA) production in prefermenters. The model is verified by comparing its prediction with experimental data presented in the literat ure. Predicted and measured steady-state effluent VFA, soluble COD and ammo nia-N concentrations are compared for varying hydraulic and solids residenc e times. The correspondence between experimental data and model prediction is good. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.