Evaluation of electro-mechanical components troubles effects on wastewater treatment plants effluent quality by using the ASM1 model

An ASM1 model scenario analysis was used to evaluate the effect of different electromechanical malfunctions on wastewater treatment plants effluent quality. Each simulation has shown how the component effluent concentrations react to an electromechanical component failure. In particular, aerating, internal and sludge recycle, and excess sludge pump breakdowns have been investigated. In order to evaluate the relative importance of each trouble and to make a comparison about them, integral failure indexes have been developed. Results show that the response of a wastewater treatment plant to possible troubles is substantially different in the case of constant and variable influent concentrations and flows and that weak points are aeration and sludge pumps. The use of the defined troubles indexes allows an operational plan for electric and mechanical features and also a remarkable energetic and money saving.