The Experts below are selected from a list of 165 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Joaquim Comas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Optimized MBR for greywater reuse systems in hotel facilities
Journal of Environmental Management, 2017Co-Authors: Nataša Atanasova, Montserrat Dalmau, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim Comas, Manel Poch, G. ButtiglieriAbstract:Greywater is an important alternative water source, particularly in semi-arid, touristic areas, where the biggest water demand is usually in the dry period. By using this source wisely, tourist facilities can substantially reduce the pressure to scarce water resources. In densely urbanized touristic areas, where space has high value, compact solutions such as MBR based greywater reuse systems appear very appropriate. This research focuses on technical and economical evaluation of such solution by implementing a pilot MBR to a hotel with separated grey water. The pilot was operated for 6 months, with thorough characterisation of the GW performed, its operation was monitored and its energy consumption was optimized by applying a control system for the Air Scour. Based on the pilot operation a design and economic model was set to estimate the feasibility (CAPEX, OPEX, payback period of investment) of appropriate scales of MBR based GW systems, including separation of GW, MBR technology, clean water storage and disinfection. The model takes into account water and energy prices in Spain and a planning period of 20 years. The results demonstrated an excellent performance in terms of effluent quality, while the energy demand for Air-Scour was reduced by up to 35.2%, compared to the manufacturer recommendations. Economical evaluation of the entire MBR based GW reuse system shows its feasibility for sizes already at 5 m3/day (60 PE). The payback period of the investment for hotels like the demonstration hotel, treating 30 m3/day is 3 years.
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Development of an algorithm for Air-Scour optimization in membrane bioreactors
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 2016Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Abstract Membrane Bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation. In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based upon short term and long term membranes permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. A maximum Air-Scour saving of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, was achieved without interfering with the biological nutrient removal and without any apparent long term effect.
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Managing Resources of a Limited Planet, Sixth Biennial Meeting, Leipzig, Germany
2015Co-Authors: A. A. Voinov, Montserrat Dalmau, Hèctor Monclús, S. Lange, D. Bankamp, Ivan Brun, Jordi Moreno, Joaquim ComasAbstract:Upgrading a decision support system for Air-Scour control in flat sheet membrane bioreactor
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Validation of a Simple Fouling Model for a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor
IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2015Co-Authors: G. Araujo Pimentel, Montserrat Dalmau, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim Comas, Alejandro Vargas, Alain Rapaport, A. Vande WouwerAbstract:Abstract Most of the published membrane bioreactor (MBR) models have been proposed for process description and gain of insight, resulting in a large number of parameters to estimate from experimental data. These models are usually too complex for process control, and there is a need for simple, dedicated, dynamic models. In this study, attention is focused on the fouling phenomenon, which hampers the efficient operation of MBRs, and a simple model is proposed and validated using a large data base collected from a pilot plant. This model includes several manipulated variables, e.g., the permeate flow rate and the Air Scour, as well as a measurable perturbation such as the water temperature. To ease the identification procedure, a separation of the time scales of the process in slow and fast dynamics is exploited. The results show that the model can be used to predict the trans-membrane pressure behavior in a medium-term, about 10 days ahead.
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Full-scale validation of an Air Scour control system for energy savings in membrane bioreactors
Water Research, 2015Co-Authors: Hèctor Monclús, Montserrat Dalmau, S. Gabarrón, Giuliana Ferrero, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim ComasAbstract:Abstract Membrane aeration represents between 35 and 50% of the operational cost of membrane bioreactors (MBR). New automatic control systems and/or module configurations have been developed for aeration optimization. In this paper, we briefly describe an innovative MBR Air Scour control system based on permeability evolution and present the results of a full-scale validation that lasted over a 1-year period. An average reduction in the Air Scour flow rate of 13% was achieved, limiting the maximum reduction to 20%. This averaged reduction corresponded to a decrease in energy consumption for membrane aeration of 14% (0.025 kWh m −3 ) with maximum saving rates of 22% (0.04 kWh m −3 ). Permeability and fouling rate evolution were not affected by the Air Scour control system, as very similar behavior was observed for these variables for both filtration lines throughout the entire experimental evaluation period of 1 year.
Ignasi Rodriguezroda - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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development of a control algorithm for Air Scour reduction in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi RodriguezrodaAbstract:BACKGROUND: Membrane bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation, but energy requirements are still higher than other competitive technologies such as conventional activated sludge. RESULTS: In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based on short-term and long-term membrane permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. An average Air-Scour saving of 13% and a maximum of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, were achieved during the validation test without any apparent long-term effect on membrane permeability. CONCLUSION: It was proven that the Air-Scour control system is an important tool capable of reducing operational costs in MBR systems.
G. Buttiglieri - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Optimized MBR for greywater reuse systems in hotel facilities
Journal of Environmental Management, 2017Co-Authors: Nataša Atanasova, Montserrat Dalmau, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim Comas, Manel Poch, G. ButtiglieriAbstract:Greywater is an important alternative water source, particularly in semi-arid, touristic areas, where the biggest water demand is usually in the dry period. By using this source wisely, tourist facilities can substantially reduce the pressure to scarce water resources. In densely urbanized touristic areas, where space has high value, compact solutions such as MBR based greywater reuse systems appear very appropriate. This research focuses on technical and economical evaluation of such solution by implementing a pilot MBR to a hotel with separated grey water. The pilot was operated for 6 months, with thorough characterisation of the GW performed, its operation was monitored and its energy consumption was optimized by applying a control system for the Air Scour. Based on the pilot operation a design and economic model was set to estimate the feasibility (CAPEX, OPEX, payback period of investment) of appropriate scales of MBR based GW systems, including separation of GW, MBR technology, clean water storage and disinfection. The model takes into account water and energy prices in Spain and a planning period of 20 years. The results demonstrated an excellent performance in terms of effluent quality, while the energy demand for Air-Scour was reduced by up to 35.2%, compared to the manufacturer recommendations. Economical evaluation of the entire MBR based GW reuse system shows its feasibility for sizes already at 5 m3/day (60 PE). The payback period of the investment for hotels like the demonstration hotel, treating 30 m3/day is 3 years.
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Development of an algorithm for Air-Scour optimization in membrane bioreactors
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 2016Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Abstract Membrane Bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation. In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based upon short term and long term membranes permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. A maximum Air-Scour saving of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, was achieved without interfering with the biological nutrient removal and without any apparent long term effect.
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development of a control algorithm for Air Scour reduction in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi RodriguezrodaAbstract:BACKGROUND: Membrane bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation, but energy requirements are still higher than other competitive technologies such as conventional activated sludge. RESULTS: In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based on short-term and long-term membrane permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. An average Air-Scour saving of 13% and a maximum of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, were achieved during the validation test without any apparent long-term effect on membrane permeability. CONCLUSION: It was proven that the Air-Scour control system is an important tool capable of reducing operational costs in MBR systems.
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Development of a control algorithm for Air‐Scour reduction in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:BACKGROUND: Membrane bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation, but energy requirements are still higher than other competitive technologies such as conventional activated sludge. RESULTS: In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based on short-term and long-term membrane permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. An average Air-Scour saving of 13% and a maximum of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, were achieved during the validation test without any apparent long-term effect on membrane permeability. CONCLUSION: It was proven that the Air-Scour control system is an important tool capable of reducing operational costs in MBR systems.
Ignasi Rodríguez-roda - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Optimized MBR for greywater reuse systems in hotel facilities
Journal of Environmental Management, 2017Co-Authors: Nataša Atanasova, Montserrat Dalmau, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim Comas, Manel Poch, G. ButtiglieriAbstract:Greywater is an important alternative water source, particularly in semi-arid, touristic areas, where the biggest water demand is usually in the dry period. By using this source wisely, tourist facilities can substantially reduce the pressure to scarce water resources. In densely urbanized touristic areas, where space has high value, compact solutions such as MBR based greywater reuse systems appear very appropriate. This research focuses on technical and economical evaluation of such solution by implementing a pilot MBR to a hotel with separated grey water. The pilot was operated for 6 months, with thorough characterisation of the GW performed, its operation was monitored and its energy consumption was optimized by applying a control system for the Air Scour. Based on the pilot operation a design and economic model was set to estimate the feasibility (CAPEX, OPEX, payback period of investment) of appropriate scales of MBR based GW systems, including separation of GW, MBR technology, clean water storage and disinfection. The model takes into account water and energy prices in Spain and a planning period of 20 years. The results demonstrated an excellent performance in terms of effluent quality, while the energy demand for Air-Scour was reduced by up to 35.2%, compared to the manufacturer recommendations. Economical evaluation of the entire MBR based GW reuse system shows its feasibility for sizes already at 5 m3/day (60 PE). The payback period of the investment for hotels like the demonstration hotel, treating 30 m3/day is 3 years.
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Development of an algorithm for Air-Scour optimization in membrane bioreactors
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 2016Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Abstract Membrane Bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation. In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based upon short term and long term membranes permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. A maximum Air-Scour saving of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, was achieved without interfering with the biological nutrient removal and without any apparent long term effect.
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Validation of a Simple Fouling Model for a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor
IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2015Co-Authors: G. Araujo Pimentel, Montserrat Dalmau, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim Comas, Alejandro Vargas, Alain Rapaport, A. Vande WouwerAbstract:Abstract Most of the published membrane bioreactor (MBR) models have been proposed for process description and gain of insight, resulting in a large number of parameters to estimate from experimental data. These models are usually too complex for process control, and there is a need for simple, dedicated, dynamic models. In this study, attention is focused on the fouling phenomenon, which hampers the efficient operation of MBRs, and a simple model is proposed and validated using a large data base collected from a pilot plant. This model includes several manipulated variables, e.g., the permeate flow rate and the Air Scour, as well as a measurable perturbation such as the water temperature. To ease the identification procedure, a separation of the time scales of the process in slow and fast dynamics is exploited. The results show that the model can be used to predict the trans-membrane pressure behavior in a medium-term, about 10 days ahead.
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Full-scale validation of an Air Scour control system for energy savings in membrane bioreactors
Water Research, 2015Co-Authors: Hèctor Monclús, Montserrat Dalmau, S. Gabarrón, Giuliana Ferrero, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim ComasAbstract:Abstract Membrane aeration represents between 35 and 50% of the operational cost of membrane bioreactors (MBR). New automatic control systems and/or module configurations have been developed for aeration optimization. In this paper, we briefly describe an innovative MBR Air Scour control system based on permeability evolution and present the results of a full-scale validation that lasted over a 1-year period. An average reduction in the Air Scour flow rate of 13% was achieved, limiting the maximum reduction to 20%. This averaged reduction corresponded to a decrease in energy consumption for membrane aeration of 14% (0.025 kWh m −3 ) with maximum saving rates of 22% (0.04 kWh m −3 ). Permeability and fouling rate evolution were not affected by the Air Scour control system, as very similar behavior was observed for these variables for both filtration lines throughout the entire experimental evaluation period of 1 year.
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A knowledge-based control system for Air-Scour optimisation in membrane bioreactors.
Water Science and Technology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, Hèctor Monclús, Joaquim Comas, Luis Sancho, Juan M. Garrido, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Although membrane bioreactors (MBRs) technology is still a growing sector, its progressive implementation all over the world, together with great technical achievements, has allowed it to reach a mature degree, just comparable to other more conventional wastewater treatment technologies. With current energy requirements around 0.6–1.1 kWh/m 3 of treated wastewater and investment costs similar to conventional treatment plants, main market niche for MBRs can be areas with very high restrictive discharge limits, where treatment plants have to be compact or where water reuse is necessary. Operational costs are higher than for conventional treatments; consequently there is still a need and possibilities for energy saving and optimisation. This paper presents the development of a knowledge-based decision support system (DSS) for the integrated operation and remote control of the biological and physical (filtration and backwashing or relaxation) processes in MBRs. The core of the DSS is a knowledge-based control module for Air-Scour consumption automation and energy consumption minimisation.
Giuliana Ferrero - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Development of an algorithm for Air-Scour optimization in membrane bioreactors
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 2016Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Abstract Membrane Bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation. In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based upon short term and long term membranes permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. A maximum Air-Scour saving of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, was achieved without interfering with the biological nutrient removal and without any apparent long term effect.
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Full-scale validation of an Air Scour control system for energy savings in membrane bioreactors
Water Research, 2015Co-Authors: Hèctor Monclús, Montserrat Dalmau, S. Gabarrón, Giuliana Ferrero, Ignasi Rodríguez-roda, Joaquim ComasAbstract:Abstract Membrane aeration represents between 35 and 50% of the operational cost of membrane bioreactors (MBR). New automatic control systems and/or module configurations have been developed for aeration optimization. In this paper, we briefly describe an innovative MBR Air Scour control system based on permeability evolution and present the results of a full-scale validation that lasted over a 1-year period. An average reduction in the Air Scour flow rate of 13% was achieved, limiting the maximum reduction to 20%. This averaged reduction corresponded to a decrease in energy consumption for membrane aeration of 14% (0.025 kWh m −3 ) with maximum saving rates of 22% (0.04 kWh m −3 ). Permeability and fouling rate evolution were not affected by the Air Scour control system, as very similar behavior was observed for these variables for both filtration lines throughout the entire experimental evaluation period of 1 year.
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Development of an Air-Scour control system for membrane bioreactors
2011Co-Authors: Giuliana FerreroAbstract:The thesis involves the development and implementation of a new and robust control system based on permeability trends but at the same time capable of reducing aeration proportionally to permeate flux. Permeability was made a key parameter for directly comparing temporary changes in membrane performance. Transmembrane pressure and flux were gathered every 10 seconds and permeability values were automatically calculated; different mathematical algorithms were applied for the signal filtering of on-line data. Short term and long term permeability trends were compared once a day, and a control action was applied proportionally to the short term/long term permeability ratio without exceeding the aeration flow recommended by the membrane suppliers.
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development of a control algorithm for Air Scour reduction in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, G. Buttiglieri, Hèctor Monclús, S. Gabarrón, Joaquim Comas, Ignasi RodriguezrodaAbstract:BACKGROUND: Membrane bioreactors are used in an increasing number of wastewater treatment facilities because of their compactness and efficiency in solid-liquid separation, but energy requirements are still higher than other competitive technologies such as conventional activated sludge. RESULTS: In this paper the development of an Air-Scour control algorithm based on short-term and long-term membrane permeability evolution is presented. An open loop calibration and partial validation was carried out in a semi-industrial scale pilot plant where manual changes in Air-Scour flow had been previously carried out. The control system was successfully tested in closed loop in an industrial scale pilot plant, defining a maximum daily Air-Scour decrease or increase of 6% of the Air-Scour recommended by membranes suppliers. An average Air-Scour saving of 13% and a maximum of 20%, calculated in terms of Air flow saved, were achieved during the validation test without any apparent long-term effect on membrane permeability. CONCLUSION: It was proven that the Air-Scour control system is an important tool capable of reducing operational costs in MBR systems.
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A knowledge-based control system for Air-Scour optimisation in membrane bioreactors.
Water Science and Technology, 2011Co-Authors: Giuliana Ferrero, Hèctor Monclús, Joaquim Comas, Luis Sancho, Juan M. Garrido, Ignasi Rodríguez-rodaAbstract:Although membrane bioreactors (MBRs) technology is still a growing sector, its progressive implementation all over the world, together with great technical achievements, has allowed it to reach a mature degree, just comparable to other more conventional wastewater treatment technologies. With current energy requirements around 0.6–1.1 kWh/m 3 of treated wastewater and investment costs similar to conventional treatment plants, main market niche for MBRs can be areas with very high restrictive discharge limits, where treatment plants have to be compact or where water reuse is necessary. Operational costs are higher than for conventional treatments; consequently there is still a need and possibilities for energy saving and optimisation. This paper presents the development of a knowledge-based decision support system (DSS) for the integrated operation and remote control of the biological and physical (filtration and backwashing or relaxation) processes in MBRs. The core of the DSS is a knowledge-based control module for Air-Scour consumption automation and energy consumption minimisation.
