Title: ANN-based predictive model for performance evaluation of paper and pulp effluent treatment plant

Authors: R. Saraswathi; M.K. Saseetharan; S. Suja

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. ' Government College of Engineering, Bargur, Tamilnadu, India. ' Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: Neural networks (NNs) have been widely used for complex processes that are poorly described by first principle models, such as wastewater biological treatment systems. In this paper, we propose an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based predictive model for assessing the performance of paper and pulp effluent treatment plants. Mathematical models were created for the thickener area of the clarifier by correlating process control parameters such as mean cell residence time (θ_c), initial suspended solid concentration (C_o), underflow concentration (C_u) and recycling ratio (R). For any values of C_u, C_o, R and θ_c, area of the secondary clarifier can be determined using the model developed based on ANN. The predicted models give a rational approach to the design of secondary clarifier. The developed models prove consistently well in the face of varying accuracy and size of input data phase.

Keywords: ANNs; artificial neural networks; activated sludge; solid flux; secondary clarifier; paper and pulp effluent; predictive modelling; performance evaluation; wastewater treatment; mathematical modelling; process control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2012.051128

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2012 Vol.45 No.4, pp.280 - 289

Published online: 20 Dec 2012 *

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