A practical protocol for dynamic modelling of activated sludge systems

Use of dynamic simulation models has become standard practice in The Netherlands. Since the introduction around 5 years ago more then 100 full scale wastewater treatment plants have been modelled. Initially very different approaches have been used varying in calibration approach, amount of sampling and time investment. Based on the accumulated practical experiences the Dutch Foundation of Applied Water Research STOWA has stimulated the development of a protocol to aid in the set-up and calibration of models for full scale wastewater treatment plants. Herein the aim was to develop a protocol, which in practice was easy to use, minimising time and costs effort, but give a reliable and useable method. In this paper this protocol is briefly described.