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INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL
AUTOMATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PROCESS PRODUCTION OUTPUT
Murodov Hasan Siddiq oʻgʻli
Qarshi davlat texnika universiteti magstiranti
Abstract:
The level and significance of automation in municipal wastewater
treatment plants (WWTPs) have grown alongside advancements in technology and
stricter treatment regulations. This paper aims to evaluate and describe the present
state of process automation in Finnish WWTPs, identifying effective practices and
understanding the needs of plant operators. The shift from processes focused on
ammonia or organic matter removal to those targeting total nitrogen removal has
further increased the demand for Instrumentation, Control, and Automation (ICA).
Key words:
WWTP, SCADA system, functionality, automation, cost-efficient,
Screening System.
INTRODUCTION
Wastewater treatment is increasingly shifting toward more varied and
sophisticated processes. This development highlights the need for stable and
consistent operations, where automation plays an ever-growing role. The scope of
this project includes:
•
Identifying each component and outlining its purpose and functionality,
ensuring automation and technical competencies meet the specified standards;
•
Establishing communication between hardware components and integrating
them into a unified network;
•
Developing graphical user interfaces for the SCADA system and setting up
defined control parameters;
•
Designing and implementing the SCADA system, carried out upon request
from the company “STRABAG” in Bucharest
, Romania, in cooperation with
“Salonix” in Chisinau
, Moldova.
Automation in wastewater treatment serves two main purposes: data acquisition
and process control. For data acquisition, the level of automation is already relatively
advanced. SCADA systems used in treatment plants routinely collect thousands of
real-time variables, with data analysis being a standard part of process monitoring
and quality assurance. There is growing evidence that the industry is undergoing a
shift toward more comprehensive automation, not only for data collection but also for
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Issue 12(47), Volume 1 | ISSN 3030-377X | 31.05.2025
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process control. As treatment standards become stricter and processes more complex,
automation at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has become
increasingly critical.
The necessity of cost-efficient and reliable treatment processes has considerably
increased in order to meet the continuously more stringent level of environmental
regulations and, on a larger scale, to achieve the challenging national targets for
nutrient load reduction into water bodies. As a result of these regulations, major
upgrading and new construction works have taken place, in particular for more
efficient nutrient removal. Implementing more advanced Instrumentation, Control
and Automation (ICA) system represents the right way of renovating a WWTP,
leading to the more optimal use of the unit processes [8]…[10]
. Moreover, on-line
measurements and controls based on them are essential in the flexible and cost-
effective operation of modern nutrient removal plants.
Distribution Chamber.
The incoming flow to the wastewater treatment plant is directed into eight (8)
screen channels via the distribution chamber. Wastewater first enters the plant
through the Inlet Chamber. A new shaft will be constructed in front of this chamber,
surrounding the existing DN 3300 mm concrete pipe and the DN 1200 mm steel
pipe
—
both of which will remain in operation during construction. Additionally, the
shaft will connect to four smaller inlet pipes and a new temporary DN 2200 mm
bypass, which allows flow to bypass the screen structures and grit chambers.
Screening System.
Inside the screening hall, there are eight (8) bar screens, each housed in an
individual screen channel with an approximate gap width of 20 mm, serving to
remove large solids from the influent. The collected screenings are transferred to a
conveyor belt, then moved into containers for proper disposal.
Five of the channels are designated for fine screens with automatic mechanical
operation, while the remaining three channels are used to bypass the screening system
when necessary. The screen building is equipped with a hoisting system for
maintenance and operational support.
To ensure continuous operation during winter conditions, the building enclosing
the fine screens, conveyors, and press is thermally insulated and equipped with fan
heaters,
maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 10 °C
. Additional ventilation
fans are installed and controlled by a local room thermostat for proper air circulation.
A gas leakage detector is installed in this building as a safety requirement. If a
gas leak is detected, entry into the screen building is prohibited.
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Screenings Volume.
The estimated daily volume of screenings captured by the fine screens is
calculated at 10 liters per person per year (l/(PE·a))
. Based on a population equivalent
of 358, 000 inhabitants, the daily screenings volume is accordingly estimated.
Conclusion:
The surveillance of water supply systems is essential across most
European countries as part of public health services, given that access to safe water
plays a crucial role in preventing disease.
During the technological processes conducted at the Gardabani treatment plant,
it was observed that certain pollutants
—specifically BOD₅ (Biochemical Oxygen
Demand over 5 days), ammoniacal nitrogen, sulphides and hydrogen sulfide, and
chlorides
—
can pose a potential environmental risk, based on measurement results.
However, continuous monitoring of the station revealed that the concentrations of
these pollutants remain within the legal limits established by environmental
regulations, thus representing only a minimal environmental impact.
The implementation of automation at the plant has significantly improved
operational performance, with each component operating at approximately 20%
higher efficiency compared to the previous manual system.
References:
1.
Virginia Ivanov Sisteme integrate de monitorizare si control pentru
2.
echipamente electrice, Editura Universitaria, Craiova, 2008Tudor Ciuru,
Echipamente Moderne de Automatizare si Utilaje
3.
Tehnologice Industriale.
Îndrumar de documentare
, programare si
aplicare practica. Editura Tehnica
–
INFO, Chisinau 2009.
4.
https://new. siemens. com/global/en/products/automation/systems/indu
strial/plc/simatic-s7-1500. html (accessed at 10. 10. 2018)
