Performance improvement of wastewater treatment processes by application of machine learning

Improving wastewater treatment processes is becoming increasingly important, due to more stringent effluent quality requirements, the need to reduce energy consumption and chemical dosing. This can be achieved by applying artificial intelligence. Machine learning is implemented in two domains: (1) predictive control and (2) advanced analytics. This is currently being piloted at the integrated validation plant of PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency. (1) Primarily, predictive control is applied for optimised nutrient removal. This is obtained by application of a self-learning feedforward algorithm, which uses load prediction and machine learning, fine–tuned with feedback on ammonium effluent. Operational results with predictive control show that the load prediction has an accuracy of ≈88%. It is also shown that an up to ≈15% reduction of aeration amount is achieved compared to conventional control. It is proven that this load prediction-based control leads to stable operation and meeting effluent quality requirements as an autopilot system. (2) Additionally, advanced analytics are being developed for operational support. This is obtained by application of quantile regression neural network modelling for anomaly detection. Preliminary results illustrate the ability to autodetect process and instrument anomalies. These can be used as early warnings to deliver data-driven operational support to process operators.