General framework for solving the design and operation of wastewater treatment networks

Abstract This work addresses the design and operation of treatment systems for processing a set of wastewater streams in the most efficient way, thus solving the tradeoff given by the minimization of investment, operational and environmental costs. An open framework is proposed for solving treatment networks, including any kind of objective function or treatment models. An evolutionary simulation-based search allows determining practical solutions to the design and operation problems. A case study including new aspects as energy balances and non-linear degradation rates is addressed for demonstrating the capabilities and flexibility of the approach and tool developed.