Estimation of dissolved oxygen dynamics for sequencing batch aerobic reactors

In this paper a wastewater treatment pilot plant, which consists of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) in series with a batch reactor operated in aerobic conditions is under study. Both reactors are based in the activated sludge process. The work is focused on the estimation of the dissolved oxygen dynamics of the aerobic reactor: the oxygen transfer function and the respiration rate are estimated first in nonrecursive mode in the beginning of the batch and then, the respiration rate is estimated in recursive mode. Simulation and experimental estimates are performed.