Lean-green improvement opportunities for sustainable manufacturing using water telemetry in agri-food industry.

Water has become a critical resource due to increased manufacturing activities. However, there is a lack of detailed information on water management and consumption by industries. In the recent bibliography, lean–green was established as a good approach for achieving sustainability in manufacturing industries, but few studies have aimed to achieve both operational and environmental improvements in water consumption. In this paper, we present a multi-case study in the agri-food industry in which water consumption in company activities is monitored, allowing them to improve their industrial processes based on lean–green practices, leading to a zero-waste strategy for this critical resource. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of having detailed knowledge regarding water consumption in order to discover, in a lean–green context, new improvement opportunities which could remain hidden by the current way of analysing consumption

Quantitative assessment of energy and resource recovery in wastewater treatment plants based on plant-wide simulations.

The growing development of technologies and processes for resource treatment and recovery is offering endless possibilities for creating new plant-wide configurations or modifying existing ones. However, the configurations’ complexity, the interrelation between technologies and the influent characteristics turn decision-making into a complex or unobvious process. In this frame, the Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) library presented in this paper allows a thorough, comprehensive and refined analysis of different plant configurations that are basic aspects in decision-making from an energy and resource recovery perspective. In order to demonstrate the potential of the library and the need to run simulation analyses, this paper carries out a comparative analysis of WWTPs, from a techno-economic point of view. The selected layouts were (1) a conventional WWTP based on a modified version of the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2, (2) an upgraded or retrofitted WWTP, and (3) a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF) concept denominated as C/N/P decoupling WWTP. The study was based on a preliminary analysis of the organic matter and nutrient energy use and recovery options, a comprehensive mass and energy flux distribution analysis in each configuration in order to compare and identify areas for improvement, and a cost analysis of each plant for different influent COD/TN/TP ratios. Analysing the plants from a standpoint of resources and energy utilization, a low utilization of the energy content of the components could be observed in all configurations. In the conventional plant, the COD used to produce biogas was around 29%, the upgraded plant was around 36%, and 34% in the C/N/P decoupling WWTP. With regard to the self-sufficiency of plants, achieving self-sufficiency was not possible in the conventional plant, in the upgraded plant it depended on the influent C/N ratio, and in the C/N/P decoupling WWTP layout self-sufficiency was feasible for almost all influents, especially at high COD concentrations. The plant layouts proposed in this paper are just a sample of the possibilities offered by current technologies. Even so, the library presented here is generic and can be used to construct any other plant layout, provided that a model is available

A new mindset for circular economy strategies: case studies of circularity in the use of water

In a circular economy (CE) environment, it is important to make good and efficient use of resources and consider that the waste generated in production processes can be a valuable resource. However, the tools and methodologies conventionally used to analyze and evaluate production systems are based on techniques focused on linear production management models, where the primary purpose is to reduce the treatment and management of waste as much as possible and where productive and environmental efficiency are not evaluated simultaneously. Changing the paradigm from a linear to a circular economy requires that a new strategy for production systems be defined, one that makes production processes simultaneously circular and efficient (in terms of quality and productivity). In this context, a holistic vision is needed when implementing CE strategies. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide evidence, through two real case studies in the use of water, that the management of this resource without considering systemic thinking may not be the most circular solution. Main results showed that improvements based on the traditional approach of reducing resource use cannot provide the best results if they are supported only by current process consumption without considering the circularity of resources

New heat transfer and operating cost models for the Plant-Wide simulation of full-scale WWTPs.

Tesi honen helburu nagusia, modelo matematikoak eraikitzeko beharrezkoa den prozedura zorrotz eta sistematikoa garatu ata balioztatzea izan da, hondakin uren araztegia (HUA) osatzen duten prozesu ororen bero transferentzia eta eragiketa-kostuak deskribatu ahal izateko. Helburu hau erdiesteko asmoz, tesiak modelaketa metodologia berri bat aurkezten du, unitateetan eman daitezkeen erreakzio biokimiko, kimiko eta fisiko-kimikoek sor ditzaketen bero aldaketak zenbatezteko. Metodologia, fase (likido, gas nahiz solido) bakoitzeko erreakzio-beroen zenbatezpenean oinarritzen da, formazio entalpiak erabiliz eta Hess-en legea aplikatuz. Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) metodologiak eskaintzen duen osagaien karakterizazio xehatuak, osagai bakoitzaren formazio entalpiaren zenbatespena ahalbidetzen du, baita erreakzio-beroaren kalkulu sistemiko eta dinamikoa ere, uneoro planta osoan zehar energia termikoaren ata masikoaren jarraitasuna bermatuz. Metodologia hau, bero transferentzia modelo orokor batetara gehitu da prozesuko unitateetan aurki daitezkeen faseen temperaturak iragartzeko asmoz. Eragiketa-kostu modeloei dagokienez, tesiak ingeniaritzan erabiltzen diren adierazpenetan oinarritutako eragingailuen bilduma zabala aurkezten du. Adierazpen hauen erabilerak, eragiketa-kostuen zenbatezpen zehatz eta errealista ahalbidetzen du, hauek prozesuko aldagaiekin (emari, erreakzio entalpia, solidoen kontzentrazio, etab.) duten lotura estuari esker. Tesi honetan garatutako bero transferentzia eta kostu modeluek, eta Lizarralde eta kol-ek (2015) aurkeztutako modelu fisiko-kimikoak, Ceit-IK4 PWM metodologia eguneratzen lagundu dute, Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM) metodología izenekora. Erreakzio-beroaren zenbatezpenerako garatutako modelaketa metodologia, datu teoriko eta experimentalekin balioztatu da. Bero transferentzia modeloaren iragartze ahalmena berriz, digestio aerobio termofilo eta autoiraunkor (DATA) baten portaeraren simulazio bitartez egiaztatu da. Modelo termiko orokorraren baliagarritasuna eta aplikagarritasuna frogatzeko, simulazio bidezko bi azterketa-kasu burutu dira, lehenengoan DATA erreaktorea simulatuz eta bigarrengoan erreferentzizko planta global bat erabiliz (BSM2). Modelo bildumaren ahalmena erakusteko asmoz, hiru HUA ebolutibo alderatu dira ikuspuntu tekniko-ekonomiko batetatik. Aukeratutako konfigurazioak ondorengoak dira: (1) Ohiko hondakin uren araztegi bat erreferentzizko bigarren simulazio modelo (BSM2) eraldatuan oinarritua, (2) Ohiko HUAren bertsio hobetu eta berhornitua, eta (3) arazketa kontzeptu berri batean oinarritutako konfigurazio bat, C/N/P banandua duen arategia izenekoa. Ondoren, hiru HUA errealetan burututako azterketa-kasuak aurkezten dira modelo bilduma egokitu eta malguen baliagarritasuna erakusteko, hau da, PWM modelo bildumaren baliagarritasuna. Bukatzeko, tesiaren ondorio nagusiak biltzen dituen atala, erabilitako erreferentzi bibliografiko zehatzen zerrenda eta tesian aurkeztutako informazioa osatzen duten zenbait eranskin gehitu dira.El principal objetivo de esta tesis ha sido el de desarrollar y validar un procedimiento riguroso y sistemático para construir modelos matemáticos que describan las transferencias de calor y los costes operacionales en estaciones depuradoras de aguas residuales (EDARs). Con el fin de lograr este objetivo, la tesis presenta una nueva metodología de modelado para el cálculo de las variaciones de calor producidas por las reacciones bioquímicas, químicas y físico-químicas en cualquier unidad. La metodología se basa en la estimación del calor de reacción de cada fase (líquida, sólida o gaseosa) mediante las entalpias de formación de los componentes del modelo y aplicando la Ley de Hess. La detallada caracterización de los componentes que ofrece la metodología Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM), permite la estimación de las entalpías de formación de cada componente del modelo, y hace posible un cálculo sistemático y dinámico del calor liberado o absorbido por cada transformación, garantizando en todo momento la continuidad de energía calorífica en paralelo con la continuidad de masa en cualquier punto de la planta. Esta metodología ha sido incorporada a un completo y genérico modelo de transferencias de calor para la predicción de la temperatura de cualquier fase (líquida, sólida o gaseosa) presente en las unidades de proceso. En lo que respecta a los modelos de costes de operación, la tesis presenta una amplia librería de modelos de actuadores basados en ecuaciones ingenieriles. La utilización de expresiones ingenieriles ha permitido tener una estimación más detallada y realista de los costes operacionales, por el hecho de estar éstos asociados a variables operacionales de proceso (caudales, entalpías de reacción, concentración de sólidos, etc.). Los modelos de transferencias de calor y los modelos de costes operacionales desarrollados en esta tesis, junto con el modelo físico-químico desarrollado por Lizarralde et al., (2015) han servido para actualizar la metodología Ceit-IK4 PWM, a una nueva versión de la metodología denominada Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM). La metodología de modelado desarrollada para el cálculo de las variaciones de calor producidas por las transformaciones ha sido validada mediante una comparación con datos experimentales y teóricos bibliográficos. Mientras que la verificación de la capacidad predictiva del modelo de transferencias de calor se ha llevado a cabo mediante la simulación del comportamiento dinámico de un digestor aerobio termófilo auto-sostenido (ATAD). Para testear la utilidad y aplicabilidad del modelo térmico global, se han realizado dos estudios por simulación, uno de ellos en el mismo reactor ATAD y otro en una planta global de referencia (BSM2). Con el objetivo de mostrar el potencial de la librería, se han comparado tres plantas evolutivas desde un punto de vista técnico-económico. Las configuraciones seleccionados han sido: (1) una EDAR convencional basada en una versión modificada del modelo de simulación de referencia No. 2 (BSM2), (2) una versión mejorada o reequipada de la EDAR convencional, y (3) un nuevo concepto de planta denominado EDAR con desacople de C/N/P. Posteriormente, la tesis presenta tres casos de estudio realizados en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales a escala real con el objetivo de mostrar la utilidad de las librerías de modelos adaptadas y flexibles frente a optimizaciones de plantas a gran escala, como es el caso de la librería de modelos PWM. La exposición finaliza con un capítulo dedicado a las conclusiones más significativas, la bibliografía utilizada y una serie de anexos que proporcionan información adicional a la incluida en la memoria, como por ejemplo la descripción detallada de los modelos y la caracterización de los componentes del modelo.The main objective of this thesis has been to develop and validate a systematic and rigorous procedure for constructing mathematical models describing both heat transfers and operating costs in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). In order to achieve this objective, the thesis presents a new modelling methodology for calculating the heat variations produced by biochemical, chemical and physico-chemical transformations in any unit. The methodology is based on the estimation of the heat of reaction of each phase (liquid, solid or gaseous) by the enthalpies of formation of model components, applying the Hess's law. The detailed characterization of the components that provides the Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) methodology, enables the estimation of the enthalpy of formation for each model component and makes possible a systematic and dynamic calculation of the heat released or absorbed by each transformation, guaranteeing heat energy continuity in parallel with the mass continuity at any point in the plant. This methodology has been incorporated into a complete and generic heat transfer model for predicting the temperature of any phase present in the unit-processes. Regarding the operating cost models, the thesis presents an extensive library of actuator models based on engineering equations. The engineering expressions adapted depend closely on the operational variables of the process (solids concentration, flowrates, enthalpy changes of reaction, etc.), allowing a more detailed and realistic estimate. The heat transfer and operating costs models developed in this thesis, along with the physico-chemical model developed by Lizarralde et al. (2015), have been used to update the Ceit-IK4 PWM methodology to a new version of the methodology called Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM). The modelling methodology developed for calculating heat variations caused by transformations has been validated with experimental and theoretical data obtained in literature. After validation, a verification of the predictive capacity of the heat transfer model was carried out by simulating the behaviour of an Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digester (ATAD). In order to test the usefulness and applicability of the overall heat transfer model, two case studies have been carried out. In the first study, the same ATAD reactor was simulated, and in the second case study a global reference plant (BSM2) was used. In order to show the potential of the library, three evolutionary WWTPs were compared from a techno-economic standpoint. The selected configurations were (1) a conventional WWTP based on a modified version of the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2, (2) an upgraded or retrofitted WWTP, and (3) a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) concept denominated as C/N/P decoupling WWTP. Subsequently, the thesis presents three case studies conducted in full-scale wastewater treatment plant in order to show the usefulness of adapted and flexible model libraries for optimising real full-scale WWTPs, as is the case of the PWM library. The thesis concludes with a chapter devoted to the most significant conclusions, the bibliography, and a set of appendixes with additional information, such as the detailed description of the models and the characterization of the components

New heat transfer and operating cost models for the Plant-Wide simulation of full-scale WWTPs.

Tesi honen helburu nagusia, modelo matematikoak eraikitzeko beharrezkoa den prozedura zorrotz eta sistematikoa garatu ata balioztatzea izan da, hondakin uren araztegia (HUA) osatzen duten prozesu ororen bero transferentzia eta eragiketa-kostuak deskribatu ahal izateko. Helburu hau erdiesteko asmoz, tesiak modelaketa metodologia berri bat aurkezten du, unitateetan eman daitezkeen erreakzio biokimiko, kimiko eta fisiko-kimikoek sor ditzaketen bero aldaketak zenbatezteko. Metodologia, fase (likido, gas nahiz solido) bakoitzeko erreakzio-beroen zenbatezpenean oinarritzen da, formazio entalpiak erabiliz eta Hess-en legea aplikatuz. Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) metodologiak eskaintzen duen osagaien karakterizazio xehatuak, osagai bakoitzaren formazio entalpiaren zenbatespena ahalbidetzen du, baita erreakzio-beroaren kalkulu sistemiko eta dinamikoa ere, uneoro planta osoan zehar energia termikoaren ata masikoaren jarraitasuna bermatuz. Metodologia hau, bero transferentzia modelo orokor batetara gehitu da prozesuko unitateetan aurki daitezkeen faseen temperaturak iragartzeko asmoz. Eragiketa-kostu modeloei dagokienez, tesiak ingeniaritzan erabiltzen diren adierazpenetan oinarritutako eragingailuen bilduma zabala aurkezten du. Adierazpen hauen erabilerak, eragiketa-kostuen zenbatezpen zehatz eta errealista ahalbidetzen du, hauek prozesuko aldagaiekin (emari, erreakzio entalpia, solidoen kontzentrazio, etab.) duten lotura estuari esker. Tesi honetan garatutako bero transferentzia eta kostu modeluek, eta Lizarralde eta kol-ek (2015) aurkeztutako modelu fisiko-kimikoak, Ceit-IK4 PWM metodologia eguneratzen lagundu dute, Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM) metodología izenekora. Erreakzio-beroaren zenbatezpenerako garatutako modelaketa metodologia, datu teoriko eta experimentalekin balioztatu da. Bero transferentzia modeloaren iragartze ahalmena berriz, digestio aerobio termofilo eta autoiraunkor (DATA) baten portaeraren simulazio bitartez egiaztatu da. Modelo termiko orokorraren baliagarritasuna eta aplikagarritasuna frogatzeko, simulazio bidezko bi azterketa-kasu burutu dira, lehenengoan DATA erreaktorea simulatuz eta bigarrengoan erreferentzizko planta global bat erabiliz (BSM2). Modelo bildumaren ahalmena erakusteko asmoz, hiru HUA ebolutibo alderatu dira ikuspuntu tekniko-ekonomiko batetatik. Aukeratutako konfigurazioak ondorengoak dira: (1) Ohiko hondakin uren araztegi bat erreferentzizko bigarren simulazio modelo (BSM2) eraldatuan oinarritua, (2) Ohiko HUAren bertsio hobetu eta berhornitua, eta (3) arazketa kontzeptu berri batean oinarritutako konfigurazio bat, C/N/P banandua duen arategia izenekoa. Ondoren, hiru HUA errealetan burututako azterketa-kasuak aurkezten dira modelo bilduma egokitu eta malguen baliagarritasuna erakusteko, hau da, PWM modelo bildumaren baliagarritasuna. Bukatzeko, tesiaren ondorio nagusiak biltzen dituen atala, erabilitako erreferentzi bibliografiko zehatzen zerrenda eta tesian aurkeztutako informazioa osatzen duten zenbait eranskin gehitu dira.El principal objetivo de esta tesis ha sido el de desarrollar y validar un procedimiento riguroso y sistemático para construir modelos matemáticos que describan las transferencias de calor y los costes operacionales en estaciones depuradoras de aguas residuales (EDARs). Con el fin de lograr este objetivo, la tesis presenta una nueva metodología de modelado para el cálculo de las variaciones de calor producidas por las reacciones bioquímicas, químicas y físico-químicas en cualquier unidad. La metodología se basa en la estimación del calor de reacción de cada fase (líquida, sólida o gaseosa) mediante las entalpias de formación de los componentes del modelo y aplicando la Ley de Hess. La detallada caracterización de los componentes que ofrece la metodología Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM), permite la estimación de las entalpías de formación de cada componente del modelo, y hace posible un cálculo sistemático y dinámico del calor liberado o absorbido por cada transformación, garantizando en todo momento la continuidad de energía calorífica en paralelo con la continuidad de masa en cualquier punto de la planta. Esta metodología ha sido incorporada a un completo y genérico modelo de transferencias de calor para la predicción de la temperatura de cualquier fase (líquida, sólida o gaseosa) presente en las unidades de proceso. En lo que respecta a los modelos de costes de operación, la tesis presenta una amplia librería de modelos de actuadores basados en ecuaciones ingenieriles. La utilización de expresiones ingenieriles ha permitido tener una estimación más detallada y realista de los costes operacionales, por el hecho de estar éstos asociados a variables operacionales de proceso (caudales, entalpías de reacción, concentración de sólidos, etc.). Los modelos de transferencias de calor y los modelos de costes operacionales desarrollados en esta tesis, junto con el modelo físico-químico desarrollado por Lizarralde et al., (2015) han servido para actualizar la metodología Ceit-IK4 PWM, a una nueva versión de la metodología denominada Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM). La metodología de modelado desarrollada para el cálculo de las variaciones de calor producidas por las transformaciones ha sido validada mediante una comparación con datos experimentales y teóricos bibliográficos. Mientras que la verificación de la capacidad predictiva del modelo de transferencias de calor se ha llevado a cabo mediante la simulación del comportamiento dinámico de un digestor aerobio termófilo auto-sostenido (ATAD). Para testear la utilidad y aplicabilidad del modelo térmico global, se han realizado dos estudios por simulación, uno de ellos en el mismo reactor ATAD y otro en una planta global de referencia (BSM2). Con el objetivo de mostrar el potencial de la librería, se han comparado tres plantas evolutivas desde un punto de vista técnico-económico. Las configuraciones seleccionados han sido: (1) una EDAR convencional basada en una versión modificada del modelo de simulación de referencia No. 2 (BSM2), (2) una versión mejorada o reequipada de la EDAR convencional, y (3) un nuevo concepto de planta denominado EDAR con desacople de C/N/P. Posteriormente, la tesis presenta tres casos de estudio realizados en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales a escala real con el objetivo de mostrar la utilidad de las librerías de modelos adaptadas y flexibles frente a optimizaciones de plantas a gran escala, como es el caso de la librería de modelos PWM. La exposición finaliza con un capítulo dedicado a las conclusiones más significativas, la bibliografía utilizada y una serie de anexos que proporcionan información adicional a la incluida en la memoria, como por ejemplo la descripción detallada de los modelos y la caracterización de los componentes del modelo.The main objective of this thesis has been to develop and validate a systematic and rigorous procedure for constructing mathematical models describing both heat transfers and operating costs in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). In order to achieve this objective, the thesis presents a new modelling methodology for calculating the heat variations produced by biochemical, chemical and physico-chemical transformations in any unit. The methodology is based on the estimation of the heat of reaction of each phase (liquid, solid or gaseous) by the enthalpies of formation of model components, applying the Hess's law. The detailed characterization of the components that provides the Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) methodology, enables the estimation of the enthalpy of formation for each model component and makes possible a systematic and dynamic calculation of the heat released or absorbed by each transformation, guaranteeing heat energy continuity in parallel with the mass continuity at any point in the plant. This methodology has been incorporated into a complete and generic heat transfer model for predicting the temperature of any phase present in the unit-processes. Regarding the operating cost models, the thesis presents an extensive library of actuator models based on engineering equations. The engineering expressions adapted depend closely on the operational variables of the process (solids concentration, flowrates, enthalpy changes of reaction, etc.), allowing a more detailed and realistic estimate. The heat transfer and operating costs models developed in this thesis, along with the physico-chemical model developed by Lizarralde et al. (2015), have been used to update the Ceit-IK4 PWM methodology to a new version of the methodology called Extended Plant-Wide Modelling (E-PWM). The modelling methodology developed for calculating heat variations caused by transformations has been validated with experimental and theoretical data obtained in literature. After validation, a verification of the predictive capacity of the heat transfer model was carried out by simulating the behaviour of an Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digester (ATAD). In order to test the usefulness and applicability of the overall heat transfer model, two case studies have been carried out. In the first study, the same ATAD reactor was simulated, and in the second case study a global reference plant (BSM2) was used. In order to show the potential of the library, three evolutionary WWTPs were compared from a techno-economic standpoint. The selected configurations were (1) a conventional WWTP based on a modified version of the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2, (2) an upgraded or retrofitted WWTP, and (3) a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) concept denominated as C/N/P decoupling WWTP. Subsequently, the thesis presents three case studies conducted in full-scale wastewater treatment plant in order to show the usefulness of adapted and flexible model libraries for optimising real full-scale WWTPs, as is the case of the PWM library. The thesis concludes with a chapter devoted to the most significant conclusions, the bibliography, and a set of appendixes with additional information, such as the detailed description of the models and the characterization of the components

New systematic methodology for incorporating dynamic heat transfer modelling in multi-phase biochemical reactors

This paper presents a new modelling methodology for dynamically predicting the heat produced or consumed in the transformations of any biological reactor using Hess's law. Starting from a complete description of model components stoichiometry and formation enthalpies, the proposed modelling methodology has integrated successfully the simultaneous calculation of both the conventional mass balances and the enthalpy change of reaction in an expandable multi-phase matrix structure, which facilitates a detailed prediction of the main heat fluxes in the biochemical reactors. The methodology has been implemented in a plant-wide modelling methodology in order to facilitate the dynamic description of mass and heat throughout the plant. After validation with literature data, as illustrative examples of the capability of the methodology, two case studies have been described. In the first one, a predenitrification-nitrification dynamic process has been analysed, with the aim of demonstrating the easy integration of the methodology in any system. In the second case study, the simulation of a thermal model for an ATAD has shown the potential of the proposed methodology for analysing the effect of ventilation and influent characterization

A new mindset for circular economy strategies: case studies of circularity in the use of water

In a circular economy (CE) environment, it is important to make good and efficient use of resources and consider that the waste generated in production processes can be a valuable resource. However, the tools and methodologies conventionally used to analyze and evaluate production systems are based on techniques focused on linear production management models, where the primary purpose is to reduce the treatment and management of waste as much as possible and where productive and environmental efficiency are not evaluated simultaneously. Changing the paradigm from a linear to a circular economy requires that a new strategy for production systems be defined, one that makes production processes simultaneously circular and efficient (in terms of quality and productivity). In this context, a holistic vision is needed when implementing CE strategies. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide evidence, through two real case studies in the use of water, that the management of this resource without considering systemic thinking may not be the most circular solution. Main results showed that improvements based on the traditional approach of reducing resource use cannot provide the best results if they are supported only by current process consumption without considering the circularity of resources

Validation of a multi-phase plant-wide model for the description of the aeration process in a WWTP.

This paper introduces a new mathematical model built under the PC-PWM methodology to describe the aeration process in a full-scale WWTP. This methodology enables a systematic and rigorous incorporation of chemical and physico-chemical transformations into biochemical process models, particularly for the description of liquid-gas transfer to describe the aeration process. The mathematical model constructed is able to reproduce biological COD and nitrogen removal, liquid-gas transfer and chemical reactions. The capability of the model to describe the liquid-gas mass transfer has been tested by comparing simulated and experimental results in a full-scale WWTP. Finally, an exploration by simulation has been undertaken to show the potential of the mathematical model

Lean-green improvement opportunities for sustainable manufacturing using water telemetry in agri-food industry.

Water has become a critical resource due to increased manufacturing activities. However, there is a lack of detailed information on water management and consumption by industries. In the recent bibliography, lean–green was established as a good approach for achieving sustainability in manufacturing industries, but few studies have aimed to achieve both operational and environmental improvements in water consumption. In this paper, we present a multi-case study in the agri-food industry in which water consumption in company activities is monitored, allowing them to improve their industrial processes based on lean–green practices, leading to a zero-waste strategy for this critical resource. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of having detailed knowledge regarding water consumption in order to discover, in a lean–green context, new improvement opportunities which could remain hidden by the current way of analysing consumption

Diagnosis and optimization of WWTPs using the PWM library: full-scale experiences.

Given the shift in perception of wastewater treatment plants as water resource recovery facilities, conventional mathematical models need to be updated. The resource recovery perspective should be applied to new processes, technologies and plant layouts. The number and level of models proposed to date give an overview of the complexity of the new plant configurations and provides a wide range of possibilities and process combinations in order to construct plant layouts. This diversity makes the development of standard, modular and flexible tools and model libraries that allow the incorporation of new processes and components in a straightforward way a necessity. In this regard, the plant-wide modelling (PWM) library is a complete model library that includes conventional and advanced technologies and that allows economic and energetic analyses to be carried out in a holistic way. This paper shows the fundamentals of this PWM library that is built upon the above-mentioned premises and the application of the PWM library in three different full-scale case studies