Instrumentation control and automation in the control of biological effluent treatment.
The role of instrumentation, control, and automation (ICA) in the management, operation, and control of domestic and industrial wastewater treatment works is examined following an historical account of developments in the UK over the past two decades. Included also are aspects of process optimization and process selection, taking into account size and types of works and populations served. The particular ICA requirements of individual unit processes are examined and the effects of unattended operation and remote supervision are considered. Particular attention is paid to measurement technology, the shortcomings of available instruments and systems, and recent developments of relevance, with particular emphasis being placed on microelectronic and fibre- and electro-optic-based sensors and on the role of advanced commenting methods including expert systems. Progress with biologically based sensors is also discussed.