Hydrodynamic maquettes and micro-models are similar to each other. As described in hydrodynamic maquette section, it might be possible to ignore scale and proportionality of maquettes to represent some processes and events. The main goal of micro-model construction is to extract physical, chemical, or biological parameters for use in larger scale. Thus, no change in dimension proportionality is possible and the small-scaled model should be scaled down according to specific requirements. Physical models designed for hydraulic studies are the larger scales of micro-models. Micro-models are intended for educational applications and assistances in schools, universities, and research centers. They can also be used in treatment plant entries to provide plant information to spectators and visitors as well as to utility forces.
Micro-Model of Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
wastewater treatment plants are intended to be the main part of water reuse and recirculation into water network. There are different types of IWTP models in terms of hydraulic and process performance. This is a hydrodynamic model of a industrial wastewater treatment plant in micro scale which is exposed to indicate all the steps of wastewater treatment from entry to the package through exit . this model from left to right include equalization basin, UAFBR system, aerobic reactors, settling basin, chlorination basin, sludge and effluent storage tanks . This model is a small-scale form of a industrial wastewater treatment plant in the scale of 0.03 and is able to treat 15 liters of wasterwater per day.
Performance
Equalization basin is controlled by the table-measuring sensor and commands pumps to be on and off. As pumps start to work, flow continues in the model and hydraulic condition can be seen. Aeration system in aerobic tank, airlift pumps of sludge return and additional sludge discharge are all controlled by PLC system. This model can upgrade to contain more different sensors in terms of type and numbers. As this model is commonly intended for educational or expository application, it is designed in a closed-hydraulic circulation in a way that water from the end of the reactor is pumped to the starting part in a closed circuit. GPRS system and mobile software programs control them and record information.
A parshall flume, the most recognized and commonly used flume today, is a fixed hydraulic structure developed to measure surface waters. This model is made in a small scale and indicates the hydraulic of flow.
Performance
Water flow is directed from the end of parshall flume to the initial part of it by pumps and then flows in parshall flume. Parshall flume is able to measure flow by changing flow conditions from sub-critical to super critical statuses. Thus, the water height in sub-critical and super-critical conditions are readily read by table-measure sensors. The amount of temporary water flowing can then be measured.
Micro-Model of MBR-based Wastewater Treatment Plant
Wastewater treatment plants are intended to be the main part of water reuse and recirculation into water network. There are different types of IWTP models in terms of hydraulic and process performance. Today, the application of MBR system in wastewater treatment process as an output filter for effluent is of primary importance. This model is a small scale form of an urban wastewater treatment plant using extended aeration and MBR system. Operational details and utilities are employed inside it.
