ErgoPlanner

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Process Units Overview ​

ErgoPlanner includes 125+ process units covering all aspects of wastewater treatment, from preliminary screening to advanced sludge processing.

Basic vs Advanced Mode ​

Each process unit supports two calculation modes:

Basic Mode ​

  • Simplified calculations using fixed efficiency factors
  • Suitable for preliminary design and quick estimates
  • Faster simulation performance
  • Based on typical design values

Advanced Mode ​

  • Mechanistic models with detailed process physics
  • SUMO-equivalent calculations
  • Temperature-dependent kinetics
  • Detailed mass balance tracking
  • Required for dynamic simulation

Process Unit Categories ​

Preliminary Treatment ​

Equipment for removing large solids and grit before primary treatment.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
Coarse Screen25-75mm bar spacingFixed capture %Kirschmer head loss
Fine Screen1-6mm spacingFixed capture %Particle size distribution
Grit ChamberHorizontal flowFixed removal %Stokes settling
Aerated GritAir-assisted separationFixed removal %Selective settling model

Primary Treatment ​

Sedimentation for removing settleable solids and BOD.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
Primary ClarifierCircular or rectangular60% TSS, 30% CODStokes/Type I-II settling
Lamella ClarifierInclined plate settlerFixed efficiencyEffective settling area

Biological Treatment ​

Biological processes for organic and nutrient removal.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
CSTRContinuous stirred reactorSimple kineticsASM1/ASM2d/ASM3
PFRPlug flow reactorTanks-in-seriesASM with hydraulic model
SBRSequencing batchCycle-averagedPhase-by-phase simulation
MBBRMoving bed biofilmLoading-basedBiofilm diffusion kinetics
MBRMembrane bioreactorFixed permeateFouling model
Trickling FilterFixed filmNRC equationSubstrate flux model
UASBUpflow anaerobicFixed removalADM1 kinetics

Secondary Treatment ​

Clarification and sludge recycle.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
Secondary ClarifierBiomass separationFixed efficiencyTakács model
RAS PumpReturn sludgeFixed ratioFlow-based control

Tertiary Treatment ​

Polishing for high-quality effluent.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
Sand FilterRapid filtrationFixed TSS removalIwasaki filtration
GAC FilterAdsorptionFixed removalFreundlich isotherm
UV DisinfectionPathogen inactivationFixed doseCT calculation
Membrane (UF/MF)Fine filtrationFixed rejectionFouling dynamics

Sludge Treatment ​

Processing and disposal of sludge.

UnitDescriptionBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
Gravity ThickenerConcentrationFixed TSSSolids flux theory
Anaerobic DigesterVS destructionFixed %ADM1 (24 variables)
Belt PressDewateringFixed DS%Polymer demand model
CentrifugeHigh-speed dewateringFixed DS%Performance curves

Chemical Dosing ​

Chemical addition for treatment enhancement.

ChemicalApplicationBasic ModeAdvanced Mode
FeCl3P removalFixed ratioMolar stoichiometry
NaOH/LimepH controlFixed doseAlkalinity balance
MethanolDenitrificationFixed COD:NMonod kinetics
PolymerSludge conditioningFixed doseDemand optimization

Auxiliary Equipment ​

Supporting equipment and instrumentation.

UnitDescriptionFeatures
PumpsFlow transferPump curves, VFD, NPSH
BlowersAir supplyAffinity laws, efficiency
Splitters/CombinersFlow distributionHydraulic or controlled
SensorsMeasurementResponse time, noise

Unit Configuration ​

Common Parameters ​

All process units share these configuration options:

ParameterDescription
calculationMode'basic' or 'advanced'
enabledInclude in simulation
nameUser-defined name
positionDiagram coordinates

Connections ​

Process units connect via streams:

  • Inlet - Incoming flow
  • Outlet - Main effluent
  • Sludge - Sludge/waste stream
  • Recycle - Return flow
  • Air - Aeration supply
  • Chemical - Dosing point

Design Guidelines ​

UK Practice Standards ​

ErgoPlanner includes design criteria from UK water industry practice (PS201, PS208, PS211, PS221 and similar public design standards).

Key Design Parameters ​

ParameterTypical RangeNotes
Primary SOR30-50 m³/m²/dSurface overflow rate
Primary HRT1.5-2.5 hoursHydraulic retention
F/M Ratio0.2-0.5 kg BOD/kg MLSS/dActivated sludge
SRT10-25 daysSolids retention time
MLSS3000-5000 mg/LMixed liquor solids

See Also ​