Aquatic Informatics has launched WIMS Process Manager, a new digital twin solution designed to help wastewater treatment facilities predict process performance and test operational changes before implementing them.
The software becomes the latest addition to the Hach WIMS™ Platform and brings together SCADA, laboratory, operational and simulated data within a single environment.
Digital twin technology targets predictive wastewater operations
WIMS Process Manager uses wastewater modelling and digital twin technology to create a virtual representation of treatment processes.
According to Aquatic Informatics, simulation models can forecast process outcomes up to 24 hours in advance, giving operators an opportunity to identify potential operational issues before they occur.
The technology also allows facilities to virtually test changes to treatment processes before implementing them at the physical plant.
This could include adjustments to chemical dosing and aeration, as well as evaluating how changes could affect regulatory compliance, operating costs and environmental performance.
Digital twin technology is increasingly being explored across the water sector as utilities seek to use operational data to move from reactive management towards predictive decision-making.
H2O Global News has previously examined the growing role of digital twins in wastewater management.
Bringing operational data into one platform
The wider Hach WIMS platform is designed to combine field, process, laboratory and other operational data, with WIMS Process Manager adding predictive modelling capabilities to that information.
“Traditional systems often highlight issues during or after they occur,” said Megan Baxter, General Manager at Aquatic Informatics.
“This limits the ability to fix issues quickly which can result in plant downtime and costly solutions. With WIMS Process Manager, wastewater facilities can view dynamic, virtual replicas of physical plant processes.”
Aquatic Informatics says the system can also provide real-time event detection and process performance validation, allowing operators to evaluate individual treatment stages against operational objectives.
The company reports that facilities using the technology have achieved reductions in energy and chemical consumption through changes including more precise dosing and optimised aeration setpoints.
It has also reported reductions in nitrous oxide emissions at some facilities.
Actual savings and emissions reductions will depend on the individual treatment plant, its configuration and its operating conditions.
Louisville wastewater plant uses modelling to assess changes
The technology is being used by wastewater operators in Louisville, Colorado, where the plant has been assessing opportunities to reduce aeration energy requirements.
“WIMS Process Manager allows us to model changes in advance, and helped us identify opportunities to reduce aeration energy costs while keeping effluent quality well within target limits,” said Tanner Thorson, Wastewater Plant Superintendent in Louisville.
“The digital twin will also help inform decisions related to our upcoming plant expansion.”
The use of digital twins to test operational scenarios is already being investigated elsewhere in the wastewater sector.
In the UK, for example, Wessex Water has been developing a digital twin of its Westbury water recycling centre as part of a wider smart wastewater project.
WIMS Process Manager available across multiple regions
WIMS Process Manager is now available across the Americas, Australia and Europe.
Aquatic Informatics will also demonstrate the technology at WEFTEC at booth 3814.
Further information is available from Aquatic Informatics.
WIMS Process Manager is a wastewater process management solution from Aquatic Informatics that uses digital twin technology and predictive modelling to simulate treatment processes and help operators assess potential operational changes.
What is a digital twin in wastewater treatment?A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical wastewater treatment process or facility. By combining operational data with process models, it can be used to simulate conditions, forecast outcomes and test potential operational changes.
What data does WIMS Process Manager use?The solution is designed to combine data from sources including SCADA systems, laboratory testing, sensors and daily plant operations with simulation models.
Where is WIMS Process Manager available?Aquatic Informatics says WIMS Process Manager is available across the Americas, Australia and Europe.
