A Program in Visual Basic for Simulation and Control of Acidic Wastewater Neutralisation System

S. Fosu, E. B. Danuba, F. Krampah, Theophilus Joe-asare

Abstract


The primary objective of this paper was to investigates the use and benefits of simulation for basic instrumentation and process control education. This simulation approach provide valuable solution by giving clear insights into complex systems.  A graphic computer simulation program, for controlling and neutralising acidic wastewater has been developed. The simulator (pH-neutraliser) was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic Programming language and process control principles. The program was designed to provide an intuitive interface by correcting and adjusting the acidic pH of wastewater to 7 (neutral pH) before discharge into the environment. The acidic wastewater can be neutralised by alkali reagents like caustic soda or lime. The simulator was designed to operate in both manual and automatic modes during the neutralisation process. In the manual mode, the pH-neutraliser alerts an operator by sounding an alarm and suggests the percentage by which the alkali reagent valve should be opened to add required amount to bring the pH of the wastewater to 7. This is done when the measured value from the pH sensor and transmitter is not equal to the desired value. In the automatic mode, the neutraliser is expected to automatically open the alkali reagent valve to the required percentage to add the needed amount of alkali to make the pH of wastewater neutral. The pH neutralisation automation of wastewater can be achieved with the aid of pH analytical sensor and transmitter, signals, controller and feedback control mechanism.

Keywords


Computer Simulation, pH-Neutralisation, Visual Basic Programming, Wastewater, Process controlVeolia Wastewater Treatment CompanyVeolia Wastewater Treatment Company

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References


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