Simultaneously monitoring the particle size distribution, morphology and suspended solids concentration in wastewater applying digital image analysis (DIA).
The efficiency of particle sedimentation in wastewater treatment is seriously affected by particle size distribution and morphology. A laser particle size analyzer is typically to analyze particle size distribution in wastewater. However, using this analyzer for on-line monitoring is difficult. This analyzer cannot measure particle morphology. An on-line digital image analysis (DIA) system was setup in this study to simultaneously measure particle size distribution and morphology in wastewater. The DIA measurement results show that the predominant particle size with an equivalent diameter (ED) was 10-40 microm. The particle size distribution measured by the DIA method similar to that measured with the laser particle size analyzer, indicating that the DIA method precisely measures particle size distribution. In addition, the mean fractal dimension (D (f)) of a set of particles was measured simultaneously, resulting in a good linear relationship between suspended solids (SS) precipitation efficiencies in samples. Finally, by combining the DIA measurement results with an artificial neural network (ANN), the SS concentrations of sample can be precisely predicted and the SS precipitation efficiencies were also evaluated.
Yu
Ruey-Fang
RF
Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miao-Li 360, Taiwan, Republic of China. rfyu@nuu.edu.tw
Chen
Ho-Wen
HW
Cheng
Wen-Po
WP
Chu
Mei-Ling
ML
D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007834:Lasers; D010316:Particle Size; D012722:Sewage / Q000032:analysis*; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods
D012722:Sewage; D014873:Water Pollutants