What is this tool intended for?

WEST is designed to simulate and optimize wastewater treatment systems. It enables users to test different scenarios and evaluate WWTP design and operation strategies under dynamic conditions. The tool helps improve effluent quality, optimize energy usage, and reduce operational costs. WEST is particularly useful for optimizing plant-wide operations and simulating real-time control strategies, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and long-term sustainability goals.

How does this tool work?

WEST features a graphical user interface that allows users to create and analyze wastewater treatment plant layouts. Users can select from extensive model libraries, including pre-configured treatment process blocks for activated sludge systems, chemical treatments, and anaerobic digestion. WEST enables the definition of inflows, operational parameters, and control strategies. It performs dynamic simulations to evaluate system performance over time. Advanced experiments, such as sensitivity analysis, parameter estimation, and uncertainty analysis, allow users to identify optimal treatment strategies. Custom models can also be developed using the Model Editor for greater flexibility.

Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?

WEST can be used by a wide range of stakeholders involved in wastewater management. Researchers use WEST to study and validate treatment process models. Design consultants leverage it to optimize treatment plant layouts and operational strategies. Process consultants utilize it to identify energy-saving opportunities and improve system efficiency. Plant operators benefit from using WEST to simulate real-time control strategies, enabling better process monitoring and operator training. Policy makers and regulatory authorities use the tool to evaluate and plan wastewater policies aimed at improving water quality and resource recovery.

What stages of a process can this tool support?

WEST supports various stages of the wastewater treatment plant life cycle. During the design phase, it is used to evaluate new plant layouts and operational scenarios. In operation and maintenance, WEST helps identify bottlenecks, optimize energy consumption, and implement advanced control strategies for improved performance. It also supports strategic planning by enabling users to test different system upgrades and resource recovery scenarios.

What skills, capabilities and resources are required to use this tool?

To use WEST effectively, users need a basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes, modelling concepts, and plant operations. Advanced analyses such as sensitivity or uncertainty analysis may require a higher technical skill level. Training may be needed for users unfamiliar with simulation software. The tool requires access to a computer with sufficient processing power for dynamic simulations and visualization. Comprehensive manuals and tutorials are available to help users navigate WEST’s features.

Where can this tool be used?

WEST can be applied globally in a variety of wastewater treatment contexts, including municipal and industrial treatment plants, sewer systems, and receiving water bodies. It can be used ideally in urban settings and is equally applicable for high-income and low-income countries aiming to optimize wastewater management.

Case examples of where this tool has been used

WEST has been used to develop digital twins for simulating water resource recovery facilities in various European cities. It has also been used to optimize water saving strategies in Singapore, for anaerobic digester optimization in Indiana, USA, and for optimizing recovery and reuse of valuable resources at the Bresso-Niguarda wastewater treatment plant in Italy.