SRTmaster™ controls sludge retention time (SRT) also known as sludge age. It does this by using a sophisticated control
algorithm that takes into account real time variations in solids inventory in the
aeration tanks and in solids to be wasted. Analyzing historical patterns of sludge
wasting, SRTmaster™ also provides stable solid mass loading on the wasted sludge
thickening facility while filtering out any erroneous data. SRTmaster™ is
custom-tuned to the customer’s specific activated sludge process. The software will
inform operators of potential problems and suggest corrective action.
Unique Features of SRTmaster™ Software
- Each control algorithm is tuned before delivery using a customized computerized
model of the customer's activated sludge process
- The unique sensor fault detection algorithm detects problems with the sensors
and prevents the use of faulty data
- A special algorithm provides stable wasted solids mass loading on the sludge
thickening facility
- The unique output data filtration algorithm guarantees that maintaining the SRT
target will never have a negative effect on the performance of clarification by
maintaining mixed liquor concentration within the specified range
- By maintaining the mass of wasted sludge within the specified range,
SRTmaster™ guarantees that a wasted sludge thickening facility will be never
overloaded
- The controller automatically notifies operators about potential problems and
suggests possible solutions using fuzzy logic methodology combined with
non-parametric statistics.
SRTmaster™ History
1997: As a part of a large research project, Dr. Alex Ekster develops the first prototype
of the SRT control algorithm and tests it at the 167 MGD San Jose/Santa Clara Water
Pollution Control Plant. The Water Environment Federation (WEF) acknowledges this
project as the best research of the year and awards Dr. Ekster a Phillip Morgan
Medal.
1998: Dr. Ekster launches Ekster and Associates. Ekster and Associates develops a
more robust version of the SRT control algorithm using several years of experience in
operating SRT control systems.
1999: Ekster and Associates enters into an agreement with Royce Instrument
Corporation to market SRT controllers.
2001: The Royce SRT controller, designed according to Dr. Ekster's specifications and
powered by Ekster and Associates' SRT control software, receives the 2001 WEF
Innovation Award.
2002: Ekster and Associates stops licensing SRT control technology to Royce and
starts direct licensing to treatment
plants. Ekster and Associates increases the
product line from one SRTmaster™ version to four.
