Abstract
WATREX is an expert system used to aid in potable water treatment plant design and was developed several years ago by the Water Research Commission. More recently, this system was tested and a number of deficiencies identified. Amongst these deficiencies were the list of possible chemicals that should be additionally included in the system, as well as the prediction of turbidity removal. The objectives of this project were to investigate and improve these deficiencies. This was achieved in two ways. The chemical addition deficiency was improved through the introduction of new chemicals as separate processes and via improved formulation to model the effects of these chemicals using a spreadsheet with automated calculation abilities. Turbidity removal prediction was improved by the mathematical modelling using data obtained from existing water treatment plants throughout South Africa. The results obtained from the chemical addition improvements were compared to those obtained from other models and found to be correct. The modelling of the turbidity removal data resulted in a series of equations that predict turbidity removal based on plant performance and incoming turbidity values, a first of its kind. Though complete, these models have yet to be incorporated into the existing WATREX system.
Prof. J. Haarhoff