Interdisciplinary Professional Programs
College of Engineering

Wastewater Modeling Essentials

Wastewater modeling is becoming an essential skill for professionals in the wastewater industry and is becoming standard practice for most projects. Process modeling has a wide range of applications including design, modification, optimization, operation, and control of wastewater systems.

It is a critical tool for wastewater treatment professionals, enabling data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. This Wastewater Modeling course provides an in-depth, structured approach to developing and applying wastewater process models. Many in the wastewater field are familiar with various wastewater modeling software options; however, a software cannot provide accurate and reliable results without a solid understanding of the modeling process. This course goes far beyond software to ensure participants understand essential concepts in modeling, data that must be gathered, how the models use data, essential steps in a well-performed modeling process, how to ensure models provide helpful and realistic outputs, and other important considerations.

This course is essential for wastewater professionals who are increasingly expected to be able to accurately create and apply wastewater modeling in their work. This course covers fundamental and advanced concepts, including good modeling practices, data analysis, wastewater fractionation, reactor setup, calibration, biological nutrient removal, and solids processing. Participants will gain hands-on experience through interactive exercises, case studies, and real-world applications.

This course is applicable to wastewater professionals, regardless of what wastewater modeling software they may choose to use. While the course is intended for those who will be performing the modeling work, it is also recommended for professionals who may be overseeing, reviewing, and wanting to understand modeling results. No prior modeling experience is required. However, it is important to have wastewater experience. Those who do have prior modeling have found the course to be very beneficial as we are able to explore questions related to their experience and problems they are tackling in their work. 

 

Why Attend This Course?

  • Practical & Industry-Relevant – Focuses on real-world wastewater treatment challenges.
  • Hands-On Learning – Includes exercises, case studies, and live interactive sessions.
  • Expert-Led Instruction – Learn from experienced wastewater modeling professionals.
  • Flexible Learning Options – Live sessions are recorded, allowing for flexibility of work schedules.
  • Enhance Your Career – Gain skills that are highly valued in the wastewater treatment industry.

 

Who Should Attend:

·         Wastewater engineers and process designers.

·         Environmental consultants and regulators.

·         Wastewater treatment plant operators and managers.

·         Researchers and students interested in process modeling.

·         Professionals preparing for advanced modeling applications.

Future course dates coming soon!

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Course Details: RA00106

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Course Outline

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Develop and apply wastewater treatment process models.
  • Analyze and interpret process data for model calibration.
  • Understand key wastewater fractionation concepts and their impact on modeling.
  • Conduct mass balance checks to ensure model accuracy.
  • Configure and simulate reactor models for different treatment processes.
  • Apply calibration techniques to improve model precision.
  • Model primary and secondary clarifier performance.
  • Optimize aeration basin configurations and airflow strategies.
  • Simulate biological nutrient removal processes.
  • Evaluate solids processing operations through modeling.
  • Perform sensitivity analysis to refine modeling accuracy.
Note that it is recommended for attendees to be familiar with wastewater treatment concepts before taking this course.

Outline

Module 1 – Good Modeling Practice

Module 2 – Data Analysis and Wastewater Fractionation

Module 3 – Data Analysis and Model Setup

Module 4 – Model Setup and Aeration

Module 5 – Biological Nutrient Removal Modeling 

Module 6 – Biological Nutrient Removal Modeling  (Continued)

Module 7 – Solids Processing

Module 8 – Calibration and Validation

Module 9 – Modeling for Design

Module 10 – Modeling for Operations

The live sessions typically include discussions that center around topics and applications that attendees are interested in. The instructor allows for space to explore attendees' questions, discuss challenges attendees are facing in their work, and consider situations important to you, to make the course very relevant and interesting to attendees.

Instructor and Program Director

  • Instructor

    Leon Downing

    Dr. Leon Downing is the Global Practice and Technology Leader for Nutrient Removal and Recovery for Black & Veatch from Madison, Wisconsin.  A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, Leon received his post-graduate degrees at the University of Notre Dame.  Downing provides technology leadership in support of Black & Veatch process engineering and applied research projects globally. 

  • Program Director

    Adib Amini

Total Credits:
CEU 2, 
PDH 20, 
Applies to this Certificate:
Wastewater Systems, 

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We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

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