Markov analysis for estimation of residence time

Abstract

Accurate estimation of residence time is very useful for the design of water and wastewater treatment plants. Its determination is difficult because it depends on complex interaction among many factors such as geometry, hydrodynamic and environmental factors. In this paper, the estimation of residence time is formulated as a Markov problem. The movement of wastewater particles in the treatment unit is described in terms of the positions (states) they occupy and the periodic transitions they make from one position into another. The theoretical predictions of the Markov analysis are in close agreement with experimental values obtained for waste stabilization ponds. The results showed that probabilistic incorporation of the various factors affecting residence time, which cannot easily be evaluated, may improve the accuracy of estimation of the residence time.

Keywords: Markov chain, residence time

Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 5(1&2) 2005: 33-38