INTEGRATED CATCHMENT SIMULATOR (ICS) – DEVELOPMENT AND

APPLICATIONS

B. Tomicic*, I.T. Clifforde**, O. Mark*, L. Yde*, J. Dudley**

* Danish Hydraulic Institute, Agern Allé 5, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark

** WRc plc, Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8YF, UK

Presenting Author: Berislav Tomicic (??)

KEYWORDS:
Wastewater, integrated modelling, MOUSE, STOAT, MIKE 11, ARC View

ABSTRACT
The paper describes the “Integrated Catchment Simulator" (ICS) - a deterministic
simulation system developed by DHI and WRc within the TVP “Integrated
Wastewater”. ICS has been specifically developed for the integrated modelling
applications with models built with MOUSE (sewer system), STOAT (WWTP) and
MIKE11 (receiving waters).

ICS is actually an integration shell for the computational models, developed within
Arc View. ICS provides an intuitive graphical working environment and automates
the data transfer procedures between the individual models. As such, ICS makes the
simulations of the interactions between the sewer system, the WWTP and the
receiving waters easy to handle and understand.

ICS can run in two simulation execution modes: sequentially and simultaneously. The
sequential simulation mode is suitable for hydraulically well-bounded sub-systems,
passively operated or with RTC applied only within each model/sub-system. Through
simultaneous simulations of the three urban sub-systems, ICS extends the capabilities
of the modelling analyses available so far, making it possible to simulate the
backwater feed-back, as well as the RTC applications extending over the whole
system.

ICS is currently being tested through the application in the TVP pilot studies.

INTRODUCTION

Urban drainage and wastewater systems are often divided into three independent sub-
sectors comprising collection system, treatment facilities and receiving waters. This
historically conditioned segmentation is usually present at all levels – in planning,
performance analysis and in daily management, and is reflected through the
administrative set-up of the responsible organisations as well as through the
predominating engineering doctrines applied in each of the segments.
Figure 1. The Wastewater System Typically Consists of Interdependent Sub-systems.

During the past period of intensive penetration of information technology -

particularly of hydroinformatics applications - in urban water sector, various software
systems were developed, reflecting in its design and application philosophy this
institutional segmentation. Consequently, the simulation modelling tools were
developed for each of the sub-sectors separately.

This situation strongly limits the possibilities to simulate correctly and efficiently all
the relevant interactions between the simulated sub-systems. The joint use of the
different models is restricted both by the differences in the software implementation
solutions and by the differences in process descriptions, making it very difficult, if
possible at all, to extend the analysis over the whole, actually inseparable system.
Integration of the various modelling tools into a single modelling system facilitates a
more efficient and by far sounder engineering analysis.

A software development project, which is a part of the EU-sponsored technology

validation project (TVP) “Integrated Wastewater” under the INNOVATION
Programme, is aiming at a comprehensive integration of the existing software systems
for the individual sectors. The baseline tools for the development of the integrated
system are well known DHI's and WRc's products - MOUSE, STOAT and MIKE 11.

The integration process of the existing simulation software tools for urban wastewater
and drainage systems into one modelling system relies on two more or less
interconnected lines of action. First, it is an integration of the user interface and data
handling, and second, integration of the computational core. The integration process
has started from more simple solutions, simultaneously along the both tracks, and will
continue until an ultimate goal – a fully integrated simulation system – is achieved.

Integration of computational engines

At least three main objectives related to the integration of the computational engines
of the baseline simulation systems can be lined up:

 Achievement of the full consistency on the simulated process level.

 Automatic exchange of information between the sub-systems, both with and
without feedback between the involved simulation modules in upstream direction.
 Preservation or improvement of the computational speed and rational use of the
computational hardware.

In addition, the integrated simulation system should follow the mainstream hardware
and software development (PC, Windows 95/NT), in order to make it available to as
wide base as possible of potential users.

Based on the achieved functional level and the implemented technical solutions, two
integration steps can be distinguished:

 Serial simulations, without feed-back

 Simultaneous simulations with explicit coupling of individual models and
feedback.

The sequential simulation is especially suited for standard work on the impact on the
receiving waters e.g. according to the UPM procedure in the UK. The simultaneous
simulation is interesting when two of the systems interact in both directions, like a
sewer system influenced by back-water from a river or when hydraulic operation of a
sewer network is controlled by the operational variables from WWTP

It should be noted that simultaneous simulations with explicit coupling imply a

sequential execution on a time-step level.

Step 1: Serial simulations

At the outset, the baseline tools were not readily able to exchange data. As an example,
MOUSE (specifically the MOUSETRAP module) can simulate flow, pollution transport
and water quality of wastewater in sewer systems. At an outflow point, time series are
generated which represent inflows into a treatment plant. However, the MOUSE result
files are not compatible with the input required for STOAT, which is the treatment plant
modelling tool.

The integrated solution on this level has been achieved by a set of post- and pre-
processing routines, which extract and process the specified interfacing time series that
are to be passed to the subsequent computational modules. The solution makes possible
simulation of the water flow, the pollution transport and selected water-quality processes
through the sewer network and treatment plant(s) and the resulting water quality in the
receiving waters for an entire catchment.

Because of the sequential simulation mode, feedback of information from a downstream

module to an upstream module is not possible. Hence, global RTC cannot be simulated,
while the effects of local RTC can be simulated to the extent that it is already covered in
the baseline tools. In addition, hydraulic feedback (e.g. backwater) cannot be simulated.
 M O DUL 1: M O DUL 2: M O D U L 3: M O DUL 4:
U r b a n R u n -O ff Sew er W a s te w a t e r R e c e i v in g
A n d In f il tr a t io n N e tw o r k T re a tm e n t W a te rs

BOUNDARY DATA BOUNDAR Y DATA BOUNDARY DATA BOUND ARY DATA

B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E

M O USE
1 R u n - O ff +
NAM B O U N D A R Y F IL E

M O USE
2 H D + TR AP
R E S U L T FIL E =
B O U N D A R Y F IL E STO AT
3 B O U N D A R Y F IL E
R E S U L T F IL E

R E S U L T F IL E
A u to m a t i c
4 E x tr a c t io n & M IK E 1 1
P ro c e s s i n g A u to m a t ic
E x tr a c t io n &
P ro c es s ing
R E S U LT FIL E

S i m u la t io n s e q u e n c e

Figure 2. Integrated Catchment Simulations - Example for a Sequential Model

Execution.

Step 2 - Simultaneous Simulations With Feed-Back

In order to provide the feedback capability, i.e. transfer of information from

downstream to upstream parts of the system, the integrated catchment simulator has to
execute the different simulation modules simultaneously, rather than sequentially. In
principle, one time step is simulated in the upstream module, followed by a time step
in the next downstream module, etc. Information from downstream can then be
transferred as input for the simulation of the next time step in the upstream module(s).
This makes possible to simulate the backwater effects and global RTC systems, which
for instance control the flows in the sewer network, based on on-line information from
the treatment plant and/or from the receiving waters. This functionality can be
achieved in two distinct architectures, as shown on examples in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

The Figure 3 depicts a solution where each module runs as a separate process and
exchanges the interfacing information with the remaining modules through the
established data exchange mechanisms. This system architecture fulfils the
fundamental requirements for the integrated simulation. However, data exchange and
process control mechanisms in this, multi-process environment, tend to be complicated
and introduce a notable time overhead for the simulations, particularly if larger amounts
of data are to be transferred between the models.
 M O D U L 1: M O DU L 2: M O D UL 3: M O D U L 4:
U rban R un-O ff S ew er W astew ater R eceiving
A nd In filtratio n N etw ork Treatm ent W aters

B OU ND AR Y DA T A B OU ND AR Y DA T A B OU ND AR Y DA TA B OU ND AR Y DA T A
B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E

M O US E M O U SE STO AT M IK E 1 1
R un- O ff + H D + TR A P
Inter-m o du lar I nte r-m od ula r
N AM
C om m u nic atio n: C om m unication:

1+ 2+ 3+ 4
B oun daries, R TC B ou nd arie s, R TC
Int er-m o du lar Feedbac k Fe edb ack
C om m u nic atio n:
R un- of f
Int er-m od ula r
C om m u nication :
B ou nd aries, R TC
F eedb ack

R ES U LT FIL E R ES ULT FIL E R ES U LT FIL E R ES ULT FIL E

S im u la tio n s e q u e n c e

Figure 3. Integrated Catchment Simulations - Example of a "Low-level Integration"

Model Execution

Figure 4 shows an example of another solution, where the computational modules of

the baseline tools are integrated into one program. The programs' code is re-structured
and re-compiled as dynamic link libraries (DLL's) of a single application. The link
between the simulated processes is still explicit, i.e. the mechanism of a simultaneous
simulation, based on a sequential execution on a time-step level, is identical as in a
previous example.

However, the exchange of information between different modules takes place within a
protected environment inside one computational process, controlled by few additional
routines. This contributes both to the reduced implementation complexity and to the
stability of the whole computational system. In addition, the system is relieved from a
time-overhead, inherent to some standard data exchange mechanisms used for inter-
application data exchange.
M O DUL 1: M O DUL 2: M O DUL 3: M O DUL 4:
U r b a n R u n -O ff Sew er W a s te w ater R e c e iv i n g
A n d In f i lt r a t io n N e tw o rk T re a tm e n t W a te rs

BOUND ARY DATA B OU ND AR Y DA TA BOUNDARY DATA BOUNDAR Y DATA

B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E B O U N D A R Y F IL E

I N T E G R A T E D C A T C H M E N T S IM U L A T O R
1 + 2 + 3 + 4

A P P L IC A T IO N ( E X E )
M O USE
R u n - O ff + MOUSE
NAM H D + T R AP STO AT M IK E 1 1
DLL DLL DLL DLL

In tr a - P r o c e s s
D a t a F lo w

R E S U L T F IL E R E S U L T F IL E R E S U L T F IL E R E S U L T F IL E

S im u l a ti o n s e q u e n c e

Figure 4. Integrated Catchment Simulation - Example of a Truly Integrated Model

Execution.

The final choice between the two possible solutions is governed by the requirements for
flexibility and open configuration. Therefore, although technically inferior in some key
aspects, use of "low-level" linking (multi-process) is preferred and implemented in the
current development, since it leaves the door open for linking of different models,
without the need for substantial programming interventions inside the individual
programs. This means that standard versions of the simulation programs can easily be
adapted to serve in an integrated modelling environment, despite very substantial
differences between the models.

Data Compatibility

The compatibility of input and output between individual models used for integrated
simulations is not purely a matter of I/O routines and data file formats because the
baseline packages also operate with small, but important differences in the determinants
that are simulated.

E.g., historically river modellers have made use of BOD5 as the main determinand for
carbonaceous pollution, while wastewater treatment plant modelling has widely
adopted the use of COD. Sewerage models also uses BOD5, in the same way as river
models. Integration of the baseline models has therefore required conversions
between BOD5 and COD. In addition to that, the partitioning of these determinands is
different in the involved models. The treatment plant models divide COD, by
necessity, into biodegradable and non-biodegradable COD. Further, COD has been
divided into soluble and particulate COD (in some models soluble is not equivalent to
filtered, in other models soluble and filtered are effectively equivalent). The sewerage
models have divided BOD5, if at all, into settleable (30-minute settling test) and non-
settleable, while the river models have not partitioned BOD5.

Due to the separated implementation of the different elements of WQ process in

MOUSE TRAP (advective/dispersive transport, sediment transport, sewer reactions),
the problem of data transfer between the different applications can be greatly reduced
for most of the applications. Namely, if sewer reactions are not involved, then COD
can be modelled as easily as BOD can. Swedish experience with MOUSE TRAP is
that the sewer systems being studied in the TVP project Integrated Wastewater can be
represented without the need for the sewer reactions. However, this may not apply for
areas where sewage stays for long periods in the sewer, and the assessment of the
appropriate set of sub-models to represent a given sewer will be driven by the match
between the simplest representation and the sewerage data.

For nitrogen, the wastewater treatment plants models use, as a minimum, total
ammoniacal nitrogen, oxidised nitrogen, soluble organic nitrogen and particulate
organic nitrogen. The sewer models use ammoniacal nitrogen and ignore the other
nitrogen fractions, while the river models also look only at ammonia, but divide
ammonia into ionised and non-ionised forms.

Sewer and river models commonly ignore phosphorus, while the wastewater
treatment plant models generally look only at soluble inorganic phosphorus. MOUSE
TRAP can support phosphorus, facilitating integration of these programs.

Finally, suspended solids are in wastewater treatment plant models divided into
volatile and non-volatile fractions, while sewer models divide them into cohesive and
non-cohesive; settleable and non-settleable. The river models follow the line used by
the sewer models.
Because of this diversity of determinands and the understanding of what these
determinands represent there has been defined a set of transformations for the three
models involved in the developed integrated simulation system, in order to map
different determinands between the programs.

User Interface

The integrative shell for the three models, which provides the graphical working
environment and the automation of the data transfer routines between the individual
models, is built on the platform of ARC View GIS software. The system is called
“Integrated Catchment simulator” (ICS).

ICS is built as an extension of ARC View. This means that prior to its application, a
valid run-time licence for ARC View is required. Also, this implies that the working
environment actually features a GIS application, where models can be visualised
along with other available data layers, background images, etc.

The functionality, which is currently supported by ICS, includes:

 Automated conversion and loading of the model set-ups of the sewer systems
(MOUSE TRAP), wastewater treatment plants (STOAT) and river systems
(MIKE11)
 Pre-selection of pollution component combinations.
 Definition of the simulation stages/sequence.
 Graphical definition of the connecting points between the individual models
 Preview and editing of individual model simulation parameter files
 Automated generation, preview and manual editing of the configuration files for
the integrated simulation.
 Automated execution of the sequential, simultaneous or combined simulations.
 Result viewing of all models in a single result-viewing environment.

ICS user interface is shown in Figure 5. In the example, all three sockets have been
filled with the respective models of the sewer system, wastewater treatment plant and
a river. On the left from the model display area there is a legend where different
symbols can be switched ON and OFF, according to the current needs. Also the
default symbol design can be altered, to fit any presentation needs.

ICS has three empty sockets: one for MOUSE, one for MIKE 11 and one for STOAT.
Depending on the type of analysis, MOUSE, MIKE 11 and STOAT models can be
loaded - "plugged" - into the sockets for the appropriate analyses. Several instances
of individual model can be included, thus facilitating the integrated simulation of e.g.
entire river catchment with several sewer systems (models) and several wastewater
treatment plants. The sequence of simulations for the loaded models can then be
specified so to resemble the natural propagation of information within the system,
with models running simultaneously when information flows in upstream direction.

By these means, the setting-up and executing integrated simulations of very complex
systems becomes a simple matter, realised within minutes. Of course, a prerequisite
condition is that the individual sub-models have been set-up consistently, in terms of
simulated period and processes.
ICS user interface is shown in Figure 5. In the example, all three sockets have been
filled with the respective models of the sewer system, wastewater treatment plant and
a river. On the left from the model display area there is a legend where different
symbols can be switched ON and OFF, according to the current needs. Also the
default symbol design can be altered, to fit any presentation needs.

Figure 5. ICS User interface in action.

Applications

ICS is currently being tested in a number of pilot projects being carried under the
TVP “Integrated Wastewater”. In pilots in Helsingborg, Halmstad and Sundsval (SE),
Genoa (IT) and Bordeaux (F), the model integration includes the sewer and the
wastewater treatment plant models. All these studies have different objectives, but the
common denominator is the focus on the highly variable hydraulic load and its’
impact on the wastewater treatment processes. In Oldham (UK), the system is applied
for the verification of the results of the UPM study, involving the urban drainage,
wastewater treatment and river systems. In Barcelona (ES) and Venice (IT), the
recipients are two dimensional bodies - Venice Lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea,
modelled by MIKE 21 modelling system. Since MIKE 21 is not yet fully integrated in
ICS, the transfer of results from the sewer and wastewater treatment plant models into
MIKE 21 will be carried out outside the ICS’ graphical working environment.

Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate the ICS applications in Helsingborg, Barcelona and

Venice, respectively. These studies are currently underway, scheduled to be
completed by the end of 1999 or in early 2000.

Figure 6. Helsingborg

Figure 7. Barcelona
Figure 8. Venice

Conclusions

ICS makes the simulations of the interactions between the sewer system, the WWTP
and the receiving waters easy to handle and understand. Furthermore, through
simultaneous simulations of the three urban sub-systems, ICS extends the capabilities
of the modelling analyses available today, making it possible to simulate the
backwater feed-back, as well as the RTC applications extending over the whole
system.

As such, the Integrated Catchment Simulator facilitates a quantum leap in modelling

studies of urban wastewater systems. These systems traditionally include several very
different technical domains presently embodied into difficult, self-standing
engineering disciplines. The integrated approach breaks through these, actually
artificial barriers. It opens new perspectives for understanding of the often obscure
and complex interactions between the sub-systems, for the benefit of the environment
and cost-effectiveness of capital investments, maintenance and daily system
operation.

In future, continued development of the integrated simulation system will provide the
engineers with a tool capable of simulating any configuration of an urban aquatic
system easily and cost-efficiently. This will make possible that a very accurate
planning and consenting process for urban wastewater systems is carried-out on a
routine basis, thus introducing a full transparency into the decision process, before the
heavy investments are undertaken. This may have an important impact on a successful
fight against urban pollution facing the cities worldwide. A vision of a routine
application of the integrated models as a part of the decision loop in a real-time
supervision and control improves the chances that the urban wastewater system of the
future will better harmonise with the public demands for a cleaner environment.