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Read here the Frequently Asked Questions. If you are looking for a question you can't find, please contact us. Several pieces of documentation are available for WEST, i.e.: WEST Help (online help application); WEST Modelbase technical reference, MSL Reference guide and Model guide (extensive documentation on the WEST model library and on the MSL programming language); WEST Tutorials (it contains a step-bystep tutorial that will guide you through all the phases to set-up and run dynamic simulations, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis and parameter optimisation). All this documents can be accessed through the Help menu of any WEST application; but it can also be retrieved in the Help folder under C:Program FilesHemmisWest. An external source of information is also the WEST Forum, where user post questions and can start discussions.
Are steady-state and dynamic simulations supported ? WEST is designed for dynamic simulations and no specific algorithm is implemented for steady-state solution. However, it is possible to run a steady-state simulation of a model (typically prior to the actual dynamic simulation) by setting a steady-state influent characterization and running a relatively long simulation. In some circumstances, specific steady-state algorithms may even yield incorrect solutions and running a dynamic simulations to steady-state is a preferable, more robust alternative. Also highly dynamic systems such as SBRs, Biodenitro and advanced controllers may not reach a true steady-state. Are specific algorithms for steady-state modeling available ? See previous point. We are currently working on this issue that will be available in one of the future releases. Is a user-friendly graphical interface provided ? The Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows the user to set up complex models by placing (drag-and-drop) the relevant process units on the screen; to run dynamic simulations, sensitivity analyses, parameter estimations and scenario analyses; to manipulate model parameters; to set up plot windows and/or output files; to edit the model library; etc. How flexible are data input and output representation (graphics, data files, DDE, etc.) ? See previous point. Input data may be entered in the form of text files. Simulation outputs may be collected in graphical (plot windows) and/or numerical format (text files). Is it possible to communication with other programs (i.e. Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, etc.) ? See previous point. The WEST API allows 'advanced users' to implement customized User Interfaces and to use WEST as the internal simulation tool. Are default parameter values provided ? The parameters of all models implemented in the standard model library are set by default to values based on experience and literature. Is the model implementation flexible ? Can users write their own models and make changes to existing models ? Yes. A specific Model Editor will allow the user to access the entire model library, modify existing models, implement new ones and define new process nodes (i.e. process units). A Petersen Matrix (or Gujer Matrix) editor greatly simplifies the modeling exercise: minimal understanding of the specific modeling language is necessary, because the model is visually composed in a tableau format by the user and the software will automatically generate the relevant code. Are control algorithms available (e.g. on/off, PID, etc.) ? Yes, several control models are implemented in the standard model library. Are all the most common wwtp process units modeled in WEST ? Certainly. Buffer tanks, activated sludge units, membrane bioreactors, primary and secondary clarifiers, trickling filters, SBR, anaerobic digesters, etc. are available in the standard model library.
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