This paper describes the application of adaptive predictive expert (ADEX) control methodology to the oxidation ditch reactor in the wastewater treatment plant of Ceutí (Murcia, Spain) and evaluates the performance of the ADEX control system against that of the previous control system operating the plant. After a basic description of ADEX control methodology, the ditch reactor is described, as well as the control objectives and the control strategy, which focused on energy consumption reduction. The results of the application of the ADEX control system show significant improvement compared with the previous control system in terms of higher stability and precision of controlled variables, reduction of energy consumption of the plant, and better quality of the effluent water.
