Systematic Review of pH-Control and Dosing System Design for Acid-Base Neutralization in Industrial Effluents

• Author(s): Matluck Afolabi ; Ogechi Amanda Onukogu ; Thompson Odion Igunma ; Adeniyi K. Adeleke ; Zamathula Q. Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu
• Paper ID: 1708809
• Page: 316-338
• Published Date: 30-04-2021
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 4 Issue 10 April-2021

Abstract

This systematic review investigates the design and performance of pH-control and chemical dosing systems for acid-base neutralization in industrial effluent treatment, emphasizing their importance in ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. As industrial activities discharge significant volumes of acidic and alkaline wastes, achieving precise pH regulation is critical for effective downstream treatment and safe environmental discharge. This review analyzes over 90 peer-reviewed articles and technical reports published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the mechanisms, control strategies, and automation technologies employed in neutralization systems. The core objective is to synthesize existing knowledge on optimal system configurations, control algorithms, and sensor technologies used to stabilize effluent pH in real-time treatment environments. Key findings reveal that proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers remain the most widely used feedback systems, though modern installations increasingly integrate model predictive control (MPC), fuzzy logic, and artificial neural networks (ANN) for enhanced robustness against influent variability. The role of inline pH sensors, signal conditioning, and dynamic set-point adjustment is explored in relation to dosing precision and reaction kinetics. Moreover, the review highlights design considerations such as retention time, mixing efficiency, reactor geometry, and acid/base selection, all of which influence neutralization efficiency. Cost-benefit analysis of single versus dual alkali systems, and acid choices such as sulfuric versus hydrochloric acid, are also assessed. Recent trends emphasize the use of digital twin technology and real-time data analytics for continuous optimization and fault detection. Integration with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms is increasingly common, enabling remote control, anomaly prediction, and regulatory reporting. Despite technological advances, the review identifies persistent challenges such as sensor fouling, lag time, and over-dosing risks, especially under fluctuating industrial discharge conditions. This review concludes with recommendations for hybrid control systems, predictive maintenance strategies, and greater standardization in design protocols. The findings aim to support engineers, operators, and policymakers in improving the resilience, safety, and efficiency of pH-control systems in industrial wastewater management.

Keywords

pH Control, Dosing Systems, Acid-Base Neutralization, Industrial Effluents, PID controller, fuzzy logic, SCADA, Wastewater Treatment, Real-Time Monitoring, Control System Design.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Matluck Afolabi , Ogechi Amanda Onukogu , Thompson Odion Igunma , Adeniyi K. Adeleke , Zamathula Q. Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Systematic Review of pH-Control and Dosing System Design for Acid-Base Neutralization in Industrial Effluents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 4 Issue 10 2021 Page 316-338

IEEE:
Matluck Afolabi , Ogechi Amanda Onukogu , Thompson Odion Igunma , Adeniyi K. Adeleke , Zamathula Q. Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Systematic Review of pH-Control and Dosing System Design for Acid-Base Neutralization in Industrial Effluents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 4(10)