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Aeration Theory:   Links: Theory Glossary

Complete Aeration is a Two-Step Process There are many products and systems designed to aerate wastewater. These range from simple floating splashers and rotors to high-maintenance diffused air systems using membranes and complex manifolding and piping layouts. While these systems introduce a certain amount of oxygen into the treatment basin, complete aeration does not take place because the dissolved oxygen is not uniformly distributed throughout the basin. As a result, short-circuiting, dead zones and incomplete aeration occurs. Recognizing this common shortcoming, we focused on developing a system whereby high levels of oxygen were not only introduced, but were thoroughly dispersed as well. Oxygen Dispersion is the Key to Efficient Oxygen Transfer Our AIRE-O2® products are designed to not only inject oxygen but to create powerful horizontal and circular flow patterns that bring the dissolved oxygen to every part of the basin. The high velocity horizontal stream also moves solids along with it, keeping them in suspension for more efficient biological treatment. The end result is better wastewater treatment with higher removal rates of BOD and TSS. This advantage shows clearly in side-by-side tests of the AIRE-O2® design against conventional aeration methods: DIFFUSED AIR (1) system shows effect of air moving straight up too quickly to allow mixing. Most of the area remains unaerated. SURFACE AERATORS (2) show minimum effective reach. Air spraying accelerates heat loss as well as allowing odors to escape. AIRE-O2® AERATORS (3) show complete coverage of the lagoon area. Heat loss is lessened, making AIRE-O2® systems more effective in cold weather. Compare the Best to All the Rest 1. SURFACE AERATORS: This system pumps water upward, high into the air. Not only does it require a lot of energy to overcome the force of gravity, but the high plume creates an odor-releasing aerosol environment. Because of the lack of horizontal movement, solids quickly accumulate in the dead areas of the basin between the aeration units.     2. DIFFUSER SYSTEMS: Compressed air passes through diffusers in the basin bottom. High horsepower is needed to overcome the water head resistance. The oxygen rises vertically and escapes quickly before effective horizontal dispersion can take place.     3. ROTOR SYSTEMS: These are expensive to maintain, use a lot of energy and need frequent maintenance. They also create aerosol environments releasing odors and are inefficient in suspending solids uniformly.   4. AIRE-O2® SYSTEMS: The large “zone of influence” created by the mixer/aerator combination makes it possible to place AIRE-O2® units so that the dispersed oxygen plumes link together. Greater oxygen transfer efficiency takes place throughout the entire basin. AIRE-O2® PASSES THE FINAL EXAMS Auburn University conducted tests in which salt and dye were injected into a one acre pond equipped with a single 2HP AIRE-O2® unit. The effectiveness of the dispersion is visually apparent but specific conductance tests were also performed using salt injections to document the complete top-to-bottom and side-to-side mixing. (Click here for details)