Oxygen transfer and aeration efficiency - influence of diffuser submergence, diffuser density, and blower type

Abstract

The main factors of fine bubble aeration systems in uniform arrangement in clean water are the air flow rate, the depth of submergence of the diffusers, and the diffuser density. While the influence of the air flow rate on the oxygen transfer parameters is known, knowledge of the influence of the depth of submergence and the diffuser density on the specific oxygen transfer efficiency SOTE [%/m] and on the specific oxygen absorption SOA [g/m3·m at STP] is very limited. Both parameters are of great importance in dimensioning fine bubble aeration systems. Therefore, a literature review was conducted to show the influence of the diffuser submergence and density and the type of blower on oxygen transfer and aeration efficiency. The main review results are, that higher values of specific oxygen absorption can be obtained at higher diffuser density; secondly, the volumetric oxygen transfer rate VOTR [g/m3·h] is higher with increasing depth of submergence at the same air flow rate. Also it can be stated that with greater depth of submergence the specific oxygen absorption [g/m3·m at STP] is reduced. Dependent on the air flow rate and the pressure head, the energy consumption [Wh/m3·m at STP] of the blowers used in wastewater treatment plants is different. For example, the energy consumption varies from 4.3 [Wh/m3·m at STP] (positive displacement blower) to 3.0 [Wh/m3·m at STP] (turbo-compressors) at a pressure of 10 m and an air flow rate of 5,000 m3/h at STP. From the results of the literature review the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) High specific oxygen absorption values (SOA) [g/m3·m at STP] can be achieved applying shallow tanks, high diffuser densities and low specific air flow rates; (2) High aeration efficiencies (AE) [kg/kWh] can be obtained by applying high volumetric oxygen transfer rates and adequate selection of the blowers used at the wastewater treatment plants.