Aeration Efficiency in Oxidation Ditches

Oxygen transfer and efficiency in water reclamation facilities are studied. In particular, design aspects of the factors affecting aeration performance in biological reactors are emphasized.Due to the growing importance of energy consumption, a comparison study has been conducted, evaluating the features and performance of mechanical surface aerators and diffused aeration systems. This has been done with special consideration to oxidation ditches which need to be assessed with regard to creating sufficient horizontal flow in addition to high oxygenation capacity and efficiency.It was concluded, based on a number of case studies that diffused aeration systems offer significant advantages over mechanical surface aerators in terms of increased oxygen transfer capacity, enhanced levels of process control capability, and reduced energy requirements to produce high quality effluent.The potential to improve energy efficiency even further with the use of high density, low flux fine bubble diffusers in combination with mid-size, low speed mixers is also discussed.