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Why is Aeration Important in Wastewater Treatment?

Why is Aeration Important in Wastewater Treatment?

Aeration helps reduce ammonia in water. It also provides oxygen to bacteria, which feed on contaminants. Without oxygen, bacteria would not be able to break down carbon quickly enough to produce water. This is a critical process, and aeration helps to speed up this process. However, aeration can also reduce the overall cost of the wastewater treatment process. Read on to learn more about this important process.

Depending on the location of your home, you might have to purchase an STP to handle your sewage. Generally, residential buildings need at least one STP to treat sewage. Many STPs are located underground, making them difficult to maintain. Moreover, you may not be able to inspect them without hiring an expert. It is better to consult a professional if you have any doubts about the process.
Oxygen transfer efficiency

Aeration is an efficient method for improving oxygen transfer from one body of water to another. It works by distributing dissolved oxygen evenly throughout the water, breaking down organic matter. The wastewater is then returned to the environment after treatment. For optimal treatment, it is vital to use the best techniques. Here are some ways to improve the transfer of oxygen in wastewater:

Why is Aeration Important in Wastewater Treatment?

The most basic explanation of how aeration works are the lack of hydrodynamic balance in the water or wastewater. When aeration is present, oxygen diffuses from air into an aerated medium long enough to reach a saturation level. This level is dependent on the partial pressure of oxygen in the supplied air and on Henry's constant, which is related to temperature. The higher the oxygen transfer efficiency, the less air is required for the treatment process.

Why is Aeration Important in Wastewater Treatment?
Cost of submersible aeration systems

Aeration is an integral part of wastewater treatment and is typically a high-energy consumer. Aeration systems and their electrical systems can account for 25 to 60 per cent of a plant's total power consumption. The power consumption per unit of time varies widely, depending on plant size and the number of aerators. A large plant will require multiple surface aerators and heavy mixing to remove biodegradable organics and contaminants. Therefore, the cost of electric power is a major concern with diffused aeration systems. Aeration efficiency is a key feature in reducing energy costs.

Submersible aerators are installed in water depths as deep as 6 metres. Aerators can be supplied with additional blowers for very deep installations. The oxygen transfer rate is a key feature of submersible aeration systems and is a guiding factor for biological treatment designs. For example, the largest aerator, manufactured by Tsurumi, has an oxygen transfer rate of 28.9 kg per hour. Submersible aerators use the same no-compromise design philosophy as submersible pumps. They include anti-wicking cable entry, a dual silicon carbide mechanical seal and a patented oil lifter.

The energy efficiency of ceramic diffusers

One of the most energy-intensive processes at wastewater treatment facilities is aeration. Several factors can influence the efficiency of ceramic diffusers. The water column and pulsating time are important factors in the design of the diffuser. Standard oxygen transfer efficiency and aeration efficiency were also considered. The diffusers underwent laboratory measurements to obtain data on their performance. The study was sponsored by the Hazen and Sawyer Applied Research Group at the University of California, Irvine.

Fine pore aeration systems have been found to reduce energy costs by 50%. The model FBP series ceramic diffusers have heavy-duty stainless steel bases and are made of corrosion-resistant materials. These diffusers have dome-shaped ceramic diffusion devices with porous aluminium oxide materials that prevent fouling and debris from clogging the diffuser. They are easy to install and can be adapted to vertical formats.

Reduces ammonia

Aeration reduces ammonia levels in wastewater treatment. Ammonia is a naturally occurring byproduct of organic matter decomposition. This gas is produced by the human body but also contributes to higher concentrations. Ammonia promotes algae growth and depletes dissolved oxygen in bodies of water. Some types of algae are even toxic to humans. There are many ways to reduce the concentrations of ammonia in wastewater.

The content of dissolved oxygen is the main constraint to ammonium removal efficiency. Aeration is an effective method to remove high concentrations of ammonia from wastewater. The suggested operational flow rate is 100 mL/min of compressed air. The use of pure oxygen as the aeration medium can also increase the removal efficiency without altering the chemical catalyst. Aeration at the bottom of a filter bed cannot remove ammonia to below 0.5 mg/L, but aeration at a third of the bed can meet drinking water standards.

Reduces hydrogen sulfide

Chemicals that control hydrogen sulfide levels in wastewater are important for controlling odour and corrosion. Sodium chlorite is one such chemical that selectively oxidizes hydrogen sulfide without reacting with ammonia or chlorinated organics. Typically, this chemical is applied in a field application at a concentration of 3 mg/L per mg of sulfide. Hydrogen peroxide is another commonly used chemical that is effective in reducing hydrogen sulfide in wastewater systems. Hydrogen peroxide is used for wastewater treatment systems with less than 5 hours of retention. The chemical is added to the wastewater 30 minutes before hydrogen sulfide is released into the sewer.

The most effective solution for reducing hydrogen sulfide in wastewater is to inhibit the growth of sulfur-reducing bacteria. Using a chemical to prevent the growth of SRB is not the right solution for all systems. A full survey of your wastewater treatment system is necessary to determine the best solution. After the survey, you can determine if there is a better chemical to reduce hydrogen sulfide.