Optimization of oxygen transfer in clean water by fine bubble diffused air system and separate mixing in aeration ditches

The influence of design parameters on the transfer of oxygen was studied in different ring ditches equipped with fine bubble membrane air diffusers and separate mixing. The results produced evidence that the oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE) decreases when the air flow rate per diffuser increases. OTE increases asymptotically with the horizontal water flow (50% for velocity up to 0.5 m/sec). It increases also when the diffuser modules are brought closer together. Theoretical analysis enabled ranking of the impact of the design parameters on which the oxygen transfer is dependent, namely the interfacial area (a) and the oxygen transfer coefficient (K1). The increase in the air flow rate per diffuser essentially reduces the interfacial area by an increase in the diameter of the initial air bubbles and by a reduction of the contact time due to an acceleration of the "spiral flows" (vertical rotation of water flow). The horizontal rotation of water increases the interfacial area most probably by decreasing the diameter of the initial air bubbles and by a lengthening of the contact time resulting from a reduction in the large spiral flows. Bringing the diffuser modules closer together makes longer the contact time by a reduction in the large spiral flows. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.