Aerators
Surface aerators are industrial equipment used to enrich the oxygen levels in environments with low oxygen content, particularly in wastewater treatment processes. In wastewater aeration tanks, bacteria are used to break down microorganisms, and these bacteria require oxygen to survive and thrive. Since the necessary oxygen levels for bacteria cannot be naturally maintained within the wastewater, external equipment is used to introduce the required oxygen into the tank, allowing the bacteria to live and multiply.
One of the commonly used methods in this process, known as wastewater aeration, is the use of surface aerators. Surface aerators operate on the principle of mixing ambient air with wastewater, and during aeration, they are in direct contact with the wastewater, without the need for auxiliary equipment. This feature distinguishes surface aerators from other methods, such as blower systems with diffusers, where the aeration is conducted using diffusers placed at the bottom of the wastewater tank. Surface aerators also do not require additional buildings or piping for aeration, offering significant advantages in terms of initial installation costs and space requirements.
When comparing maintenance intervals and costs, surface aerators provide substantial advantages over blower and diffuser systems. Their simple and robust design means they require minimal maintenance over extended periods, making surface aerators particularly appealing in this regard. In the event of periodic maintenance or potential malfunctions, surface aerators are easy to access for repairs, as they operate on the surface, eliminating the need to empty the wastewater aeration tank. Another significant advantage of surface aerators is their ability to provide effective mixing along with aeration. With properly selected aerators based on the tank's depth, efficient mixing is achieved within the tank, preventing sludge from settling at the bottom.
Surface aerators can be categorized based on their operating speeds and how they are positioned within the tank.
