To increase DO in wastewater and allow for more efficient aeration, it’s helpful to address the following factors:
Improve mixing: Though fine bubble aeration is exceptionally efficient and cost-effective, one drawback to fine bubble diffusers is that the smaller bubbles provide less effective mixing than coarse bubble diffusers or mechanical aeration. If powerful mixing and high DO concentrations are a high priority, fine bubble aeration alone may not prove sufficient.
Use coarse bubble diffusers or mechanical surface aeration: Coarse bubble aeration allows for substantial mixing. The larger bubbles produced by coarse bubble diffusers have more volume, displace more waste liquid and consequently provide more mixing power. Biosolids are kept in suspension and are less likely to form unwanted sludge. The effective mixing of coarse bubble diffusers facilitates the breakdown of organic waste thanks to its powerful combination of oxygen, bacteria and waste material. Surface aerators churn the wastewater for high-powered mixing. These methods can combine with more efficient fine bubble aeration.
Increase OTR: Increasing oxygen transfer rate (OTR) increases the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water column. Invest in membranes with PTFE or fEPDM coating to repel sludge and deposit formation, minimize fouling and keep diffusers operating effectively for enhanced oxygen transfer and concentration.