Fine Bubble Aeration

We put energy efficiency first

The aeration system of an activated sludge treatment plant typically accounts for 50-75% of the energy required to operate the plant. Fine bubble diffused aeration systems are known to be the most sustainable, energy efficient systems available in the market today. When compared to mechanical aerators, high speed turbines, jet aeration or coarse bubble aeration, fine bubble wins the efficiency race hands down. Typical energy savings achieved by converting from one of these technologies to fine bubble will result in an aeration energy reduction of 50% or more.

High oxygen transfer efficiency is not only a function of the diffuser itself, but of the proper design and placement of the aeration system in the reactor basin.

For example:

• Full floor coverage grids
Aeration grid designs which limit space between diffusers to 4 ft. (1.2 m) in any direction will typically have 20% higher oxygen transfer efficiency than spiral roll configurations, or configurations with clear spaces of double or triple a full floor coverage system.
  
• System Tapering
Plug flow reactors with a length to width ratio of 3:1 or greater benefit significantly from a tapered aeration system design from both an oxygen transfer and process efficiency perspective. System tapering passively delivers the air in accordance with the specific oxygen demand gradient in a given basin. The design team can simulate your specific oxygen gradient based on influent and RAS feed points as well as basin configuration.
 
• Air distribution
  The Sanitaire fine bubble aeration grids are typically designed with an air flow variance (between the first and last diffuser) of < 2.5%. Better air flow distribution results in higher oxygen transfer efficiency as well as more efficient mixing.