ABSTRACT
Aeration devices are employed to supply oxygen to suspended growth biological systems or to induce oxidation conditions for chemical treatment. Aeration units are common components of chemical or biological oxidation systems, allowing a simple and inexpensive method of supplying oxygen by injecting air into the reactors. Aeration devices can be categorized into two broad groups, mechanical and diffused aeration. Mechanical aeration can be described as surface aerators, submerged aerators, or combined aerators. Surface aerators are the least complex and most commonly employed aeration device in completely mixed industrial waste biological systems. Horizontal axis aerators are available for specially designed aeration basins, commonly long, narrow, and shallow. Diffused air systems consist of a blower, an air filter, and air transfer piping to the aeration basin, aeration basin distribution piping, and diffusers. The number of diffusers and their location in completely mixed systems is primarily defined by mixing requirements; the aeration requirements are usually met under these conditions.
