ABSTRACT
Mechanical aeration is defined in this text as the transfer of oxygen to water by mechanical devices so as to cause entrainment of atmospheric oxygen into the bulk liquid by surface agitation and mixing. In addition, equipment that causes dispersion or aspiration of compressed air, high purity oxygen, or atmospheric air by the shearing and pumping of a rotating turbine or propeller will also be included. One may classify mechanical aeration devices based on the physical configuration of the equipment and its operation. Classifications that will be used in this text include low speed surface aerators, motor speed (high speed), axial surface aerators, horizontal rotors, submerged, sparged turbine aerators and aspirating aerators. Detailed descriptions, applications, and performance ranges for these devices will be provided below.
