Proper Design Considerationsx
Proper Design Considerationsx
by:
BULLETIN BRIEF
The selection of an aeration-mixing system requires the evaluation of several application factors. mixing Only after these design factors have been properly quantified can an aeration system be properly selected for an application. In general, consideration of accessibility, capital cost, operating cost, capital and maintenance costs is pertinent in selecting an aeration system.
DISCLAIMER
Technical Bulletins are presented as a service by Environmental Dynamics International headquartered in Columbia, Missouri USA. For additional more information regarding this particular bulletin or your specific aeration application contact Environmental D Dynamics International by calling +1.573.474.9456, toll free at +1.877.EDI.AIR8 (877.334-2478), or AIR8 (877.334 via email at [email protected]. [email protected].
Technical Bulletin 101 Proper Design Considerations Copyright Environmental Dynamics International 2012 All Rights Reserved
The listing below identifies the primary criteria impacting the selection of an aeration system: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Type of wastewater being treated including special characteristics, Type of treatment process being operated or considered, Electrical energy cost, $/kwh, Type and capacity of existing aeration com components, Number and capacity of existing blowers, Number and configuration of existing or proposed reactors, Ability to access reactors including ability to dewater and take off off-line, and Economic considerations including objectives for first cost and life cycle cost.
Once the above information has been considered, a rational determination of the best system for the application can be made.
If capital cost or first cost is the primary constraint, a coarse bubble aeration system may be a prudent choice for the application. Coarse bubble aeration systems offer moderate operating efficiency at an economical capital cost. If life cycle costs including capital cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost are primary objectives, a high efficiency system such as a fine bubble aeration system may efficiency be the best selection for the application.
The cost of operating an aeration system is the single largest cost item for the system. For a comparison of the relative operating efficiency of fine bubble versus coarse bubble diffusers reference Technical Bulletin 105. In general, the operating efficiency available with fine bubble . diffusers is twice the efficiency of coarse bubble diffusers. In terms of operating horsepower a 50% potential operating savings is available with high efficiency diffusers. ngs For small systems requiring a nominal amount of operating energy, e.g. less than 5 Hp, the economics of high efficiency versus low efficiency systems (fine bubble versus coarse bubble) may not be an important consideration. However, as the size of the system increases, the potential nt operating cost savings become very large and may be a controlling factor. Additionally, if the existing system is operating at capacity, conversion to a high efficiency system offers the ability to
Technical Bulletin 101 Proper Design Considerations Copyright Environmental Dynamics International 2012 All Rights Reserved
significantly increase the oxygen delivery capacity of the system without upgrading any of the existing components including the blower and header piping components. When evaluating an upgrade of an existing diffused air system and existing blowers are to be existing retained, the operating characteristics of the diffuser units and blowers should be reviewed, as the operating pressure requirements for diffusers will vary. The blower model number or design curves should be forwarded to EDI to properly evaluate the aeration system components and the capacity roperly of the existing blower system. The overall performance of most diffuser systems can be enhanced by using advanced technology membrane diffuser systems as manufactured by Environmental Dynamic International (EDI). High Dynamics ternational efficiency systems offered by EDI provide maximum operating efficiency and product flexibility to match the needs of any application. Advanced technology membranes offered by EDI are state state-of-the-art and are engineered for art maximum service life and system reliability. The engineered features provided by EDI include low mum extractable oil content for maximum service life, high tensile and tear strength for maximum product durability. Flexible membrane, fine pore diffuser units will normally require less maintenance than other types of coarse bubble and fine pore diffusers. It is true that membrane diffusers will require periodic replacement of the membrane element. The frequency of this requirement will vary depending on the application. A service life ranging from 5 to 7 years may be expected for municipal applications. ation. With the exception of membrane replacement, membrane diffusers typically require limited routine maintenance for proper performance. Properly designed membrane diffusers offer back-flow diffusers back prevention capabilities. This feature excludes solids from the unit at low flow and idle conditions and minimizes operator attention requirements and concerns regarding diffuser plugging. In summary, the performance capabilities of aeration systems including diffused air products and mechanical devices are very diverse. By identifying and reviewing the criteria outlined in this Technical Bulletin, a rational equipment selection can be made for a cost effective, efficient aeration system.
Technical Bulletin 101 Proper Design Considerations Copyright Environmental Dynamics International 2012 All Rights Reserved