Aeration
Selecting the right aerator for you is significant to make sure you’re getting the best out of your water treatment system. Unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so selection will come down to two main factors: job application and standard aeration efficiency (SAE).
Job application should be determined first so that the proper type of aeration system can be selected. It can be confusing deciding which aerator best fits your situation, so examples have been provided below:
SITUATION |
Medium to large ponds where it is important to distribute oxygenated water away from the aerator |
Multiple tanks and ponds, blower to be centralised and the com-pressed air to be directed where needed |
Destratification will solve the bottom oxygen problem |
Small volume of water where stocking density is high |
Emergencies to raise oxygen level in small area |
SYSTEM |
Water-moving and paddle wheel types |
Diffused aeration |
Few Air Diffusers |
Surface aerator |
Surface aerator |
- For medium to large ponds where it is important to distribute oxygenated water away from the aerator, water-moving and paddle wheel type aerators would be best suited.
- For multiple tanks and ponds, a diffused aeration system is a more modular solution as the blower can be centralised the compressed air can be directed where needed.
- For a situation where destratification alone will be sufficient to solve the bottom oxygen problem, utilise a diffused aeration system with only a few air diffusers (however not good for emergency aeration)
- For a small volume of water where stocking density is high (pond or culture tank), a surface aerator is a good choice (good for emergencies to raise oxygen level in small area, not best for full-time aeration)
Once you have selected an aeration system from your job application, the standard aeration efficiency should then be considered to further narrow your choice to get the exact model that is best for you. The SAE can be calculated by measuring the aerator’s oxy-gen transfer and the amount of energy used per horsepower, per hour, under standard conditions. The higher the SAW, the high the oxygen transfer and hence efficiency. Of course, the number of different situations is endless and the smallest difference could alter the aeration system that fits your needs. In terms of installation, our team is more than happy to come out and install your system correctly and efficiently with no hassle. However, should you prefer to install the system yourself, we can give you ex-pert advice and assistance on doing so.
To discuss your considerations with one of our consulting Solair water engineers, give us a call at (08) 9468 0209 or send an email to operations@solairgroup.com.au. We are happy to answer any inquiry or question no matter how big or small.