Abstract
Aeration by using diffusers usually requires approximately 50~90% of the total electricity needed to operate WWTP (WasteWater Treatment Plant)s. Accurate evaluation of the oxygen transfer efficiency for an aeration system, and recommendation of a better alternative may help saving WWTP operational costs. Appropriate techniques and methods to achieve this purpose have not been introduced in Korea. In this study, in-process analysis was performed for a coarse bubble aeration system by the off-gas method to evaluate its applicability in Korea. To accomplish this analysis, an off-gas test, unsteady-state clean water test and steady-state off-gas column test was conducted and comparisons to other aeration systems were made. The ${\alpha}$ and the F estimated from the results of the unsteady-state clean water test and the steady-state off-gas column test were 0.61 and 0.90 respectively in a coarse bubble aeration system. The comparison of P.E tube diffusers laid out single spiral roll and ceramic dome diffusers laid out full floor coverage showed that the oxygen transfer efficiency of the coarse bubble aeration system was less than or similar to other aeration systems. But, airflow rates per unit area were 4~5 times greater than other aeration systems. In regards to the oxygen transfer efficiency for airflow rates per unit area, a retrofit to higher efficiency diffusers was urgently needed. This study showed proved that off-gas methods can apply to evaluate diffuser performances to estimate operating factors and to compare other aeration systems in Korea.
