What is the working principle of a disc type aeration diffuser?
The working principle of a disc type aeration diffuser in water and wastewater treatment processes is centered around the diffusion of air or oxygen into the liquid to be treated. Here's how it works:
1.Air Supply: Air, often from a blower or compressor, is supplied to the aeration system. The air might be ambient or enriched with oxygen, depending on the process requirements.
2.Diffusion Process: The disc type aeration diffuser is connected to the air supply and is placed at the bottom of the aeration tank or basin. These diffusers are typically made of a porous material or have fine slits that allow air to pass through but are small enough to create tiny air bubbles.
3.Bubble Formation: As air passes through the disc diffuser, it exits into the water as fine bubbles. The small size of the bubbles increases the surface area for gas exchange between the air and the water.
4.Oxygen Transfer: The fine bubbles rise through the water column, and oxygen is transferred from the bubbles to the water. This oxygen transfer process is critical for aerobic biological treatment processes where microorganisms consume oxygen to break down organic matter in the water.
5.Mixing and Circulation: The rising bubbles also help in mixing the water, ensuring that oxygen is evenly distributed throughout the tank. This mixing action prevents sedimentation of solids and maintains a homogeneous mixture of microorganisms, substrate, and oxygen, which is essential for efficient biological treatment.
6.Dissolved Oxygen Increase: The end goal of using disc-type aeration diffusers is to increase the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, which supports aerobic biological activity, enhances the breakdown of pollutants, and improves the overall water quality.
The efficiency of a disc-type aeration diffuser is influenced by factors like the diffuser's material and design, the depth at which it is placed, the size of the bubbles it produces, and the airflow rate. Properly designed and operated disc-type aeration systems can significantly improve the oxygenation of water in treatment systems, leading to more efficient and effective water treatment processes.
