Jet aerator

Types of jet aerators

The jet aerator can be divided into five main types based on its design features and application.

• Whirl aerator

  The whirl aerator is a common type of aerator in sewage treatment facilities, widely used to improve the quality of water by stimulating the growth of bacteria. The whirl aerator utilizes a pump to set the sewage into motion, which disperses the liquid and generates oxygen. This procedure benefits the digestion of waste by bacteria, enhancing the purification of water.

• Rotary jet aerator

  The rotary jet aerator is a versatile tool often used in the treatment of waste water in sectors like agriculture, fishery, and industry. Its primary function is to inject air into the sewage, promoting the process of decomposition by bacteria. What sets the rotary jet aerator apart is its ability to eject air from nozzles in a rotating manner, thereby broadening the scope of air injection. This ensures a more uniform distribution of air throughout the treated water, which in turn improves the quality of water effluent.

• Fluidized bed jet aerator

  Fluidized bed jet aerators are widely used in waste treatment and industrial processes. Their primary function is to mix liquids, gases, and solid substances together to create a uniform fluidized mixture. This process promotes the interaction and reaction among the components, thereby enhancing the efficiency of waste treatment and processing. Aeration is a crucial step in waste treatment and industrial processes, and jet aerators play an important role in this. They improve the treatment and processing efficiency of wastes and materials, providing strong technical support for environmental protection and industrial production.

• Mixed aerator

  The mixed aerator is a widely used equipment in waste water treatment. Its main function is to stir and dilute the sewage, while at the same time injecting air into it, thereby promoting the decomposition process of organic materials by bacteria and improving the quality of water. The mixed aerator operates by using a jet nozzle to spray a small amount of water into the air, which subsequently sprays back into the tank. This process enhances the movement and mixing of water within the tank, thereby facilitating the circulation of water and the contact between water and bacteria to the greatest extent, so as to improve the treatment effect.

• Disc aerator

  Disc aerators are a vital piece of equipment extensively used in waste water treatment facilities and aquaculture industries. Their primary function is to infuse air into the sewage or water bodies, thereby ensuring the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. By continuously introducing air, disc aerators promote the process of decomposition by bacteria, which improves water quality. In addition, disc aerators also enhance the mixing and circulation of water, thereby ensuring a better distribution of dissolved oxygen in the entire water body.

Specification & Maintenance

Specifications for a jet aerator will vary according to the design and application of the aerator. Here are some common specifications:

• Flow Rate: This refers to the amount of wastewater that the aerator treats in a given time. It can be expressed in terms of liters per minute (L/min) or gallons per minute (GPM). For instance, a jet aerator in a municipal wastewater treatment plant may have a flow rate of 500-5000 GPM.
• Motor Power: This refers to the power of the motor driving the jet aerator's pump. It is expressed in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP). A typical motor power for a jet aerator may range from 5 kW to 50 kW.
• Nozzle Diameter: Jet aerators use nozzles to create high-velocity water streams. The diameter of these nozzles affects the aeration and mixing intensity. Nozzle diameters may range between 20 and 100 millimeters, depending on the aerator's design.
• Pressure: Jet aerators work by pumping water into the wastewater through a nozzle. The pumping pressure determines the volume of wastewater the aerator treats. This pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and usually ranges from 30 to 150 PSI for different jet aerators.
• Aeration Efficiency: This indicates the rate of oxygen transfer from the aerator to the wastewater. It is usually expressed in terms of kilograms of oxygen per hour (kg O2/h) or per cubic meter (m3) of wastewater. Different jet aerators have different aeration efficiencies. For example, a jet aerator may transfer oxygen at a rate of 5 kg O2/h.

Maintenance

Jet aerators require regular maintenance to ensure efficient mixing and oxygen transfer in wastewater. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Visual Inspection: Carry out a visual inspection of the aerator at regular intervals. Check for signs of wear, damage, or leakage in the pump, piping, nozzle, or diffuser. Conduct timely repairs for any issues detected during the inspection.
• Lubrication: Apply lubricants to the moving parts of the motor per the manufacturer's instructions. Regular lubrication will reduce the aerator's operating noise and wear and prolong its service life.
• Replacement: Diffusers and nozzles are critical components of jet aerators. They can, over time, become clogged or damaged, affecting aeration performance. Check the condition and replace them if necessary at regular intervals.
• Cleaning: Jet aerators can accumulate dirt, algae, and sediments over time. This may block water outlets or air inlets. Use high-pressure water or suitable cleaning agents to clean the aerator regularly.
• Monitoring: Periodically monitor the motor's current, operating pressure, flow rate, and oxygen transfer efficiency of the jet aerator. Compare the data with the normal values to find any abnormalities early and address them promptly.

Usage scenarios of jet aerators

Because of their numerous benefits and flexible nature, jet aerators are useful in different industries and applications.

• Wastewater treatment plants

  Jet aerators are especially important for central treatment units in wastewater treatment plants. They help in both decomposition and purification of waste from domestic or industrial origin. Using jet aerators in separate treatment facilities also boosts efficiency, making it possible for smaller plants to handle waste without the need for large space.

• Livestock farms and agricultural sectors

  Jet aerators come in handy at livestock farms, where huge quantities of manure are produced. Thus, effective disposal is essential for both environmental and farm system health. Jet aerators are great for tackling this because they lower the volume of manure, cut down on odors, and stop fly larvae from developing in it. Instead of jet aerators working separately, their combined use in a digester or bioreactor yields better results and provides useful fertilizer for agricultural lands.

• Food processing and industrial sectors

  Jet aerators show their versatility again in the industrial sector. Motion or decay of organic matter in food chains can be avoided, thus improving storage facilities and minimizing processing plant effluents. Aeration jets can help save valuable resources by reducing waste generation. This is done by letting organic material remain usable, simplifying production lines. By lowering operating costs and making productive use of inputs possible, this approach is economical.

• Pond or lagoon wastewater treatment systems

  In lagoon or pond systems where wastewater is treated naturally, jet aerators increase the speed of processes by introducing oxygen into the water. Here, bacteria that consume waste matter need a lot of oxygen, which jet aerators deliver by getting air to move around. Without frequent and costly pump repairs, lagoons can be a lot cheaper to run if jet aerators are used instead of mechanized pumps.

• Desalination and energy production facilities

  Jet aerators are also useful in the energy and desalination sectors. In energy generation, after the burning of fuel, cooling down of the water and getting rid of carbon dioxide can be done by jet aerators. When it comes to desalination, seawater is transformed into freshwater by passing it through jet aerators and using chemicals inside to eliminate salt.

How to Choose a Jet Aerator

Business buyers can consider the following factors when purchasing a jet aerator for their solid waste treatment facility.

• Check the Jet Aerator Capacity

  Business buyers should calculate the amount of sludge that their waste treatment facility generates each day. They should also check the jet aerator's capacity and choose an aerator that can handle the daily volume of sludge. If an aerator processes more sludge than its optimum capacity, it may undergo faster wear and tear.

• Check if it can Handle Viscosity Changes

  Changing sludge viscosity can have a substantial impact on treatment facility aerators. A facility may come across sludge that has different levels of viscosity depending on the organic matter present. Water-resistant jet aerators, such as Blagdon jet aerators, can handle liquid with a viscosity level of up to 800 centipoise. If a waste treatment facility encounters sludge with a higher viscosity level, your business may need to opt for a different model.

• Choose an Aerator that Matches Pipeline Size

  Buyers should look for jet aerator models whose pipeline diameter matches the diameter of their facility’s pipelines. If the pipeline sizes do not match, there could be turbulence or a drop in pressure, which would reduce the pump's efficiency. If there are no available models in the market, pipeline modification may be necessary, which could incur additional costs.

• Consider Maintenance Tasks

  Frequent maintenance tasks can incur extra operating costs. Business buyers should look at the specific maintenance tasks required by the aerator they wish to purchase. They should also consider the replacement parts' pricing and availability. If an aerator requires the frequent replacement of jet nozzles, pipes, or pumps, it may be best to choose a different model.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a jet aerator and a diffuser?

A: The jet aerator uses high-pressure liquid jettison to create bubbles in the wastewater for air transfer. The jet aerator has high volumetric mass transfer. The micro-diffuser works by blowing compressed air into small bubbles, which is then submerged in the wastewater. The diffuser lets a larger volume of air transfer at a lower mass transfer rate.

Q: What is the difference between a jet aerator and a surface aerator?

A: The jet aerator is submerged in the tank, and it does not occupy any space at the surface. It can work in deeper tanks. The jet aerator creates a more uniform aeration level throughout the tank. Surface aerators can form scum at the surface, and sometimes, they don't work well at the periphery of the tank.

Q: Can one replace old surface aerators with jet aerators in the sewage treatment plant?

A: Yes, it is technically possible to replace surface aerators with jet aerators. Surface aerators and jet aerators function as aeration devices to transfer oxygen into the wastewater for the growth of aerobic bacteria to treat the sewage. Surface aerators may be simpler to install than jet aerators. A thorough analysis of the treatment efficiency, hydrodynamic conditions, mixing patterns, and cost implications should be done before making the change.