Predicting oxygen transfer of fine bubble diffused aeration systems-model issued from dimensional analysis

This analysis allowed to better describe the mass transfer in cylindrical tanks. Within the range of the parameters considered, the oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa20) is an increasing linear function of the air flow rate. For a given air flow rate and a given tank surface area, kLa20 decreases with the water depth (submergence of the diffusers). For a given water depth, kLa20 increases with the number of diffusers, and, for an equal number of diffusers, with the total area of the zones covered by the diffusers. The latter result evidences the superiority of the total floor coverage over an arrangement whereby the diffusers are placed on separate grids. The specific standard oxygen transfer efficiency is independent of the air flow rate and the water depth, the drop in the kLa20 being offset by the increase of the saturation concentration. For a given tank area, the impact of the total surface of the perforated membrane (Sp) and of the aerated area (Sa) is the same as on the oxygen transfer coefficient.