Single-Point Insertion Aeration Air Flow Meters for Monitoring Aeration Air Flow in Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Aeration Air Flow Meters for Monitoring Aeration

Aeration is the process of introducing air into water or wastewater, typically done by forcing air through a diffuser, which breaks the air into tiny bubbles that mix with the water or wastewater. The purpose of aeration is to add oxygen to the water or wastewater, which is necessary for the growth of microorganisms used to treat the water or wastewater.

Oxygenation is the process of adding oxygen to water or wastewater through aeration and other methods, such as using oxygen-releasing chemicals. Oxygenation is essential in water and wastewater treatment because it allows microorganisms to grow and break down pollutants in the water or wastewater.

Aeration and oxygenation are critical processes in water and wastewater treatment. They remove nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. Additionally, oxygenation can help reduce harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, in the water or wastewater.

Single-point flow meters monitor airflow in aeration systems in water and wastewater treatment facilities. They are inserted into a pipe or duct and measure the flow of air through the pipe or duct. They typically use one of two measurement techniques: a hot wire anemometer, which measures the cooling effect of the moving air on a heated wire, or a pitot tube, which measures the pressure difference between the moving air and the static air. The flow rate of the air is then calculated and displayed on a digital readout or transmitted to a control system for monitoring and adjusting the aeration system. These meters are commonly used in water and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure proper aeration and oxygenation of the water or wastewater, which is critical for the effective treatment of the water or wastewater.

Efficient wastewater treatment demands accurate and rapid control of aeration air flow to regulate dissolved oxygen levels in the basin. Conventional control strategies generate fluctuating DO measurements, necessitating higher DO setpoints. This results in increased wear of expensive hardware and energy losses. To achieve tighter control, a quicker and more silent measurement signal for the aeration air is necessary.

The Kurz 410FTB monitors aeration air flow in water and wastewater treatment facilities. Its response time to velocity changes and low noise signal allows for the highest control of dissolved oxygen (DO), resulting in significant improvements in energy efficiency by improving DO control in aeration basins.

Hile Controls, Inc.
800.536.0269