Structure and Working Principle of Disc Aerator

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An disc aerator is a common gas transfer device used in wastewater treatment, playing a crucial role in the biological treatment process. In this article, we will introduce the structure and working principle of the aeration disc to provide readers with a better understanding of its functions and applications in wastewater treatment.

 

Structure of Disc Aerator

 

An aeration disc is typically made of materials such as rubber, silicone rubber, or EPDM. It is a flat circular disc with numerous small holes on its surface. These holes can be evenly distributed or arranged in a specific pattern depending on the requirements of different wastewater treatment processes. The diameter and thickness of the aeration disc can be adjusted to suit specific treatment needs.

 

Working Principle of Aeration Disc

 

The working principle of the aeration disc is based on gas transfer and bubble formation. In an aeration system, compressed air is transported through pipes to the aeration disc. As the compressed air enters the interior of the aeration disc, the gas pressure inside the disc becomes higher than the gas pressure in the surrounding water. Consequently, the gas starts to escape through the small holes on the aeration disc's surface, creating a multitude of tiny bubbles.

 

These microbubbles disperse uniformly in the water, forming an aeration zone that covers the entire population of biological sludge and wastewater. As the bubbles rise to the surface, they carry away dissolved oxygen from the water while providing fresh oxygen for the respiration and growth of microorganisms.

 

During aeration, microorganisms absorb dissolved oxygen from the air-liquid interface of the bubbles. Under aerobic conditions, these microorganisms carry out respiratory metabolism, breaking down organic substances present in the wastewater into harmless by-products, simultaneously releasing carbon dioxide and water. This process is known as biological oxidation or biodegradation.

 

By continuously supplying oxygen, the aeration disc facilitates the sustained growth and metabolism of microorganisms, thereby accelerating the decomposition of organic matter and the purification of wastewater.

 

Application of Aeration Disc in Wastewater Treatment

 

Aeration discs find wide applications in various biological treatment processes, including activated sludge, sequencing batch reactor (SBR), membrane bioreactor (MBR), moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), among others. These treatment processes harness the biological degradation capabilities of microorganisms to convert organic pollutants into harmless substances and remove pollutants like ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus to meet discharge standards.

 

The arrangement and density of aeration discs are crucial for achieving efficient aeration. Properly arranged aeration discs ensure even coverage of the treatment area, avoiding dead zones, and improving oxygen transfer efficiency. Moreover, the density of aeration discs should be selected based on the treatment requirements and water depth to achieve optimal treatment performance.

 

Conclusion

 

As a critical gas transfer device in wastewater treatment, the aeration disc injects oxygen into the wastewater, promoting the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, leading to the rapid decomposition of organic pollutants and removal of contaminants. It plays a pivotal role in various biological treatment processes, facilitating efficient purification and environmentally friendly discharge of wastewater. Therefore, selecting and operating aeration discs prudently are key steps to ensure effective treatment performance in wastewater treatment systems.


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