Towards more accurate design and specification of aeration systems using on-site column testing

Fine-pore diffuser systems are selected for their potential energy efficiency, and during design their propensity for fouling and for an increase in pressure drop with time must be considered. Both fouling and pressure-drop increase cause an increase in blower power requirements. This paper presents a new approach to improve this design procedure, without altering the technical structure of the classical approach. While the administrative and bidding milestones are being carried out (i.e., in the first 6 months of the project milestones), an independent aeration team can test candidate diffusers suitable for design in an aeration column in situ. An extended fouling test in the plant's aeration tanks allows the collection of site-specific aeration performance data. These improve the accuracy of the design process, and limit the reliance on safety factors.