Two-phase airlift pumps in biological systems

Abstract

Airlift pumps operating under two-phase flow conditions have been used in biological systems for aeration while pumping water simultaneously. In this paper, airlift pump is integrated in aquaponics that consists of a traditional Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) with a hydroponics system as an integrated biological system for producing fish and plants. The effect of using airlift pumps operating under two-phase flow conditions on the mass transfer capability in the system is experimentally investigated. The results show a great potential of airlift pump in the aeration process while striping carbon dioxide. Moreover, an optimum air flow rate while operating the pump at the best efficiency point is also achieved.