Effect of Step Height on the Aeration Efficiency of Cascade Aerator System Using Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract

Aeration is an important parameter in water filtration system as it allows the transfer of oxygen to water through turbulence effect which subsequently increases air entrainment in the water. For water treatment application, aeration efficiency is measured to ensure continuous re-oxygenation of the unfiltered water. Aside from aeration, this paper also studies the flow patterns through the use of particle image velocimetry (PIV) setup. Through the use of real scale down physical model laboratory study is performed using PIV to obtain the velocity profile. These velocity profiles will then be used to calculate the aeration efficiency of the water in a cascade aerator system. Based on the findings, the aeration efficiency obtained from the PIV experiment has a maximum value at the lowest point of the cascade aerator system with a value of 0.0139 due to increase in mass flow rate as it moves through the steps with velocity of 0.418 m/s. Therefore, in the design of a cascade aerator system, it is advisable to increase the number of steps since it will increase the aeration efficiency of the system.