OXYGEN TRANSFER AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN A DEEP-TANK AERATION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT The recently developed deep-tank reactor system is analysed here for use as a fermenter and an activated sludge system. First, a mathematical model which describes the change of pressure and gas hold-up along the axis of the tube is proposed to calculate the concentration profile of dissolved oxygen(DO). Various operational and design conditions were investigated from the view-point of oxygen transfer by using the model. It can be shown, for example, that an optimal liquid velocity exists which gives minimum power consumption at a given gas velocity. Secondly, the biological effects of deep-tank aeration systems on microorganisms are investigated experimentally.