Design Characteristics of Single Hub Paddle Wheel Aerator

Aeration experiments, based on dimensional analysis, were conducted in brick masonry tanks of dimensions 2.9×2.9×1.6  m^3 and 5.9×2.9×1.6  m^3 to study the design characteristics of a single hub paddle wheel aerator. A generalized equation has been developed to estimate the optimum volume of water to be aerated at a given paddle wheel diameter (d) and speed (N). A simulation equation with E [nondimensional number characterizing standard aeration efficiency (SAE)] and P* (nondimensional number characterizing power input per unit volume) provided a correlation better than that with E and F(Froude number) and E and R(Reynolds number) only. A simplified generalized equation correlating E and P* was developed which can be used to predict aeration efficiency for P*<=6.56. Similarly, a simulation equation with Ne [(power number)(nondimensional number charcterizing power consumption)] and P* provided a correlation better than that with Ne and Fand Ne and Ronly. The optimum dynamic condition at which maximum SAE is produced has also been presented. All the above results are valid subject to 1.47<=P*<=15.54.