Evaluation of a Vertical Fiber Membrane Aerator

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This is an award to support research on a membrane process of for oxygenation of water. The research involves evaluation of the mass transfer characteristics of vertically oriented hollow fibers, arranged in packets, and within which an atmosphere of pure oxygen is maintained. The oxygen is transferred to the horizontally-flowing fluid through the fiber walls without the formation of bubbles as is characteristic of conventional oxygenation processes. This concept has a potential for providing the required amount of respiratory oxygen at a rate that is consistent with the biochemical oxygen demand of the bioprocess without the loss of efficiency that is characteristic of oxygenation processes that depend on oxygen-transfer from a rising or circulating pattern of bubbles. Submerged-culture, biological processes for treatment of wastewaters depend upon an adequate movement of oxygen into the reaction vessel to maintain a high rate of aerobic, biological activity. Applications of the concept expected to emerge from this research also include bringing effluents from wastewater treatment processes up to levels consistent with maintenance of good levels of oxygen in receiving streams, in maintaining desired levels of oxygen in ice-covered lakes, and in compensating for loss of oxygen during use of hydropower in the generation of electricity.