Design of Multiple Tray Aerators

Multiple-tray aerators are generally constructed with three to nine trays and a spacing of12 to 30 in.
(30 to 76 cm) between trays. Space required for an aeration unit ranges fromabout 25 to 75 ft2/mgd
(2 to 6 m2/ML per day) capacity, with 50 ft2/mgd (4 m2/ML perday) being about average. Water
application rates range from roughly 20 to 30 gpm/ft 2[17 to 20 (L/s)/m2], These aerators have
excellent oxygen adsorption and carbon dioxide removal capacities.
Ventilation Requirements.

Tray aerators are, in many respects, analogous to coolingtowers, and the design is similar.
Ventilation and water distribution must be carefully con-sidered in connection with location and
design.Multiple-tray aerators are usually housed, particularly in colder climates. A good ex-ample of
an enclosed but well-ventilated installation is the Allen substation aerator atMemphis, Tennessee.
Aluminum scroll panels are used to promote good cross-ventila-tion, and the roof is open except
directly over the distributing trays. Carbon dioxide con-centration in the source water exceeds 90
mg/L, and this aerator has consistently produceda 90% or greater reduction.If a tray aerator must be
enclosed and there is not sufficient natural ventilation, artifi-cial ventilation must be provided. This is
usually accomplished by supplying air with ablower at the bottom of the aerator so that it travels
counter to water flow.Important design considerations in designing tray aerators are the use of
corrosion-resistant materials and methods of dealing with slime and algal growths. Aeration unitsare
generally constructed using concrete, stainless steel, aluminum, and rot-resistant wood.Slime and
algal growths may be controlled by treating the source water with chlorine orcopper sulfate