Comparative study of fabricated conventional aerator models for enhancing oxygenation efficiency in Aquafarm

Abstract

In fact Aerators plays an important role in maintaining optimum dissolved oxygen level within aquaculture setups, particularly in shrimp farming. Despite of abundance aerator options are available; but their relative efficiencies remain poorly understood. To address this gap, it has been planned, designed, fabricated and evaluated the aerator models through a series of aeration experiments conducted in the tanks measuring (5 × 5 × 1 m). The fabricated aerator models included Single Perforated Sheet Aerators, Two Tier Perforated Sheets Aerators, Wooden Perforated Aerators and Wooden Flat Surface Aerators were used for the study. The main aim was to compare their performance in terms of the Overall Oxygen Transfer Coefficient (KLa)T and Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate (SOTR). The calculated average values of the Overall Oxygen Transfer Coefficient (KLa)T ranged from 0.82 h-1 to 1.48 h-1, while the corresponding average Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate (SOTR) values varied from 0.072 kg O2/h to 0.133 kg O2/h among the above mentioned aerator models, notably, the two tier perforated sheets aerators demonstrated the highest Overall Oxygen Transfer Coefficient (KLa)T and Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate (SOTR) values compared to the other aerator designs, with the Single Perforated Sheet Aerator, Wooden Flat Surface Aerator and Wooden Perforated Sheet Aerator models following in descending order of efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights into the performance of various aerator models, aiding aquaculture practitioners in making informed decisions regarding aerator selection for their shrimp farming activities.