Performance evaluation of fabricated conventional horizontal perforated sheet aerator models for aquafarm

Aerators are the major component of any aquaculture system because dissolved oxygen is the basic component of the aquatic flora and fauna. The dissolved oxygen has a direct influence on the production and well-being of the aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the efficiency of the horizontal perforated sheet aerator models with a different number of trays was evaluated for diffusion of oxygen into the water. The results showed that the three-tier perforated horizontal sheets aerator model was more efficient in increasing the dissolved oxygen content of the pond water. The average overall oxygen transfer coefficient [(KLa)T] values for control, single sheet, two-tier and three tier-aerator models are 0.23 h-1, 1.52 h-1, 1.71 h-1 and 2.01 h-1 respectively. The standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) values are 0.022 kg O2/h, 0.144 kg O2/h, 0.16 kg O2/h and 0.182 kg O2/h respectively for control, single sheet, two-tier and three tier-aerator models.