Technical Bulletin No. 0237: Results of a Cooperative Field Study of a Downflow Bubble Contactor Aerator and a Conventional Surface Aerator

This technical bulletin was prepared under the direction of James J. McKeown, Northeast Regional Engineer, and summarizes the results of a field study of a down-flow bubble contactor aerator in conjunction with a conventional surface aerator system trial at Gulf Island Pond on the Androscoggin River in Maine. The results demonstrate the capability of the down-flow bubble contactor aerator, a modification of the U-tube aerator, to transfer atmospheric oxygen and achieve mixing in basins or ponds of varying depth. The findings indicate it is particularly adapted to aeration of receiving waters in the mid-saturation range, and at greater depths. The report should lead to further field trials of this new approach to artificial re-aeration of receiving waters.