The aeration process uses a compressor on the surface that pumps air into the bottom of the water column. This creates enough vertical circulation to destroy the stratification caused during the hot summer months.
Two dimensional modeling was completed on the effectiveness of aeration on vertical stratification. Modeling shows the complete destruction of stratification .
It was also determined that aeration in the vertical affects the horizontal regions as well. Depending on the depth (D) of the water column, aeration affects 5*D meters in the horizontal region. So, supplying air not only adds oxygen to lower waters, it destroys stratificaiton, and increases the surface area for highly oxygenated waters.
Using aeration during the summer ensures that DO levels will be above 3.0 ml/l. It has been determined that this value is the minimum required to sustain healthy benthic and pelagic populations.
