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Surface Aeration Myth Busters – No. 5

MYTH: – “Surface aerators cannot operate in shallow water”

FACT: aquaturbo® Surface Aerators are, in fact, ideal for shallow water applications because the design allows the draft to be reduced to suit the required water level. Each kW rating has a specific minimum operational water level.

Examples are 0.74m for 2.2kW; 1.0m for 11kW; 1.2m for 30kW; 1.6m for 75kW and 1.9m for 110kW.

Please note, these levels are based on draft plus 100mm. This clearance can be reduced to 50mm if the basin floor is concrete or if the floor is exceptionally level and free of deposits.

An Anti-Erosion Plate is often specified for operation in shallow earthen or membrane lined basins and when settled deposits are present.

For extreme applications, further reduction in draft is possible but this requires design changes to maintain stability, such as a larger diameter float.

New Aeris Global crane truck nears completion.

The construction is in the highly experienced hands of Mosgiel transport engineering company, T. L. MacLean Limited; established in 1924!

The rig is built on a Hino Series 500 Wide Body FG1628 chassis and features the latest Palfinger knuckle boom crane technology including radio remote control and electronic overload protection.

The unit will be valuable addition to the Field Services fleet. It will be based in Wanaka but will operate throughout New Zealand.

Its primary role will be to deliver, assemble and install otterdock – Safe Docking Platforms but will also be used to assemble aerators, mixers and decanters on site; deliver export consignments to port; transport portable site offices to worksites; backload materials from suppliers and perform miscellaneous logistics duties.

The rig is scheduled to be on the road in November.

Its first duty will be to deliver four otterdock’s to the new WWTP at Tatua Dairy in the Waikato and assemble eight 110kW aquaturbo aerators.

Surface Aeration Myth Busters – No. 4

MYTH: – Surface aerators are noisy

FACT: Actually, no, they are not. The only discernible sound pressure from an aquaturbo® Model AER-AS Floating Surface Aerator is from water-impacting-water; namely, the innocuous, sound of the discharge flow hitting the water surface.

In a wastewater treatment plant, the most invasive and penetrating sound waves come from tonality generated by blowers, pumps, variable frequency drives and pipework or any combination thereof.

When entering some wastewater treatment plants, the dominant noise is often the high-pitched shrill of blowers and the resonance of air passing through stainless steel pipework. The tonality of blowers makes this sound particularly annoying.

Surface aerators do not exhibit this type of tonality with the sound of water movement being more in the broad band range.

If you compare the benign sound of surface aeration with other technologies, the myth that surface aeration is noisy is soon dispelled.

Surface Aeration Myth Busters – No. 3

MYTH: “Surface aerators create odours”

FACT: Yes, but not aquaturbo®; not all surface aerators are created equal. This is a common problem with “splasher” type surface aerators, which tend to throw water vertically and simply allow it to lose energy and fall to the surface.

Whilst at the top of the trajectory when velocity drops to zero the aerosol is most vulnerable to the influence of the slightest breeze.

Odour migration is most rampant when in combination with a carrier such as aerosol, so the combined effect of aerosol production, vertical velocity and wind is a perfect storm.

Conversely, aquaturbo® AER-AS Surface Aerators discharge horizontally and therefore maintain control of discharge velocity throughout the airborne phase.

The unique Screwpeller® is designed to “inject” the discharge back into the basin and entrain fine oxygen-rich droplets into the mixing pattern rather than allowing them to drift over the neighbours’ fence.

Surface Aeration Myth Busters – No. 2

MYTH. – “Surface aeration has low efficiency compared to diffused aeration”

FACT: Diffused aeration tests well in clean water when the test tank is deep and diffuser density is high but in real conditions it is far less efficient. In activated sludge the clean water advantage is reduced to zero and even surpassed by aquaturbo® Model AER-AS Surface Aeration.

Membrane diffuser efficiency reduces over time due to a combination of factors: – loss of elastomeric properties; enlargement of membrane openings; biofouling and membrane rupture. aquaturbo® AER-AS efficiency remains constant for the entire life of the equipment.

When first installed the Alpha Factor for membrane diffusers is α0.5 – 0.6. This reduces to α0.2 – 0.3 as the diffuser degrades over time and when α(F) Alpha Fouling is taken into account.

When operating in domestic wastewater the Alpha Factor of aquaturbo® AER-AS remains constant for the entire life of the aerator at typically α0.95.

All things considered; the inflated efficiency claims of diffused aeration compared to surface aeration is a myth.

Surface Aeration Myth Busters – No. 1

Starting today Aeris Global will post a weekly issue of Myth Busters to dispel some of the concerns we receive and answer some of the questions asked.

MYTH: “Surface aerators aerate the surface only”

FACT: The name doesn’t help but nothing could be further from the truth. The aquaturbo® AER-AS Surface Aerator is manufactured with a draft to suit a predetermined water level range. Each model variant and kW rating has a standard draft as well as a minimum it can be reduced to and a maximum it can be extended to.

The correct draft is critical to generate the full depth, cylindrical mixing pattern. The aerator intake is radial at floor level and the discharge is radial at water level, so the top and bottom laminar layers move in opposite directions. This creates mid-layer rotation, which maximises bubble dwell time by inhibiting bubbles from rising vertically.

Some design constraints are unique to Australia.

Some design constraints are unique to Australia.

The continent is home to some of the most exotic species on Earth but one of the more amazing statistics is the number of deadly species.

Of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world, Australia has 21 of them! Their spider stats are equally impressive with some of the worlds most poisonous spiders calling Australia home.

Australia also has more than its fair share of other species such as Australian Hornet Wasps, which can make life very unpleasant for us humans.

Snakes, spiders, and wasps all like to hide and build nests in dark, cramped spaces such as inside open-end aluminium extrusions.

When designing the otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform our engineers incorporated enclosures to blank off the custom extrusions and prevent unwelcome guests setting up residence.

Aeris Global products are designed to promote safe work places

Aeris Global Aeration Upgrades

Volumetric or hydraulic capacity of existing civil structures such as lagoons, basins, tanks, or ditches is rarely the limiting factor of an aerobic process. Aeration efficiency almost always determines treatment capacity.

Aeris Global upgrades aeration systems when the existing plant is no longer economically viable or technologically capable of meeting process demands.

Aged and outmoded technologies are often accompanied by high energy consumption and high maintenance requirements.

Aeris Global has multiple aquaturbo® options to allow the upgrade of virtually any aeration system, whilst the plant remains online; any shape, any size, any depth.

Rapid and permanent aeration upgrades can be achieved without shutdowns or civil works. The total energy of the upgrade is usually within the existing capacity of the MCC due to the higher oxygen transfer efficiency of new technologies.

Is your current aeration system inefficient, outmoded or at end-of-life?

Guide on Auto-lubricators for Surface Aerator Motors

Auto-lubricators can be a tremendous asset but, in some applications, can be a curse. Over-lubrication is a fast road to bearing failure particularly if lubrication continues during periods of inactivity.

Aeris Global cautions end-users to be wary of installing auto-lubricators unless the following operational criteria can be GUARANTEED: –

CONTINUOUS MOTOR OPERATION

The rate of discharge from the auto-lubricator can be set to NEVER exceed the DE and NDE bearing grease volumes and re-greasing intervals as specified on the motor nameplate.

INTERMITTENT OR SEASONAL MOTOR OPERATION

As above, and auto-lubricator operation is linked to motor operation. Lubrication MUST cease when the motor is inactive.

GREASING NOTES:

1. Re-greasing intervals are based on hours of OPERATION.

2. Re-greasing volumes are based on BEARING SIZE.

3. Motor operating position DOES NOT CHANGE the re-greasing volume but does change the re-greasing interval.

The attached photos show motor failure resulting from over-lubrication during operation and whilst inactive.

Green Process Our Australian Partner

Aeris Global has partnered with Green Process in Australia for the distribution of all aeris.global® product lines for the wastewater industry.

Products include market-leading aquaturbo® Aerators and Mixers as well as aquadecant® Floating Decanters.

The full aquaturbo® range encompasses a vast array of mechanical aerators incorporating high and low speed; fixed and floating; surface and bottom; radial and directional; self-aspirating and forced air. There is an aquaturbo® solution for every application.

Aeris Global provides all associated equipment for installation, operation, and safe access using a range of proprietary products including otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform; otterpontoon® – Safe Access Pontoon; aerisanchor® – Multi-function Mooring System and the ever-increasing aercable® – Cable Management Accessories.

What does Aeris Global do?

Aeris Global – Aerators, Mixers + Decanters

What does Aeris Global do? This is a question often asked.

Our business model is simple; we design, manufacture, and install aeration, mixing and decanting systems using aquaturbo® and aquadecant® equipment for wastewater treatment.

The full aquaturbo® range includes a vast array of mechanical aerators incorporating high and low speed; fixed and floating; surface and bottom; radial and directional; self-aspirating and forced air.

Aeris Global provides all associated equipment for installation, operation, and safe access using a range of proprietary products including otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform; otterpontoon® – Safe Access Pontoon; aerisanchor® – Multi-function Mooring System and the ever-increasing aercable® – Cable Management Accessories.

Safe Access Systems for Wastewater Treatment Plants

Safe access to floating equipment. Do you have a Safe Access Plan?

Many wastewater treatment plants include floating mechanical equipment such as aerators, mixers, and decanters, operating in ponds, lagoons, and basins.

All such equipment must be accessed periodically for various reasons including housekeeping, inspection, servicing, and removal.

Water is a hazard; wastewater is a greater hazard. Gaining access to floating equipment in wastewater represents the potential for serious harm and loss of life.

Aeris Global has developed a range of products specifically designed to allow necessary tasks to be performed in a controlled manner and therefore mitigating or eliminating all forms of harm.

Thanks to the Aeris Global team

Thanks to the Aeris Global team for supporting essential industry.

As we enter the slightly less restrictive Level-3 in our fight against Covid-19, it’s a good time to acknowledge all Level-4 workers.

Aeris Global is proud to have maintained limited production and logistics throughout Level-4 due to the commitment of a dedicated crew.

We have shipped critical spares to ensure wastewater treatment plants operate at full capacity during lockdown. We have also operated split-shifts in the factory to maintain segregation, so all new projects remain on schedule.

We may be an essential service but work outside the bubble during lockdown was 100% voluntary. Without exception every member of the team contributed to the effort.

We extend our personal thanks and appreciation.

FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY to our Field Services

Field Services is an integral and, in fact, critical component of virtually every project undertaken by Aeris Global. Installation and commissioning of equipment predetermines safe operation, performance, reliability and service life.

Based on hundreds of installations we are so convinced of the value provided by Field Services we provide a FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY to clients if Aeris Global Field Services install and commission the equipment or sign-off installation by others.

LIFE IN A BUBBLE

In our industry, aeration refers to dissolving oxygen in wastewater to keep aerobic bacteria alive. The process involves lots of bubbles. The idea is to produce the smallest bubbles possible and minimise contact with other bubbles.

The smaller the bubble, the slower the Rise Rate, this being the vertical velocity of a bubble in water. Each time a bubble doubles in diameter it’s Rise Rate increases by a factor of four, so size does matter.

If two or more bubbles make contact, they coalesce into larger bubbles and consequently Rise Rate increases rapidly.

The fight against Covid-19 also involves lots of bubbles, but a different kind. However, we can draw comparisons between real and metaphorical bubbles.

Allowing real bubbles to make contact rapidly increases Rise Rate; allowing OUR bubbles to make contact rapidly increases Covid-19 Transmission Rate and will cost lives.

Try not to let your small bubble coalesce with any other bubbles so we can all put this chapter of our lives behind us.

Sending kind thoughts from my bubble to yours. Please keep safe.

#stayconnected

#stayconnected – We need to maintain personal contact with family and friends for our sanity and general wellbeing. We also need to #stayconnected with clients, consultants and contractors to keep the wheels of industry moving.

Our business, like any other, is built on relationships, many spanning decades. The strength of our company is directly proportionate to the strength of these relationships.

We pride ourselves on our willingness to travel to far-flung corners; to meet clients and to fully understand the unique conditions and challenges of each project.

Likewise, leading up to the lockdown, our Field Services engineers were almost continuously travelling to and working at, wastewater treatment plants on both sides of the Tasman. Obviously, travel by our entire team is on hold whilst Level-4 restrictions remain in place.

To #stayconnected we are promoting other forms of communication.

Loss of physical contact need not mean a loss of personal contact.

The evolution of a new business identity

Last year, Aquasystems Australasia Limited changed its name to Aeris Global Limited.

Why did we change our name?

Aquasystems Australasia Limited was formed many years ago to reflect the long-standing relationship with Belgium based supplier, Aquasystems International NV. The product range of each company was identical, so it made sense to create some commonality between the two.

However, as the business continued to evolve, so too did the range of proprietary products and expansion of the Wanaka based manufacturing plant.

The evolution drove the requirement for a new business identity – but why Aeris Global?

AERIS is Latin for air. Air is integral to aerobic wastewater treatment and therefore fundamental to our business.

The Aeris Global product range continues to feature all aquaturbo® Aerators and Mixers as well as aquadecant® Floating Decanters.

Proprietary Aeris Global products now include:
otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform;
otterpontoon® – Safe Access Pontoon;
aerisanchor® – Multi-function Mooring System and the ever-increasing aercable® – Cable Management System.

OtterDock and OtterPontoon, improving water access safety to the wastewater industry

Engineers at Aeris Global designed and built the OtterDock and OtterPontoon safe access platform to allow safe access to their Wastewater Treatment and eliminate risks associated with working over water and potential exposure to biological hazards.

Otters float on their back using their body as a workbench.  They are notable for their ability to use stones as tools to break open shellfish on their stomachs.  The Otter is one of mother natures’ toughest survivors and great innovators.

We are very proud that our safe work platforms bears the Otter name.

Aeris Global reveals the secret to aquaturbo® success

Aeris Global reveals the secret to aquaturbo® success. Literally every performance advantage of the aquaturbo® Model AER-AS surface aerator can be attributed to its unique screwpeller® design.
In a nutshell, it instantaneously converts the vertical and axial suction flow to a horizontal and radial discharge flow whilst achieving negligible hydraulic losses.

This is due to the integral diffusion plate, which acts as a slinger. Virtually all mechanical energy is converted to kinetic energy and transferred to the water surface. The water surface is rapidly renewed so water with low oxygen concentration is brought in contact with air.

The exceptionally high renewal rate capitalizes on the principles of Oxygen Deficit. Oxygen Deficit is the difference between actual oxygen content and the saturation value of the water. The greater the difference the greater the Oxygen Deficit. The rate of oxygen transfer is inversely proportionate to DO concentration.

Infinitely variable draft, a unique feature of Aquaturbo® Floating Surface Aerator

Infinitely variable draft is a unique feature of aquaturbo® Model AER-AS. Each Floating Surface Aerator has a standard draft with an associated minimum and maximum water level range. The draft can be reduced or extended within the operational limits of each model.

Optimum mixing and oxygen transfer is achieved when the correct draft is selected to suit the water level. Final aerator selection and exact draft is dependent upon many factors including basin construction (concrete, earthen, membrane liner or other), water level fluctuation; nature and degree of settled deposits, process objectives (complete mix, partial mix, laminar mix or other) and whether the influent is screened.
An Anti-erosion Plate is often specified for operation in shallow earthen or membrane lined basins and when settled deposits are present.

A new business identity

Aquasystems Australasia Limited was formed many years ago to reflect the long-standing relationship with Belgium based supplier, Aquasystems International NV. The product range of each company was identical, so it made sense to create some commonality between the two.

However, as the business continued to evolve, so too did the range of proprietary products and expansion of the Wanaka based manufacturing plant.

The evolution drove the requirement for a new business identity – but why Aeris Global?

AERIS is Latin for air. Air is integral to aerobic wastewater treatment and therefore fundamental to our business.

The Aeris Global product range continues to feature all aquaturbo® Aerators and Mixers as well as aquadecant® Floating Decanters.

Proprietary Aeris Global products now include otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform; otterpontoon® – Safe Access Pontoon; aerisanchor® – Multi-function Mooring System and the ever-increasing aercable® – Cable Management System.

Open Country Dairy’s Waharoa wastewater treatment plant

Aeris Global congratulates Open Country Dairy and the team at BPO on the huge success of the new Waharoa wastewater treatment plant. We are proud to have supplied and installed the full complement of Aeris products and accessories including five 75kW aquaturbo® Model AER-AS Floating Surface Aerators; two otterdock® – Safe Docking Platforms; aerisanchor® – Multi-function Mooring System and aercable® – Cable Management System.

Aeris Global fleet rebrand

Aeris Global fleet rebrand. All vehicles will display the new livery from Q1, 2020.

To celebrate 40-years since development of the flagship aquaturbo® Model AER-AS surface aerator by Aquasystems International NV, in Belgium, all vehicles will feature an image of this model in operation along with the catch-cry, “Nothing aerates like aquaturbo®”.

Aeris Global is proud of its long association with Aquasystems International and is particularly proud to display the aquaturbo® brand”. Aeris Global services the entire Australasian market in partnership with Melbourne based Green Process.

45-years of Aquasystems International

2020 marks 45-years since the formation of Aquasystems International N.V. in Belgium, and 40-years since development of the flagship aquaturbo Model AER-AS Surface Aerator.

The product is now in operation throughout the world and is internationally regarded as the market leader. The unique and easily identifiable horizontal discharge is as relevant today as it was at the time of its creation. To this day, nothing aerates like aquaturbo!

Aeris Global is proud of its long association with Aquasystems International and looks forward to working with them for many years to come. Congratulations to all our friends in Belgium and at the Arkansas production facility.

Welcome Shelley Hilton to the Aeris Global team

Aeris Global welcomes Shelley Hilton to the Wanaka based New Zealand team. Shelley is a native of Australia and has recently relocated to Wanaka. We are very fortunate to have her exceptional experience onboard. She will lead the ongoing development of policy and procedure for health and safety, risk management and legislative compliance as well as environmental and quality management systems. Shelley will support Aeris Global projects in the New Zealand and Australia markets.

Shelley has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Health with post-graduate studies in Business Management and Auditing (Quality and Environment Management Systems). Her expertise is in the development and implementation of integrated health, safety, environmental and quality management systems in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 45001 and AS4804 (Safety), ISO14001 (Environment) and ISO9001 (Quality).

Shelley has worked in a wide range of industries including mining, marine, LNG, Defence (RAAF), construction and other heavy industries.

Thanks, from all the team at Aeris Global for a sensational 2019

Thanks, from all the team at Aeris Global for a sensational 2019. The company has completed a record volume of projects and has been awarded a record volume of new contracts for the calendar year.

The spread and scope are reasonably even between New Zealand and Australia. It is greatly satisfying to see a constant stream of our new otterdock – Safe Access Platforms being manufactured at our Wanaka factory and dispatched to sites on both sides of the Tasman.

We wish all clients, consultants, contractors, partners and colleagues a very Merry Christmas and look forward to working with you all in the New Year. 2020 looks set to be another busy year with very exciting times ahead!

Open Country Dairy’s Waharoa Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade

The OCD Waharoa WWTP upgrade also includes 375kW of Aqua Turbo Floating Surface Aerators manufactured to Aeris Global specifications. The worlds most efficient high-speed surface aerator is specified with the exceptional WEG W22 Premium Efficiency Electric Motor ensuring every hour of operation delivers optimum results. We are proud to have been part of the solution on this project alongside the great team at BPO.

Stuff article

aerisanchor® Multi-function Mooring System

Aeris Global production of the aerisanchor® Multi-function Mooring System has greatly increased with the addition of a 220 tonne CNC press break.

The anchor post is laser cut from 4, 5, 6 or 8mm thick sheet and folded in the press to form a hexagonal profile. aerisanchor® is available in four sizes to suit mooring forces of 2.5, 5, 9 and 15kN.

The product allows the attachment of multiple brackets and fixtures to suit all foreseen applications. Hot dip galvanised mild steel construction is standard, with 304 or 316 stainless steel available as an option.

The product has been extremely well-received by the market because of the flexibility it provides as well as its ease of installation and use. aerisanchor® is now included as standard on all Aeris Global projects.

Aeris Global introduces two safe work platforms for the wastewater industry

Aeris Global introduces two safe work platforms for the wastewater industry; otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform and otterpontoon® – Safe Access Platform.

Many wastewater treatment plants include floating aerators and mixers, which must be accessed for inspection, service and removal. Gaining access to floating equipment in wastewater represents the potential for serious harm.

We have developed two products specifically designed to allow necessary tasks to be performed in a controlled manner and therefore mitigating or eliminating all forms of harm.

otterdock® – Safe Docking Platform

otterdock® is our OFF-WATER option because it allows personnel to retrieve equipment to the safety of the platform rather than going to the equipment. Multiple items can be retrieved to one otterdock®.

otterpontoon® – Safe Access Platform

otterpontoon® is our ON-WATER option because it provides personnel with a highly stable work platform if direct access to floating equipment is deemed necessary.
NEVER STAND DIRECTLY ON A FLOATING AERATOR OR MIXER!

CONGRATULATIONS to Blue Sky Meats for 2019 Westpac Southland Business Excellence Awards.

CONGRATULATIONS to the team at Blue Sky Meats for an awesome result at last night’s 2019 Westpac Southland Business Excellence Awards. Not only taking out their category but also the Westpac Supreme Award! Well done to all involved.

We have just finished installing a complete Aeris Global system for Blue Sky Meats including three 75kW Aquaturbo Floating Surface Aerators, two 11kW Aquaturbo Floating Downdraft Mixers, one Otterdock Safe Docking Platform and a full range of Aercable and AerisAnchor accessories.

Our Field Services crew also used an Otterpontoon Safe Access Platform to assist with the installation of the equipment as shown in the site photo. We are proud to have been selected by Pattle Delamore Partners for this project and enjoyed working with them as well as main contractor, Bond Contracts.

New Oxidation Ditch for the beautiful West Australia town of Margaret River

Construction of a new oxidation ditch for the beautiful West Australia town of Margaret River is nearing completion. Few wastewater treatment plants in the world can boast a picturesque vineyard on their boundary as shown in the site photo.

The plant features two 90kW Aquaturbo Model AER-GD Low-speed Surface Aerators with 316 stainless steel impellers complete with Aeris Global removable mounting platforms, designed to allow the entire aerator and platform assembly to be removed, whilst the plant remains online.

The platform also incorporates four air ducts to train air directly into the vanes of the aerator for maximum efficiency. Aeris Global partner, Green Process Pty Ltd worked closely with Water Corporation, the client, and with the main contractor Guidera O’Conner to ensure the success of this project.

A new name. A new way of doing business

We are delighted to announce the formation of Aeris Global Limited, specialising in mechanical aeration systems and associated equipment.

Aeris Global has been formed by the principals of New Zealand based Aquasystems Australasia Limited and Australian based Green Process Pty Limited to focus solely on aeration projects.

Aeris Global introduces not only a new name but an entirely new way of doing business.

Our aim is to be your aeration partner. If our engineers work with your team on the design, we can determine the outcome. If we know the outcome, we can greatly improve the overall performance of the plant as well as the terms of warranty as follows:

1.For supply-only projects of aerators manufactured to Aeris Global specifications the standard warranty will increase to 3-years.

2. For projects where aeris.global field engineers either install and commission or supervise the installation and commissioning of aerators and accessories manufactured to Aeris Global specifications the standard warranty will increase to 5-years.

Our engineering department offers a comprehensive range of services including aeration, mixing and decanting
design; 3D modelling; FEA (Finite Element Analysis); CFD modelling (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and Total Sound Pressure analysis.

Make us part of your design team.

© 2025
Aeris.Global Limited.
All rights reserved

Wastewater Aeration Specialists – NZ & AU

NEW ZEALAND
Aeris Global Limited
Ballantyne Ridge Industrial Park,
8 Enterprise Drive, Wanaka 9305
Email: nz@aeris.global
Phone: +64 3 443 8991
AUSTRALIA
Aeris Global Australia Pty Limited
Brooklyn Business Park,
37/463A Somerville Road, Brooklyn VIC 3012
Email: au@aeris.global