Sometimes the fix for one problem creates another. After the Kawasaki plant in Maryville, MO, added a small processing plant to meet wastewater effluent discharge requirements, aeration and mixing of the water were needed. Air-O-Lator supplied two, 7.5 horsepower, Enterprise II aspirating mixers to solve the issue, maintaining aerobic condition for odor control.
The Enterprise II Aspirating Mixer is an energy and cost-efficient option for aerating and mixing. The unit yields increased airflow, pumpage rate, and thrust, plus it’s easy to install. These advantages are important because, in water treatment, an aspirating mixer must introduce and mix air into the water at a high volume in order to metabolize present aerobic microorganisms.
“It was imperative that we use heavy duty mixers for the industrial waste from the plant,” explained Brock Pfost, an engineer on the Kawasaki plant project. “The Enterprise II performed quite well. It actually provided more aeration, than we needed, but it was a very easy fix (to get just the right amount of aeration).”
The Enterprise II uses a high volume axial flow propeller pump design that operates within a close tolerance throat. The water that is propelled from the throat and forced through a specially designed venturi nozzle more than doubles the velocity of the fluid pumped. This causes a low-pressure area to occur at the air intake. With tremendous force, the liquid and air converge at the venturi nozzle and air delivery tube and discharges as a homogenous mix of rapidly moving aerated liquid.
Compared to other mixer/aspirator brands, Pfost said his experience with Air-O-Lator exceeded his expectations. “The ability to use mixing and aeration made the process very efficient. An aspirator mixer compared to other systems is easier to maintain and service,” Pfost noted. He would rate the Enterprise II high based on efficiency, serviceability, maintenance, and cost.
The Enterprise II floating or mast mounted horizontal aspirating mixer is available in 5, 7.5, or 10 horsepower, 230 volt, 1 phase or 230 volt, and 460 volt, 3 phase. The Enterprise II aspirating mixer utilizes the Baldor/Reliance submersible motor designed specifically for wastewater and hazardous locations. Air-O-Lator also manufactures a smaller aspirating mixer, the Enterprise, which is available in 1, 1.5, 2, & 3 horsepower, single phase or three phase applications. The motor supplied with the Enterprise is the Franklin Electric 4 inch, 600M series submersible motor.
With only the float and the 4-inch diameter air intake tube above the water, operating the Enterprise and the Enterprise II during freezing conditions is not an issue, eliminating the need for costly heating elements. When applications require a higher level of oxygenation, a blower can be added to the unit.
