Oxygen Transfer Calculations for a Tractor-Powered Paddlewheel Aerator

摘要

The economic success of commercial channel catfish production requires high stocking densities and feeding rates. At feeding rates of 45 kg/hectare per day and greater, emergency aeration is occasionally required to prevent fish kills during periods of low dissolved oxygen. Paddlewheel aerators powered by farm tractors are widely used by catfish farmers. Standard aeration tests were conducted to establish oxygen transfer coefficients and rates for a paddlewheel aerator operated at different speeds and paddle depths.