Supplemental aeration system design for the Houston ship channel

The oxygen demand on the Houston Ship Channel exceeds its natural assimilative capacity. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is depleted so that warm weather and low flow commonly produce zero DO concentration in the upper 14 miles of the channel. This study develops and demonstrates a technique for designing an in-channel supplemental aeration system that might be considered as an alternative to advanced waste treatment. A mathematical model is used to calculate the capacity of supplemental aeration systems and to locate aeration equipment for maximum efficiency. Accurate simulation of oxygen dynamics is critical, and extensive effort is made in modeling oxygen sources and sinks. Model verification is conducted under both steady state and dynamic conditions. A general system design consisting of required oxygen transfer capacities under critical and average conditions, and site locations are developed. Sidestream oxygenation, diffused aeration, diffused oxygen, and surface aeration systems are evaluated for their ability to meet the requirements of the general design, for their economic desirability, and for their physical feasibility