Water circulation induced by mechanical aerators in a rectangular vessel for shrimp aquaculture

Abstract

A water streamer was designed for the purpose of enhancing cost-efficient circulation between the water surface and bottom of shrimp aquaculture ponds. We took direct measurements of the water current field induced by the designed aerator in a large rectangular reservoir of dimensions (L)50 × (W)19 × (D)1.3 m3 and compared the results with those of a standard Taiwanese paddle-wheel aerator. Vertical circulation between the surface and the bottom induced by the paddle wheel aerator was less than that by the designed aerator. Furthermore, the paddle-wheel aerator consumed more electric power than the designed aerator. The structures of water current induced by the two aerators are elucidated, and the advantages and disadvantages of the aerators are discussed.Auxiliary employment of the designed aerators may contribute to delivery of high DO water throughout the pond, which is more efficient than a paddle wheel aerator.