GERMAN ATV RULES AND STANDARDS

W A S T E W A T E R - W A S T E

ADVISORY LEAFLET
ATV M 209E

Measurement of the Oxygen Transfer in Activated

Sludge Aeration Tanks with Clean Water and in
Mixed Liquor

June 1996
ISBN 3-934984-50-9

Marketing:
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der
Abwassertechnik e.V. (GFA)
Theodor-Heuß-Allee 17
D-53773 Hennef
Postfach 11 65, 53758 Hennef
 ATV M 209E

The following members belong to the ATV Working Group 2.6.2 "Measurement of
Oxygen Transfer under Process Conditions" which prepared this Advisory Leaflet:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. R. Kayser, Braunschweig (Chairman)

Dr. techn. W. Frey, Wien
Prof. Dr.-Ing. H. Kapp, Stuttgart
Dr.-Ing. B. Teichgräber, Essen
Dr.-Ing. M. Wagner, Darmstadt

The following have participated as guests:

Dipl.-Ing. G. Fröse, Braunschweig

Dipl.-Ing. T. Grimm, Scharbeutz
Dipl.-Ing. J. Reichert, Darmstadt

The Advisory Leaflet presented here has been prepared within the framework of the
ATV committee work, taking into account the ATV Standard A 400 "Principles for the
Preparation of Rules and Standards" in the Rules and Standards
Wastewater/Waste, in the January 1994 version. With regard to the application of
the Rules and Standards, Para. 1 of Point 5 of A 400 includes the following
statement “The Rules and Standards are freely available to everyone. An obligation
to apply them can result for reasons of legal regulations, contracts or other legal
grounds. Whosoever applies them is responsible for the correct application in
specific cases. Through the application of the Rules and Standards no one avoids
responsibility for his own actions. However, for the user, prima facie evidence shows
that he has taken the necessary care.

All rights, in particular those of translation into other languages, are reserved. No part of this Advisory
Leaflet may be reproduced in any form by photocopy, microfilm or any other process or transferred or
translated into a language usable in machines, in particular data processing machines, without the written
approval of the publisher.

 Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik e.V. (GFA), Hennef 1996

Produced by: J. F. CARTHAUS GmbH & Co, Bonn

June 1996 2
 ATV M 209E

Contents
1. Preamble 5

2. Important terms and relationships 6

2.1 Measurements in clean water and in mixed liquor 6
2.1.1 Measurements in clean water 6
2.1.2 Measurements in mixed liquor using the non-steady state method 7
2.1.3 Measurements in mixed liquor under steady state conditions 7
2.2 Oxygen transfer capacity, aeration efficiency 7
2.2.1 Oxygen transfer capacity in clean water 7
2.2.2 Oxygen transfer capacity in mixed liquor 7
2.2.3 Aeration efficiency in clean water 8
2.2.4 Aeration efficiency in mixed liquor 8
2.2.5 Oxygen transfer efficiency 8
2.2.6 Oxygen transfer coefficient 8
2.2.7 α-value (interfacial factor) 8
2.2.8 Standard oxygen saturation value 9
2.2.9 Oxygen saturation value 9
2.2.10 ß-value (salinity factor) 10
2.3 Methods of measurement and evaluation 10
2.3.1 Absorption measurements 10
2.3.2 Desorption measurements 12
2.3.3 Evaluation of absorption and desorption measurements 12
2.3.4 Off-gas measurements 14
2.4 Influences of tank geometry and mixing conditions 16
2.5 Selection of the procedure for the measurement of oxygen transfer 17

3. Execution of tests 18
3.1 Measurement equipment 18
3.1.1 DO probes 18
3.1.2 Recording of DO concentration 19
3.1.3 Technique of off-gas measurement 19
3.1.4 Power input measurement 22
3.1.5 Air flow rate measurement 22
3.1.6 Temperature 23
3.2 Chemicals 23
3.2.1 Cobalt catalyser 23
3.2.2 Sodium sulphite 23
3.2.3 Hydrogen peroxide 24
3.2.4 Pure oxygen or nitrogen gas 25
3.3 Absorption and desorption measurements 25
3.3.1 Determination of the test procedure 25
3.3.2 Test preparation 26
3.3.3 Arrangement of DO probes 27
3.3.4 Warming up of the aeration installation 27
3.3.5 Addition of chemicals 27
3.3.6 Measurement and recording of data during a test 28
3.4 Off-gas measurements 29

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4. Test evaluation and report 31
4.1 Absorption and desorption measurements 31
4.2 Off-gas measurements 31
4.3 Test report 32

5. Measurement tolerances and guarantees 33

5.1 Measurement tolerances 33
5.2 Guarantees 33

6. Symbols* 34

7. Bibliography 36

Appendix 1: Table of standard oxygen saturation values 37

Appendix 2: Derivation of essential equations 38

Appendix 3: Desorption tests with the application of pure oxygen gas 42

Appendix 4: Evaluation of adsorption and desorption tests using a computer 46

*[Translator's note: In order not to complicate comparison between the original German
text and this translation, suffixes used with symbols have not been changed from the
original German language Standard although, in many cases, these suffixes are based
on a German word, i.e. "L" for "Luft" has not been changed to "A" for "air"]

June 1996 4
 ATV M 209E

1. Preamble
In addition to the adaptability and controllability, the oxygen transfer capacity and the
aeration efficiency characterise the performance and economy of aeration installations in
activated sludge plants. In order to standardise the measurement technique for oxygen
transfer tests a

Guideline for the Determination of the Oxygen Transfer Capacity of Aeration Systems in
Clean Water

was published in 1978 [1]. In Austria, the ÖNORM (Austrian Standard Specification)
M 5888 "Wastewater Treatment Plants, Oxygen Transfer Performance of Aeration
Installations, Determination in Clean water" was published also in 1978 [2]. In the USA,
in 1984, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), with international participation
published the ASCE Standard (comparable with a Standard Specification) "Measurement
of Oxygen Transfer in Clean water". Following minor amendments this was published in
1992 in a 2nd Edition [3].

Completely new is the "Standard Guideline for In-Process Oxygen Transfer Testing" [4]
also elaborated by the ASCE with international participation.

While both the measurement technique and the test evaluation are equal for the
determination of the oxygen transfer in clean water and under process conditions (with
the exception of off-gas measurements), both measurements in clean water and also
measurements under process conditions are dealt with in this Advisory Leaflet.

In Germany and Austria one still works with a reference temperature of T = 10° C for
oxygen transfer [1,2]. As a rule the highest oxygen demand occurs with the highest
reactor temperature (in ATV Standard A 131 it is, for example, recommended that the
aeration system should be designed for the oxygen demand at T = 20° C). Internationally
it has, for some considerable time, been usual to relate the oxygen transfer to T = 20° C
[3, 4]. In this Advisory Leaflet T = 20° C is therefore also taken as the standard
temperature. For conversion the following applies:

OC (T=20° C) = 1.02 · OC (T=10° C)

The difference between the values for T = 10° C and T = 20° C is, therefore, negligibly
small.

From clean water tests there is sufficient experience available on many types of aeration
installation. The requirements for guarantee tests in clean water should therefore be
limited to special cases; additionally, with small plants, the costs for clean water tests
often bare no relation to the benefit.

Much more important and interesting for the operating behaviour of aeration installations
are measurements under process conditions with mixed liquor. Here, principally the
maximum oxygen transfer capacity and the aeration efficiency with the current average
loading are of interest.

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In this Advisory Leaflet, due to past experiences, unclear situations and/or the existence
of different possibilities often have the note "to be agreed beforehand". This agreement
must be made between the customer and the supplier of aeration facilities and, if
required, also with the institution which carries out the oxygen transfer tests.

This Advisory Leaflet applies only for the determination of the oxygen transfer in
activated sludge plants. It does not apply for aerated wastewater lagoons.

The following are to be agreed and, as far as possible, already taken into account with
the request for offers:
• Which water, if not drinking water, will be used for clean water tests, comp. 2.1.1.
• For which aeration settings and how many tests with each aeration setting are to be
carried out, comp. 3.3.1.
• Which measurement technique is to be applied, comp. 2.5
• Whether measurements are to be carried out even with very low water temperatures,
comp. 3.1.6.
• Whether sodium sulphite should be added in dry form, comp. 3.2.2.
• How the power input of the aeration installation is to be measured, comp. 3.1.4.
• How the air flow rate is to be measured, comp. 3.1.5.
• With what deviations are given guarantees to count as being met, comp. 5.

2. Important Terms and Relationships

2.1 Measurements in Clean Water and in Mixed Liquor
2.1.1 Measurements in Clean Water
For clean water tests the aeration tank is filled with clean water. Water with drinking
water quality [5] should be used. With this water the highest reproducibility of the tests
results is ensured. If, due to the high costs, no drinking water can be used then this is to
be agreed on, i.e. already with the placing of the order for the aeration installation. A low
content of neutral salts is important, therefore the concentration of dissolved solids
should be ≤ 500 mg/L. By addition of sodium sulphite for the tests the salt content
increases further. Tests can be carried out up to a salt concentration of 2000 mg/L
dissolved solids; this corresponds with an electrolytic conductivity of ca. 3000 µS/cm.

Organic substances in the test water lead to complexing of the cobalt applied as catalyst;
they can in addition reduce the oxygen transfer. Biologically treated wastewater or clean
water coloured by algae is therefore not usable. Salting as well as the use of cobalt are
avoided if the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is lowered by stripping with nitrogen
gas or if the DO is increased for desorption tests by gassing with pure oxygen.

2.1.2 Measurements in Mixed Liquor using the Non-Steady State Method

For application of the non-steady state method, the wastewater flow and the return
sludge flow and, if installed, the internal circulation flow are interrupted before the start of

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 ATV M 209E
testing. The aeration is set to a predetermined value. The test is started only when an
almost constant respiration rate of the mixed liquor, also characterised by a constant DO,
has been reached. As through this TOC, COD and surfactants are biodegraded to
constant low concentrations, the reproducibility of tests at different times with the same
aeration setting is higher than with measurements under steady state conditions. Both,
the off-gas method as well as the absorption or desorption method are possible.

2.1.3 Measurements in Mixed Liquor under Steady State Conditions

For steady state conditions the aeration tank with the mixed liquor remains in full
operation, however, the aeration is set to a predetermined value. As the oxygen transfer
coefficient (αkLa20) is dependent on the water quality (salt content, TOC, COD
surfactants etc.), measurements on different days and at different times may show
different αkLa20 or αOC values.

The off-gas method is ideal for measurements under steady state conditions. With
adsorption or desorption tests a constant respiration over longer periods is a precondition
for usable results. Such measurements are therefore only practical if, through constant
loading (e.g. balancing tanks), the respiration can be kept constant.

2.2 Oxygen Transfer Capacity, Aeration Efficiency

2.2.1 Oxygen Transfer Capacity in Clean water, OC [kg/h]
OC is the mass [kg] of oxygen transferred by an aeration installation in one hour in a tank
of certain size filled with clean water at DO of C = 0 mg/L, a water temperature of 20° C
and normal atmospheric pressure (1013 hPa). The following applies:

V ⋅ k L a 20 ⋅ C S,20
OC = (1)
1000

2.2.2 Oxygen Transfer Capacity in Mixed Liquor, αOC [kg/h]

αOC is the mass [kg] of oxygen transferred by an aeration installation in one hour in a
tank of certain size with mixed liquor at DO of C = 0 mg/L, a water temperature of 20° C
and normal atmospheric pressure (1013 hPa). The following applies:

V ⋅ αk L a 20 ⋅ β ⋅ C S,20
αOC = (2)
1000

2.2.3 Aeration Efficiency in Clean Water, OP20 [kg/kWh]

OP is the oxygen transfer in clean water (OC) divided by the power input P [kW] of the
aeration installation including associated mixing installations. The following applies:

OC
OP = (3)
P

2.2.4 Aeration Efficiency in Mixed Liquor, αOP20 [kg/kWh]

αOP is the oxygen transfer in mixed liquor (αOC) divided by the wire power uptake P
[kW] of the aeration installation including associated mixing installations. The following
applies:

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 ATV M 209E
αOC
αOP = (4)
P

2.2.5 Oxygen Transfer Efficiency, OCL,h [g/(m3N·m)] or OAh, [%/m]

The oxygen transfer efficiency expressed as g oxygen per m³ of air and per m of diffuser
depth (OCL,h) or as % oxygen absorbed per m of diffuser depth (OAh) is used for the
comparison of diffused air aeration systems. Following many investigations OCL,h and
OAh are, down to diffuser depths of hE = 6.0 to 8.0 m, to a large extent independent of
the diffuser depth [6]. The following applies with QL [m3N/h] (dry intake air flow rate at 0°
C and 1013 hPa) and the associated density of the oxygen in the air of 0.299 kg/m3:

OC
OCL,h = ⋅ 1000 (5)
Q L ⋅ hE

100 ⋅ OC
OA h = (6)
hE ⋅ (Q L ⋅ 0.299)

Note: The temperature of the intake air is to be set at T = 20° C when designing the
blower. In the case that the intake air is used for cooling the blower a correspondingly
higher temperature is to be selected.
αOAh and αOCL,h for conditions with mixed liquor are calculated correspondingly.

2.2.6 Oxygen Transfer Coefficient, kLaT or αkLaT [h-1]

The oxygen transfer coefficient is the characteristic value for a certain aeration setting in
a certain tank. It is calculated from the oxygen transfer test at temperature T [°C]. With
the same aeration setting kLa (or αkLa) increases with increasing temperature. The
following applies:

k L a 20 = k L a T ⋅ 1.024 ( 20 − T ) (7)

The value of θ = 1.024 has been selected, in the spirit of international agreement, to
correspond with the ASCE Standard [3]. In the previous Advisory Leaflet [1] θ = 1.02 was
used. Extrapolating a test temperature of T = 10° C to the standard temperature of T =
20° C kLa is approximately 4 % greater than with the application of θ = 1.02.

2.2.7 α-Value (Interfacial Factor),[-]

Through various substances of wastewater, primarily surface active substances
(surfactants), kLa in wastewater and in mixed liquor is smaller than in clean water at
otherwise similar conditions. The α-value serves for comparison and is defined as:

 k a in mixed liquor 
α =  L 20  (8)
 k L a 20 in clean water 

Both kLa20 values must be determined in the same tank with the same aeration
installation and with the same aeration intensity, as α is not only dependent on the

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 ATV M 209E
properties of the wastewater or mixed liquor but also to a considerable extent on the
aeration system [7].

With diffused air aeration systems αkLa increases with increasing neutral salt content
due to the reduction of the coalescence of bubbles [8].

2.2.8 Standard Oxygen Saturation Value, CSS,T [mg/L]

The standard oxygen saturation value occurs in water with constant and same
temperature of water and water saturated air at a pressure of 1013 hPa. Standard
saturation values are shown, dependent on the temperature, in a table in DIN 38 408,
Part 23 (see Appendix 1).

2.2.9 Oxygen Saturation Value, CS,T [mg/L]

The oxygen saturation value occurs in a tank with clean water at constant aeration and
constant water temperature (T), i.e. the saturation value is achieved if the oxygen
concentration in the tank no longer alters. The determination of the oxygen saturation
value is possible in clean water tests only. It is determined either chemically in
accordance with EN 25813 or by means of precisely calibrated DO probes in accordance
with EN 25814. Alternatively the supersaturation can be measured [9]. The precise
calibration of the DO probes is not necessary for the determination of kLa.

To convert the saturation value CS,T measured at T° C, to the standard conditions (T =

20° C, p0 = 1013 hPa), one uses the standard saturation values and takes account of the
actual atmospheric pressure p [hPa]. The following applies:

C SS,20 1013
C S,20 = C S,T ⋅ ⋅ (9)
C SS,T p

With surface aeration systems the following can be applied as approximation:

C S,T = C SS,T (10)

For diffused air aeration the pressure at half the diffuser depth can, based on
considerable experience, be used as an approximation for the calculation of the
saturation value. The following applies:
 h 
C S,T = C SS,T ⋅  1 + E  (11)
 20.7 

Using Eqns. 10 or 11 one saves carrying out the precise calibration of the DO probes.

If, in one tank, there are both surface aerators as well as diffused air aeration operating
then the determination of the oxygen saturation value in situ is necessary at clean water
tests.

2.2.10 ß-Value (Salinity Factor)

The oxygen saturation value is reduced by neutral salts. This is expressed by the ß-
value. The following applies:

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 ATV M 209E

 C S,20 in wastewater 
β =  
 (12)
 C S,20 in clean water 

In municipal wastewater usually ß = 1.0. One can calculate the ß value approximately
with the aid of the total dissolved solids content TDS [mg/L] [4]:

TDS
β = 1.00 − 0.01⋅ (13)
1000

More precise details can be found in EN 25 814.

2.3 Methods of Measurement and Evaluation

2.3.1 Absorption Measurements
With absorption measurements the oxygen transfer is determined from the increase of
the previously, artificially lowered DO concentration.

With tests using clean water the DO in the water is removed by the addition of a certain
quantity of sodium sulphite. The DO concentration can also be lowered by stripping with
nitrogen gas. It must be ensured that, after switching on of the aeration system, the
mixing conditions become stable at C = 0 mg/L. Through absorption (dissolving) of the
oxygen of the air in the water, the oxygen concentration increases according to the
saturation function (Fig. 1). The following equations are explained in more detail in
Appendix 2.

C t = C S − (C S − C 0 ) ⋅ exp ( −k L a ⋅ t) (14)
At measurements with mixed liquor, after a constant oxygen uptake rate was reached,
the aeration is switched off and the tank is mixed or the aeration is throttled. As a result
of respiration the DO drops to zero following a linear function.

After adjustment of the aeration to the setting be investigated the DO increases in the
mixed liquor also in accordance with a saturation function until the apparent saturation
value C* is reached (Fig. 2).

C t = C * −(C * −C 0 ) ⋅ exp [− (αk L a + q) ⋅ t ] (15)

At non-steady state tests the water flow becomes zero (q = 0)

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 ATV M 209E

Fig. 1: Course of DO at an absorption test in clean water

If the apparent saturation value C* is smaller than approx. 0.5·CS then αkLa can become
uncertain. If the respiration rate of the mixed liquor drops during the test, then a too low
value of αkLa is determined; conversely with increasing respiration rate one obtains a too
great value of αkLa. Measurements with C* < 0.5 · Cs should, as far as possible, be
avoided.

Fig. 2: Course of DO at an absorption test in mixed liquor

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 ATV M 209E

Fig. 3: Course of DO at a desorption test in mixed liquor

2.3.2 Desorption Measurements

With desorption measurements the oxygen transfer is determined from the decline of the
previously increased DO concentration. The DO can be increased both in clean water
and in mixed liquor by gassing with pure oxygen.

In most cases hydrogen peroxide is used to increase the DO of the mixed liquor. Then a
35 % solution of H2O2 is dosed directly into the aeration tank with aeration operating at
the setting to be investigated, whereby C* should be > 2.0 mg/L [10]. The DO
concentration in the tank increases with a jump due to the released oxygen (Fig. 3).
Enough peroxide should be dosed so that an increase of DO of about 10 mg/L is
achieved. The decrease of the DO follows a reversed saturation function which, in
principle, equals Eqn. 15.

With non-steady state tests q is again zero. It should be noted that the respiration rate
should also be constant with desorption measurements. If the respiration rate of the
mixed liquor falls during the test then a too high value for αkLa is calculated; with
increasing respiration a smaller value for αkLa is found.

2.3.3 Evaluation of Absorption and Desorption Measurements

With the measurement of absorption and desorption one obtains value pairs Ct and t.
Previously it was usual to plot the saturation deficit (CS - Ct) or C* - Ct against time on
semi-log paper and to calculate kLa or αkLa from the slope of the compensating straight
line. If the value pairs (Cs - Ct) against t showed a bent path, CS was altered until a linear
path was found [11].

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Today the parameters C0, CS or C* and kLa or αkLa are determined by non-linear
regression from the given value pairs Ct and t. A computer programme from BROWN
and FISETTE [12] is most frequently used. In the ASCE Clean Water Standard [3],
programmes are printed in BASIC and FORTRAN; the standard provides a disk in
Turbopascal for PCs. There is also a disk provided with this Advisory Leaflet (see
Appendix 4).

In addition to the parameter C0, the DO at the selected at time t0, the oxygen transfer
coefficient kLa (or αkLa) and the saturation value CS (or C*) and the residues, i.e. the
differences between calculated and measured DO values are also issued.

The distribution of the residues over time says a great deal about the quality of the test
data. If residues show a random distribution (Fig. 4) the result is, in general, all right. If,
however, residues show a curve, then usually the initial values of DO are falsified by the
lagging sulphite oxidation or by still not yet stabilised mixing conditions. In individual
cases the curved path of the residues can also be caused by incorrect values at the end
of the adsorption or desorption curve. Then a new calculation is necessary, leaving out
several initial values (postponement of to) or several final values. This is demonstrated in
an example (see Appendix 4).

Fig. 4: Plot of residues of DO from a good test

(above) and a disturbed test (below).

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2.3.4 Off-Gas Measurements
Off-gas measurements are possible only in activated sludge tanks with diffused air
aeration. For a series of measurements the air flow is set to a constant value. As
aeration tanks, as a rule, do not have a gas proof covering, the exhaust air (off-gas) is
collected using a floating collection hood, AA [m2]. The following values are measured:
the off-gas flow rate, QL,e [m3/h], the volumetric fraction of oxygen of the off-gas, Xe, as
well as of the ambient air Xi, the temperature in the off-gas (TL) and the DO (C) and the
temperature (T) of the mixed liquor below the hood. The DO of the mixed liquor should
be constant (C = C*) otherwise dC/dt must be taken additionally into account. The
measured value of the off-gas method is the volumetric oxygen uptake rate, OVR*
[g/m3·h] calculated from the differences of the mass of oxygen in the input air and the off-
gas. With the air flows QL,i and QL,e in m3N/h the following applies:

Q L,i ⋅ X i − Q L,e ⋅ X e
OVR * = 1000 ⋅ ρ O 2 ⋅ (16)
A A ⋅ hW

From the oxygen uptake rate the oxygen transfer coefficient results as:

1
αk L a 20 = OVR * ⋅ ⋅ 1.024 (20 − T ) (17)
β ⋅ C S,T − C

As QL,i is not measurable, one applies some sleight of hand: the off-gas to be measured
is dried and freed of CO2, i.e. it contains only O2 and N2. Then the molar ratio MV [mol
O2/mol N2] can be formed:

Xi
MVi = (18)
1− X i

Xe
MVe = (19)
1− Xe

Under the assumption that no N2 from denitrification processes is stripped, the number of
moles of N2 is the same in the inflow air and the off-gas. Then the actual oxygen transfer
efficiency, αOA* [%], becomes:

MVi − MVe
αOA* = ⋅ 100 (20)
MVi

The oxygen transfer efficiency for standard conditions is obtained as follows:

 MVi  100 ß ⋅ CS,T C ( 20 − T )

αOAh =  1 − ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ SS,20 ⋅ 1024
. (21)
 MVi  he ß ⋅ CS,T − C CSS,T

The saturation value CS,T can be taken from earlier tests with clean water in the same
tank. When it has to be calculated according to Eqn. 11, the atmospheric pressure at the
time of the test has to be taken into account.

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 ATV M 209E

 h  p
C S,T = C SS,T ⋅  1 + E  ⋅ (22)
 20.7  1013

From Eqns. 17 and 21 it is clear that, with small saturation deficits (CS,T - C) due to a
false assumption of the saturation value (CS,T) or an erroneous DO probe calibration and,
resulting from this, a false DO concentration (C), the error band for the oxygen transfer
efficiency can be considerable. Therefore the tests should only be carried out at DO
concentrations of C ≤ 0.5 CS,T. With smaller DO concentrations of C ≤ 1.0 mg/L
denitrification can take place. Due to the stripping of nitrogen the measured value Xe is
falsified. Therefore at low DO concentrations tests should not be conducted.

With several measurements with the same air flow in the same tank with evenly
distributed diffusers, it will be found that QL,e and αOAh vary in opposition (see
Appendix 2).

In circular tanks the diffusers are frequently arranged in strings. On the surface of the
water there are areas in which bubbles occur and areas without bubbles. This is similar
in closed loop tanks in which the diffusers are arranged in fields (Fig. 5). In such tanks
several measurements have to be made in each field of bubbles.

Fig. 5: Tanks with diffusers arranged in strings and in fields

As relevant value for any case the weighted mean of the oxygen transfer efficiency is
formed for n measurements with the same aeration setting:
n

∑ (αOA h ⋅ Q L,e )
αOA h = 1
n
(23)
∑Q
1
L,e

The mean volumetric off-gas flow rate based on the tank volume below the hood is, in
addition, calculated as reference value:
n

∑Q L,e
qL,e = 1
(24)
n ⋅ A A ⋅ hW

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 ATV M 209E

This can be used for comparison with the volumetric input air flow rate qL,e [m3N/(m3·h)]
of the aeration tank in which the measurements are carried out.

QL
qL,R = (25)
VBB
In tanks with evenly distributed diffusers qL,e should lie between 0.75 and 1.25 qL,R.

If one wishes to establish a reference between the oxygen transfer efficiency and the
specific input air flow rate of the tank, one must calculate QL,i. This requires, additionally,
the measurement of the CO2 content of the off-gas, moreover the partial pressure of the
water vapour of the inflow air and the off-gas must be taken into account [13] (see
Appendix 2). The results, however, are no more precise than the here recommended
calculation using the molar ratios.

2.4 Influences of Tank Geometry and Mixing Conditions

Strictly, Equations 14 and 15 are only valid for completely mixed tanks. That is
theoretically such tanks in which with aeration, if required supported by mixing facilities,
the same concentrations can be found at the same time at all points. Rectangular tanks
without separating walls (e.g. tanks with three cone surface aerators) and rectangular
tanks with even diffuser density over the floor or along the longitudinal axis of the tank
can, with regard to oxygen transfer testing, be considered as completely mixed (Fig. 7).

Rectangular tanks with staged diffusers are not completely mixed tanks. Due to the
pumping effect of the aeration there is an exchange of water between areas of different
diffuser density. Therefore one will find, in the areas of the highest diffuser density a
smaller value of kLa value than in an independent, completely mixed tank with the same
diffuser density. Conversely, in the area of the smaller diffuser density a higher kLa value
is measured.

Fig. 6: Typical tank shapes with different aeration arrangements

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Closed loop tanks are considered to be completely mixed. In closed loop tanks with few
aerators (e.g. carousel) the rising or decreasing DO curve is stepped. The residues,
therefore, are larger than in truly completely mixed tanks but they are randomly
distributed.

2.5 Selection of the Procedure for the Measurement of Oxygen Transfer

The following procedures are available:

(1) In clean water:

(1.1) Absorption measurements following the lowering of the DO concentration using

sodium sulphite.

(1.2) Absorption measurements following the lowering of the DO concentration by

injection of nitrogen gas.

(1.3) Desorption measurements following the raising of the DO concentration by the

injection of pure oxygen gas.

(2) In mixed liquor:

(2.1) Absorption measurements following the lowering of the DO concentration by the

respiration of the mixed liquor.

(2.2) Desorption measurements following the raising of the DO concentration by the

addition of hydrogen peroxide or by the injection or admixture of pure oxygen
gas.

(2.3) Off-gas measurements.

In clean water absorption measurements according to (1.1) are considered as standard

practice. The stripping of the oxygen with nitrogen (1.2) is only possible in tanks with
diffused air aeration; this applies practically also for the raising of the DO concentration
with pure oxygen (1.3). Both procedures (1.2) and (1.3) are practical if a large number of
tests are to be carried out with the same water. With greater diffuser depths and larger
tank volumes desorption tests (1.3) can be more economical than absorption tests
according to (1.1) and (1.2).

Absorption and desorption measurements in mixed liquor in a non-steady state (2.1 and
2.2) have the greatest reproducibility. For measurements in tanks with diffused air
aeration with steady state conditions, off-gas measurements (2.3) are advantageous as,
during the short duration of the individual measurements, a change of the respiration rate
of the mixed liquor has hardly any negative influence.

June 1996 17
 ATV M 209E

3. Execution of Tests
3.1 Measurement Equipment
3.1.1 DO probes
At least 3 DO probes are necessary for absorption and desorption measurements. For
tests in large tanks 6 probes are recommended in order that, with failures of probes, the
expensive tests do not need to be repeated (comp. 3.3.3).
A very accurate calibration of the DO probes is not necessary for absorption and
desorption measurements if the oxygen saturation value in accordance with Eqns. 10 or
11 is to be the basis for the calculation of OC. In tanks with greater diffuser depths the
measurement of the supersaturation [9] instead of the accurate calibration of all probes is
recommended for clean water tests. With this it is determined by how much higher the
DO concentration in the tank at the end of the test (saturation) is compared with the
condition in a flat vessel. In order to eliminate errors as far as possible, water with the
same salt content and same temperature as in the test tank should be used in the flat
vessel (e.g. bucket). In each case a bucket of water is taken out of the aeration tank
approximately halfway through the test and aerated intensively. The bucket is placed in a
water bath filled with water from the tank (constant temperature). A DO probe is placed in
the bucket. By the end of the test a constant DO concentration (saturation) will be
measured in the bucket. A possible initially present supersaturation is removed through
the aeration.
By changing the steepness setting of the DO meter a value of, for example, 60 %
saturation is set for the DO concentration in the bucket. At the end of the test the DO
concentration in the tank is read with this probe as, for example, 76.4 %. The
supersaturation is 76.4 : 60 = 1.27. The standard saturation value (CSS,20) is multiplied by
this, one then obtains CS,20. It should be noted that saturation values higher than in
accordance with Eqn. 11 have still not been measured. For example, in a tower-biology
system (hE = 20 m) supersaturations were measured corresponding to hE/3 [9]; Eqn. 11
is based on hE/2.
For absorption and desorption measurements the response of the DO probes is
important. The time which a probe requires to indicate a jump in concentration of 90 %
DO should be less than 1/20th of the time which is required in the aeration tank to be
tested in order to achieve a 90 % DO change [14]. As the DO measurement also follows
a saturation function after a jump of the DO concentration a ”probe kLa" can be
calculated. This should be 20 times greater than the kLa of the aeration facility to be
tested. As the kLa value of the aeration facility is known approximately the following
applies:
t90%-probe [seconds] ≤ 415/kLa.
With kLa = 5 h-1 one obtains the necessary reaction time t90% ≤ 83 seconds.
Various DO probes require a relatively high flow rate (turbulence at the membrane), i.e.
with reducing turbulence the instruments show a decreasing DO. In a pre-test it is to be
tested whether, with the selected aeration facility, the turbulence is sufficient. This is not
the case if the instrument shows a varying DO or if it increases when the probe is moved

June 1996 18
 ATV M 209E
by hand in the water. In cases of doubt precautions are to be taken to increase
turbulence at the probes.

In general, probes with short response times require a higher turbulence at the
membrane.

For measurement of the DO concentration in aeration tanks during off-gas

measurements, the probes are to be calibrated with the greatest care (comp. 2.3.4.). In
order to keep errors as small as possible the temperature at which the probes are
calibrated should be as near as possible to the temperature of the mixed liquor in which
the measurements are to be conducted.

3.1.2 Recording of DO Concentration

The signals from all DO probes are to be recorded quasi continuously at absorption and
desorption measurements. For this either pen recorders of sufficient printing width and
chart speed, printers or data loggers or PCs with converters are to be employed.

The rising or decreasing DO curves must be recorded, without pre-run, for a period of at
least 2·t90% or 280/kLa (in minutes). With, for example, kLa = 5 h-1 the recording time is at
least 56 minutes. With the employment of data loggers or PCs with converters the data
should be saved at intervals of ∆t = 5/kLa (minutes). With kLa = 5 h-1 there would be a
value from each probe for every minute to be saved. With a recording time of 56 minutes
there would be, in this case, 56 values of C available for evaluation. The chart speed of
pen recorders is to be adjusted accordingly. In any case the calculation of kLa must be
based on at least 30 equidistant values of Ct.

3.1.3 Technique of Off-Gas Measurement

For the off-gas measurement a floating gas hood and the measurement installation are
required. A measurement arrangement which has proved itself is described below;
design modifications are permitted.

The gas hood should be as large as possible. For transport reasons the dimensions of
ca. 1.25/2.50 m are not, as a rule, exceeded. It is important that the hood is gas tight
(Fig. 7).

The floats are to be chosen in a way that the hood is submerged in the water by
approximately 10 cm. The free air space under the hood should be 20 to 30 cm. There
are ropes attached at the corners of the hood by which the hood can be moved and by
which it is fixed in the tank. Preferably two DO probes (previously calibrated) hang from
the hood into the body of the water. The DO concentration of the mixed liquor should be
recorded by a pen recorder. From the centre of the hood a hose leads to the
measurement installation. The hose diameter is so to be selected that the pressure loss
remains small and that the gas trapped by the hood reaches the gas flow measurement.
In general a hose of ∅ 50 mm is sufficient for a collection hood of AA = 2.5 m2. At
measurements in cold periods of the year it should be noted that condensed water can
collect in the hanging hose. Care is also to be taken that no foam penetrates into the gas
hose.

June 1996 19
 ATV M 209E

Fig. 7: Collection hood for off-gas measurements.

The measurement equipment consists of a gas flow rate measurement facility, a three-
way valve with inlets for off-gas and reference air and an outlet for air dehumidification
which follows CO2 bonding, the sampling gas pump, a gas cooler and the oxygen
measurement equipment (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8: Schematic diagram of off-gas measurement device

The gas flow measurement equipment must be matched to the off-gas flow rate to be
collected. Rotameters are not suitable as they have a too high pressure loss. Impeller
measurement recorders with appropriate indicator and evaluation instrument have
proved themselves. The gas to be measured is taken off after the gas flow measurement
system. Hose diameters of 5 mm have proved successful. Using the three-way valve it is
possible to switch from measurement gas to reference air for the calibration of the gas
oxygen measurement. Reference air is brought in using a hose from untouched ambient
air.

June 1996 20
 ATV M 209E
The gas sampling pump should have a flow rate of ca. 100 L/h. The pump may not ingest
any outside air. Bellows gas pumps have proved successfully. The gas pump is located
after the dehumidification stage in order not to have problems with condensation water. A
glass column (∅ 30 mm, h = 0.3 m, V = 0.2 l) filled with silica gel serves for
dehumidification. The CO2 absorber should have the same dimensions; it is filled with
soda lime.

Paramagnetic oxygen measurement equipment can be used for the measurement of the
gas oxygen concentration (partial pressure in the gas). Normal commercial membrane
DO probes are cheaper. When using DO probes attention is to be paid that the
temperature sensor, under certain circumstances, reacts slower or even faster than the
membrane on temperature changes in the gas. Therefore the gas should be fed through
a metal snake which lies in a water bath to dampen temperature variations. The probe is
also inserted here (Fig. 9). It is not important to obtain absolute temperature constancy
but to prevent sudden temperature changes during a measurement period (duration ca.
30 minutes).

Fig. 9: Tempering of the gas and the DO probe

Independent from the oxygen measurement equipment employed it is recommended

that, for the ambient air, a measurement value, MVi, of 100 (e.g. %) instead of the
volumetric fraction of oxygen in CO2 free, dry ambient air of Xi = 0.21, is set. One then
measures MWe in the off-gas of the hood. For small changes of MWi during
measurements a calibration is not necessary. The following applies with Xi = 0.21:

June 1996 21
 ATV M 209E
MWe
X e = 0.21⋅ (26)
MWi

If, for example, MWi = 102.3 and MWe = 85.7 then

85.7
X e = 0.21⋅ = 0.176
102.3

3.1.4 Power Input Measurement

The power input (gross effective power input, P [kW]) of the aeration installation,
including the mixing facility or bridge drive located in the aeration tank, must be
measured during every test. It is to be agreed beforehand, or already with the design of
the electrical installations how the power input is to be measured (meter, clip-on
instrument, power measurement equipment). The use of calibrated power meters with
appropriate converters is preferred. It is always to be checked whether only the aeration
installation is really recorded by the power meter. The revolutions of the rotating disk are
counted for some 2 - 5 minutes. The power input is obtained with the aid of the meter
constant.

With every test the power input should be measured at least twice, at the start and at the
end of the test. With surface aerators, the power consumption can vary; then more
frequent measurements or the employment of a power recorder is necessary. The
individual readings are to be recorded in the test protocol. In each case the mean value
is used for the calculation of the aeration efficiency.

The measurement of the power input is problematic in the cases where one or more
blowers are not clearly allocated to the tank being tested or where the lowest blower air
output is higher than the tank to be tested can handle. In this case the only solution is to
measure the air fed to the tank accurately and carry out a conversion using the power
input and the quantity of air delivered by the blower. This must, in any case, be agreed
beforehand.

3.1.5 Air Flow Rate Measurement

The majority of air flow measurement facilities installed in wastewater treatment plants
serve to check the distribution of air to various tanks. The absolutely correct air flow rate
is, however, not recorded. Installations in accordance with DIN 1952 should be employed
for precise measurements of the air flow rate. For small blowers one may measure the
intake air flow rate of the blower using turbine meters.

If individual blowers can be allocated to the aeration tank to be tested then one can
determine the air flow from the blower graphs. Here the number of revolutions per minute
of the blower and the conditions (pressure and temperature) of the intake air, and these
immediately in front of the blower, i.e. behind the air filters, as well as the resultant back-
pressure are to be measured.

The techniques for measuring of the air flow should be agreed beforehand.

June 1996 22
 ATV M 209E
3.1.6 Temperature
The temperature of the water is to be measured accurately to 0.5°C using a laboratory
thermometer at the start and end of the test. If the temperature varies by more than 2° C
during the test, the test should be repeated. The readings are recorded, the mean value
is used for the calculation. Tests should not be carried out with water temperatures below
4° C. In special cases specific arrangements are to be made.

3.2 Chemicals
3.2.1 Cobalt Catalyst
Cobalt in the form of a cobalt salt, e.g. CoCl2·6H20, is added as catalyst to accelerate
the oxidation of sodium sulphite. Normally a cobalt concentration in water of 0.5 g/m3 is
recommended, in many cases a tenth of this concentration suffices. It is therefore
recommended that the cobalt requirement for the water used is determined previously by
tests [15].

For this a clean container, e.g. a 10 l bucket, is filled with water and this is aerated to
saturation using a small blower. One starts with an addition corresponding to 0.05 mg/L
Co. With the aeration switched off, the content of the bucket is stirred thoroughly using a
laboratory mixer. A DO probe, connected to a pen recorder with a high chart speed, is
suspended in the water. Just enough dissolved sodium sulphite is added so that the DO
concentration does not sink to zero but rather to 2 - 3 mg/L. Following the addition, the
DO concentration must decrease practically as rapidly as with a sudden transfer of the
DO probe from saturated water into such with a lesser DO concentration. If this is not the
case then the cobalt dose is raised by steps in further tests.

If no drinking water or water of a similar quality shall be used then it is to be checked

whether the cobalt does not become complexed and thus become ineffective. To test
that the water is aerated following the last test for the determination of the cobalt
requirement and allowed to stand for several hours. Then without a renewed addition of
cobalt, sodium sulphite is added. If the reduction rate of the DO concentration is now
lower than previously this is a sign that the cobalt is complexed. Such water is unusable
for the tests. Even raising the cobalt dose is no remedy.

If several tests are to be carried out in an aeration tank with the same water cobalt salt is
to be added once only. The required quantity of cobalt, dissolved in warm water, is to be
added sufficiently early so that it is distributed evenly over the complete tank at the time
of the addition of the sodium sulphite. For closed loop tanks the notes for the dosing of
chemicals are to be observed (comp. 3.3.4).

3.2.2 Sodium Sulphite

Water-free, commercial sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) is employed which is oxidised to
sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) by the oxygen dissolved in the water. 8 kg of Na2SO3 are
necessary for the bonding of 1 kg oxygen; through the addition of 1 kg of Na2SO3 the salt
mass increases by some 1.13 kg.

The sodium sulphite should be dissolved beforehand. It can also be scattered dry. This
must be previously agreed.

June 1996 23
 ATV M 209E
The solubility of Na2SO3 at T = 10° C is approx. 195 kg/m3. To be on the safe side one
should use 1.0 m3 water for the solution of 100 kg Na2SO3.

The requirement of sodium sulphite for one test results from the requirement for the
bonding of the oxygen dissolved in water and the requirement for a suitable lag time
(comp. 3.3.3) for admixture and, if required, stabilisation of the flow. For example, a tank
with V = 1000 m3 is to be tested which has a DO concentration of C = 11 mg/L. The
oxygen transfer capacity is, according to the given details, OC20 = 120 kg/h. With a lag
time (application, admixture and flow stabilisation) of 15 min the following is calculated:

Na2SO3 for DO bonding: 1000 · 0.011 · 8 = 88 kg

Na2SO3 for lag time: 120 · (15/60) · 8 = 240 kg
Total requirement 328 kg

Very often, in addition to the sodium sulphite required per 1000 m3 for the bonding of the
DO, 300 kg of sodium sulphite is added in place of the calculated 240 kg. One
recognises that, for the lag time, far more sodium sulphite is necessary than for the
bonding of the DO present at the start of the test.

With this example the salt content is made up by 328 · 1.13/1000 = 370 mg/L. In order
not to exceed the salt content of 2000 mg/L one can carry out 5 tests with the same
water.

Strictly speaking, the required time for the mixing of the tank is related to the mixing
intensity which, on its part, is characterised by the volumetric oxygen transfer rate OCR
[g/(m³·h)]. According to investigations by the Bayerisches Landesamt für
Wasserwirtschaft (Baverian State Office for Water Management) the necessary lag time
for admixture (calculated from the end of the application of the sulphite) can be estimated
as t (min) = 90/√OCR.

3.2.3 Hydrogen Peroxide

Normally 35 percentile hydrogen peroxide is delivered in 65 kg balloons. 1 kg H2O2
(35 %) releases 0.165 kg O2 on dissociation. Thus a 65 kg balloon contains some
10 kg O2.

In order to use a range of 10 mg/L DO for the calculations, it has proved useful to add
peroxide to raise the DO by approx. 15 mg/L. For a 1000 m3 tank the following would be
required:

1000 · 0.015 : 0.165 = 90 kg (35 %) H2O2

Note: Hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical. It causes caustic burns on skin.

When handling hydrogen peroxide always use protective gloves and protective
glasses and as far as possible wear protective clothing!

As far as possible the peroxide should be dosed from the 65 kg balloons straight into the
aeration tank. Electric barrel pumps have proved themselves for the dosing. The dosing
hose (3/4") is weighted so that the peroxide comes into contact with the mixed liquor
near the bottom of the tank, as otherwise the spontaneously formed oxygen bubbles
escape unused.

June 1996 24
 ATV M 209E
If a complete balloon is not dosed each time care must be taken of further peroxide flow
as a result of the siphon effect with the pump switched off. One must therefore, on
switching off the pump with the balloon above the water level, lift it up briefly in order to
break the siphon. If the balloon is alongside the tank below the water level a return flow
check valve must be installed to prevent the reverse siphoning of the mixed liquor into
the peroxide balloon.
3.2.4 Pure Oxygen or Nitrogen Gas
Either a bottle set or a liquid gas tank with evaporator and gas flow meter are rented for
the tests. The gas is fed into the air pipeline as closely as possible to the tank to be
investigated. An appropriate connection piece should be welded on to the pipeline
already at the time of assembling the air header. It is recommended that contact is made
as early as possible with a gas delivery firm. The involvement of specialist firms for the
laying of the pipelines for oxygen gas is essential in particular in view of the explosion
hazard of gases with increased oxygen concentration. In covered tanks the admixture of
pure oxygen may be practically impossible due to the explosion hazard.
Attention is drawn to Appendix 3 for the estimation of the oxygen requirement.

3.3 Absorption and Desorption Measurements

3.3.1 Determination of the Test Procedure
The following two variants are differentiated:

• Test with continuous operation of the aeration installation.

Sodium sulphite, peroxide or pure oxygen are added with the aeration operating at
the setting to be tested.

• Test from standstill.

Sodium sulphite (or, if required, peroxide or pure oxygen) is added to the
mechanically mixed but not aerated tank, or is added to slightly aerated tanks.
Aeration is switched on only after an appropriate mixing period of 15 - 30 minutes.
With clean water tests from standstill one requires less sodium sulphite than for tests
with continuous operation of the aeration.
Tests from standstill are only possible if it is guaranteed that the sodium sulphite has
actually distributed itself evenly in the tank within the mixing period. Even if a DO
concentration of zero is measured everywhere in the tank this does not indicate that the
sulphite is evenly distributed in the tank. Tests from standstill are, in addition, only
possible if the flow in the tank is stabilised within a few minutes after switching on the
aeration.
Tests from standstill are therefore not possible in closed loop tanks with mammoth rotors
or cone surface aerators (carrousels) as it takes a long time for the flow to stabilise and
as, in addition, the oxygen transfer is influenced by the flow velocity.
Once it has been decided how the tests are to be carried out, with clean water tests and
sulphite addition it is to be calculated how many tests with one water filling can be carried
out in order to stay below the permitted salt concentration of 2000 mg/L (comp. 3.2.2).

June 1996 25
 ATV M 209E
In order to obtain an accurate answer for the oxygen transfer capacity at least two tests
with the same aeration setting are necessary. For guarantee tests the following is to be
determined between the customer and the contractor:

(1) For which aeration setting(s) tests are to be carried out?

(2) How many tests are to be carried out with each aeration setting?

In addition to the total required number of tests it is also necessary to include an initial
test. With this one gains i.e. information on the chemical dosing, the mixing conditions
and the correct positioning of the DO probes. If the result of the initial test shows itself to
be acceptable then it can be used to calculate the mean value of OC.

Immediately following each test the calculation of kLa or αkLa is to be carried out.
The distribution of the residues says much more about the quality of the test than
the progression of the DO concentration.

If, using the same water for clean water tests, there are so many tests to be carried out
that the upper limit of the salt concentration will be reached, then the tests with the most
important aeration settings should be carried out first.

3.3.2 Test Preparation

Before testing the volume of the tank is to be determined by measurement. A height
mark is to be placed above the water level from which the immersion depth of the
surface aerators can be measured. Immersion depth or zero freeboard is to be
determined on filling the tank. If there are several surface aerators present in one tank
the water level is at the zero immersion depth if half the number of aerators just touch the
surface of the water.

In addition, for clean water tests the following is required:

(1) Testing of the water quality if not drinking water is used, comp. 2.1.1.

(2) Determination of the cobalt requirement, comp. 3.2.1.

(3) Testing of the cleanliness of the tank. Residual water containing oil or algae changes
the water quality. Cobalt can complex, comp. 3.2.1.

(4) Testing of the sealing of the tank and the shut-off installations. In particular with
surface aerators it must be guaranteed that the water level does not sink by more
than 2 cm during the test.

(5) Laying down the type of measurement of the power input, comp. 3.1.4.

(6) Laying down of the type of recording of the air flow rate, comp. 3.1.5.

(1) and (2) are dispensed for tests with mixed liquor; here one must consider how it is to
be ensured that the respiration of the mixed liquor does not alter during the test.

June 1996 26
 ATV M 209E
3.3.3 Arrangement of DO probes
In a completely mixed tank at least three DO probes are to be installed, that is one 0.5 m
or hw/6 above the tank floor, one at half water depth and one 0.5 m or hw/6 below the
water surface. All three probes mounted on a bar or fixed to a weighted rope has proved
successfully. It is also possible, for example, to arrange the probes at different heights
and locations.

The probes should be located at least 1 m from the tank wall if rotating bridges do not
force the placement of the probes to be nearer to the wall. Three probes also suffice in
closed loop tanks. They should not be within the spraying range of surface aerators but
at a position where the DO concentration is approximately the same across the water
depth.

In longitudinal flow tanks with diffused air aeration the DO probes should be distributed
along the length of the tank.

In large aeration tanks there should be, for security's sake, six or more probes, comp.
3.1.1.

If in longitudinal flow tanks the diffusers are stepped then for every area of even diffuser
density at least one, better two probes are necessary to be placed in the centre.

Attention is again drawn to the independence of the measurement signal of the probes
from the turbulence, comp. 3.1.1.

3.3.4 Warming up of the Aeration Installation

In most cases, for clean water tests, the aeration system will not have been operated for
some time. In order to wash free the pores of fine bubble diffusers, and also in order to
blow out any water that has penetrated or condensed in the pipes the aeration is to be
operated at full power for at least one day, if possible longer, before testing.

Surface aerators should run at least half an hour before the test in order to bring the
gears (oil) to the operating temperature.

3.3.5 Addition of Chemicals

With clean water tests the quantity of cobalt determined is to be distributed evenly over
the complete tank volume as far as possible in advance of the tests. The aeration is then
switched on for at least one hour for the even distribution of the cobalt throughout the
water mass.
In completely mixed tanks it is irrelevant at what point the chemicals (Na2SO3, H2O2 ) are
added.
In all tanks with water circulation (closed loop tanks) there is the danger that a circulating
"cloud" with a high sulphite or DO concentration (due to the addition of peroxide)
superimposes a fluctuation of the DO corresponding with the circulation period on the
DO increase or decrease curve. As a rule this can already be detected on the DO
concentration curve and, in particular, on the heavily fluctuating residues. Such tests are,
as a rule, not usable. It is pointed out that, in closed loop tanks with few aerators, the

June 1996 27
 ATV M 209E
oxygen increase curve can have a stepped progression, comp. 2.5. However, this always
has, as opposed to fluctuations due to chemical clouds, an increasing tendency.

Two techniques for the application of chemicals in closed loop tanks have proved
successful:

(1) Addition at one point for the duration of one, two or three water circulation cycles.
The duration of a water circulation cycle can be ascertained in that one adds a small
amount of sulphite or peroxide at one point and measures the time to achieve the
lowest DO (with addition of sulphite) or the highest DO (with the addition of peroxide)
at the same point. Now one must adjust the pumping rate for the chemicals in such a
way that the necessary quantity is added in the selected number of cycles. For
peroxide dosing the end point of the input can be controlled using the DO
concentration at the input point. With sulphite dosing this is not possible because due
to overdosing the DO concentration can, under certain circumstances, already be
zero after the second cycle. Whether the dosing was correct or not will only be
detected from the progression of the DO concentration curve and the residues.

(2) Addition of equal quantities of chemicals at several points at the same time. This is
very expensive at large closed loop tanks with a long pathway. Here the addition at
distances of 20 to 30 m, i.e. from the bridges over the mammoth rotors, has proved
successfully.

A constant and over the tank even electrical conductivity is the best indicator for the even
distribution of the sodium sulphite.

In longitudinal flow tanks with diffused air aeration the addition of equal quantities at the
same time at several equidistant points is necessary.

If, in such tanks, the aeration is stepped, then unusable test results can be achieved with
heavy overdosing of sulphite at clean water tests as, in regions with lower diffuser
density, more time (less OC, comp. 3.2.2) is required for the consumption of the
overdose of sulphite. The start of the increase of the DO concentration takes place
deferred in line with the decreasing diffuser density. Due to the exchange of water
between the regions of different diffuser density, kLa can again be reduced in the region
of the highest diffuser density, comp. 2.4.

3.3.6 Measurement and Recording of Data During a Test

In addition to the DO concentration, which is continuously or quasi-continuously
recorded, the following are to be measured and recorded during the test:
(1) The water temperature at the start and the end of the test, comp. 3.1.6. Further
calculation is to be based on the mean value. The difference should be smaller than
2° C.
(2) The power input at the start and end of the test, comp. 3.1.4. The mean value is
formed for each test.
(3) If required, the air flow rate at the same time as the power input was measured,
comp. 3.1.5. The mean value is formed for each test.

June 1996 28
 ATV M 209E
(4) The still water level without aeration operating before and after the test. The
difference should be smaller than 2 cm.
(5) With clean water tests: the electrical conductivity at the end of the test. (Only when
sodium sulphite has been employed).
(6) With measurements in mixed liquor: Measurement of oxygen uptake rate of mixed
liquor at the start, in the middle and at the end of the test.
(7) With measurements in mixed liquor: Sampling at the middle of the test for the
determination of MLSS and sludge volume as well as for the determination of COD
and NH4-N (immediately filter sample) and, if required, other parameters.
3.4 Off-Gas Measurements

Off-gas measurements always take place in a tank with a specified air flow. This should
be measured as precisely as possible, comp. 3.1.5.

The gastightness of the complete measurement system, in particular the gas collection
hood, is to be checked before the test. For this the hood is placed in an unaerated tank,
e.g. a secondary sedimentation tank, and connected to the measurement system. All
outlets of the measurement system are closed. A pressure of 5 cm water column is then
applied. The facility is considered leakproof if the pressure drop in 15 minutes is not
greater than 1 cm water column.

The number of measurements which are necessary in order to obtain informative results
is dependent on many factors. Independent of tank size and shape

at least 10 measurements with the same air flow rate must be carried out at
various points in a tank at DO concentrations of 1.0 mg/L ≤ C ≤ 0.5·CS,T.

If, with the air flow rate to be tested, the DO concentration is always greater than
0.5·CS,T, more wastewater can be fed to the tank in order to increase the oxygen uptake
rate. The reverse process is to be applied if the DO concentration lies below 1.0 mg/L.

In rectangular tanks with stepped diffuser density the number of measurements is to be

increased dependent on the tank size (length). At least two measurements are
necessary per area of equal diffuser density.

In circular tanks with separate mixing the hood is to be placed according to the bubble
pattern. With this, both regions with high air outlet as well as regions with low air outlet
are to be recorded.

One test with recording of data and evaluation proceeds as follows:

(1) Position the gas collection hood. Observe that no foam penetrates the off-gas hose
and that no condensation water collects in the hose.
(2) Connect DO probes which are in the water and in the gas measurement to the
recorder or to the data logger (PC) with monitor in order to be able to detect the
variations. The DO concentration in mixed liquor should be as constant as possible! If
possible also connect the signal from the air flow measurement to the recorder or
data logger.

June 1996 29
 ATV M 209E
(3) Set the three-way valve to reference air. Following stabilisation of the signal of the
gas measurement probe, calibrate this to 100 (%), MWi.
(4) Set the three-way valve to off-gas. The measurement takes 10 to 15 minutes
following stabilisation of the signal of the gas measurement probe (MWe). If the off-
gas flow is not continuously recorded several readings shall be taken.
(5) Set three-way valve to reference air. Following stabilisation of the signal of the gas
measurement probe the previously set value of MWi = 100 (%) should show. With
deviations of more than 2 % the measurement is to be repeated. Otherwise the mean
of the initial and the end value is to be formed and one obtains MWi .
(6) The mean value of the DO concentration in the water over the duration of the
measurement is calculated for each probe. Should the mean values of DO of both
probes deviate from each other by more than 10 % then the calibration of the probes
has to be checked and the measurement has to be repeated. Otherwise the mean
value C is to be calculated. If the DO concentration in the water is higher than 0.5
CS,T the result is uncertain! (Comp. 2.3.4).
(7) Mean values for MWe and QL,e are calculated over the duration of the test.

(8) Calculation of Xe with Eqn. 26:

MWe
X e = 0,21⋅
MWi

(9) Calculation of the molar ratio with Eqns. 18 and 19:

0.21
MVi = = 0.266
1 − 0.21

Xe
MVe =
1− Xe

(10) Calculation of αOAh with Eqn. 21:

 MVe  100 ß ⋅ CS,T 9.09 ( 20 − T )
αOAh =  1 − ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ 1024
. (27)
 0.266  hE ß ⋅ CS,T − C CSS,T

Completely covered tanks are ideal for off-gas measurements. But off-gas measurement
is only applicable in completely mixed tanks, i.e. in tanks in which the DO concentration
at every point is the same. Thus covered rectangular longitudinal flow tanks are in every
case excluded since the DO concentration increases as a rule in the direction of flow
along the tank.

The procedure otherwise is the same as for hood measurement. Several precisely
calibrated DO probes are installed in the water. The air flow is set to a constant value. A
possible air extraction must be shut down in order to avoid sucking in outside air.
Caution: No noticeable overpressure shall form in the airspace of the tank.

June 1996 30
 ATV M 209E
The measurement gas hose is put into the airspace of the tank at a suitable location.
With constant DO concentration of 1 mg/L ≤ C ≤ 0.5·CS,T the volumetric fraction of
oxygen (Xe) in the off-gas is measured, as with hood measurement, over 10 minutes
and, as the values of the probes in the tank, recorded.

The measurement is repeated at least five times with the same air flow.

The oxygen transfer efficiency is calculated after every measurement with Eqn. 27. If
individual values for OAh with the same air flow deviate from the mean value by more
than 10 % then the number of measurements is to be increased to 10.

4. Test Evaluation and Report

4.1 Adsorption and Desorption Measurements
For each DO probe the parameters C0, CS and kLa (or C* and αkLa), the residues and
OC (for T = 20° C) are given as output from the computer. With curved, non-randomly
distributed residues t0 is to be displaced, and if required the DO values near to CS or C*
are also not to be taken into account, comp. 2.3.3. With absorption tests in clean water
C0 should not be larger than 0.25·CS,T. With desorption measurements |CSS,T – C0| should
be ≥ 6 mg/L. The calculation of kLa must be based on at least 30 equidistant values of Ct
which should cover a period of 1.5 t90% or 210/kLa [minutes].

The kLa or OC values of each test are determined. Should the kLa values of individual
probes deviate by more than ± 5 % of the mean value it is to be checked, using the
residues, whether irregularities exist. If required, a new mean is to be formed following
the removal of the most deviant kLa value.

In tanks with stepped diffuser density the mean value of kLa or OC is to be determined
under weighting using the tank volume associated with each measurement point.

With measurements in mixed liquor one records αkLa and αOC. If required, ß is also to
be taken into account.

The aeration efficiency is calculated for each test with the mean power uptake with Eqns.
3 and 4.

The oxygen transfer efficiency (OAh) or (OCL,h) is calculated for every test using the
mean air flow rates with Eqns. 5 and 6.

If several tests are carried out with the same aeration setting then, finally, the mean
values for OC, OP and, if necessary, OAh and OCL,h are to be formed. At measurements
with mixed liquor the results are corresponding to αOC, αOP etc.

4.2 Off-Gas Measurements

For the minimum of 10 measurements required for the same air flow the mean oxygen
transfer efficiency is calculated with Eqn. 23. The mean volumetric air flow rate qL,e is

June 1996 31
 ATV M 209E

calculated with Eqn. 24. Attention is drawn to the fact that qL,e should lie between 0.75
and 1.25 qL,R, comp. 2.3.4.
If the air flow rate (QL) fed to the tank or a part of the tank is known, αOC can be
calculated with the aid of Eqn. 6.

4.3 Test Report

The following are to be entered in the tests report:
(1) Purpose of the test.
(2) Details on deviations from this Advisory Leaflet and agreements reached.
(3) Description of the tank and the aeration installation illustrated with drawings. Shown
therein the arrangement of the measurement point(s) and the point(s) for chemical
dosing, and the positioning of the off-gas collection hood.
(4) Overview, as far as possible tabular, of the various test settings and the operated
aerators or blowers with name plate details such as rpm, power uptake, etc.
(5) Description of how the power input was measured.
(6) Description of how the air flow rate was determined.
(7) For clean water tests: with the employment of Na2SO3, description of the water
quality with details of the salt content at the beginning and end of each test. If
required, details of further analysis values of the water.
(8) For clean water tests: description of the determination of the cobalt requirement.
(Dispensed at desorption tests with pure oxygen).
(9) For clean water tests: description of the dissolving, dosing and admixture of sodium
sulphite and the mass of sodium sulphite added for each test or corresponding
details on stripping the oxygen using nitrogen or the building-up of the DO
concentration with pure oxygen.
(10) With mixed liquor: concentration of MLSS and COD of the filtrate, ammonia content
at the beginning and end of each test and, if required, further the water quality
characterising parameters.
(11) With mixed liquor: description of the dosing and admixture of the hydrogen peroxide;
details of the mass of peroxide added for each test or description of the admixture of
pure oxygen as well as details on the consumption of oxygen.
(12) Water and air temperature as well as ambient air pressure at the beginning and the
end of each test.
(13) Still water level at the start and the end of every test. With surface aerators details
on the mean immersion depth or the freeboard for each test.
(14) For absorption and desorption tests: table of the kLa or αkLa values for each DO
probe and mean value for each measurement point for every test. Calculation of the
mean value for all measurement points of each test, if required, weighted with the
associated volume. The customer can require tables or graphical representation of
the DO curves as well as the DO residues separately for each DO probe. The
original data shall be saved for two years following completion of the tests.

June 1996 32
 ATV M 209E
(15) For off-gas measurements: Tables with the values of T , C , MWi , MWe , Xe, MVe,
αOAh, qL,e and the associated air flows QL and qL,R. The original data shall be
saved for two years following completion of the tests.
(16) OC, OP and, if required, OAh or OCL,h for each test.
(17) Mean values for the above mentioned values with tests with the same aeration
setting.
(18) Particular observations with the progression of the tests such as foams, changes of
colour of the water, etc.

5. Measurement Tolerances and Guarantees

5.1 Measurement Tolerances
In this Advisory Leaflet measurement tolerances (%) are understood to be the variation
band width of the values of repeated measurements about the mean value. Each
measurement value has its own tolerance.

In clean water tests one can determine kLa with a tolerance of ± 3 to ± 5 %. With
measurements in mixed liquor without wastewater and return sludge flow one can
apportion αkLa a tolerance of ± 15 %. With wastewater and return sludge flow α can vary
considerably depending on the loading rate and the composition of the wastewater.

If the saturation value (CS) is measured with clean water tests, then this value is to be
apportioned a tolerance of ± 3 %. If table values in accordance with Eqns. 10 and 11 are
used, then the tolerance is dispensed with.

The power input (P) can, even using calibrated counters or special measurement
equipment, have tolerances of ± 3 % due to reading inaccuracies.

The diffuser depth is to be precisely measured. The air flow rate can deviate by more
than ± 5 % from the true value, independent of whether one measures the value or
calculates it from the blower characteristic curve.

Table 1: Possible measurement tolerances at oxygen transfer tests

Parameter In clean water In mixed liquor
CS measured CSS from tables Without flow With flow
OC ± 7% ±5% ± 15 % ± 20 %
OP ± 10 % ±8% ± 18 % ± 23 %

5.2 Guarantees
Fundamentally it is to be agreed beforehand for which parameters (OC, OP) with which
deviation of a parameter below a guaranteed value it is to count as met.
If nothing different has been agreed the following is to apply for clean water tests:

June 1996 33
 ATV M 209E
"The guarantee for the oxygen transfer in clean water (OC) is met if the mean value from
the tests plus the measurement tolerance of 5 % is at least equal to the guaranteed
value."
"The guarantee for the aeration efficiency in clean water (OP) is met if the mean value
from the tests plus a measurement tolerance of 8 % is at least equal to the guaranteed
value".
For the guarantee of the oxygen transfer in mixed liquor the measurement conditions are
to be laid down precisely beforehand. In particular, the number of measurements and the
measurement period are to be laid down for the calculation of the mean value in order to
be able to balance deviations which occur as a result of the composition of the
wastewater.

June 1996 34
 ATV M 209E

6. Symbols (see note Page 4)

AA m2 Area of the collector hood for off-gas measurements
C mg/L Concentration of dissolved oxygen(DO) in the water
Ct mg/L Concentration of DO in the water at time t at absorption and
desorption measurements
C0 mg/L Concentration of DO in the water at time t = 0 at absorption and
desorption measurements
CS mg/L DO saturation concentration from the evaluation of a clean
water test
C* mg/L Calculated apparent DO saturation concentration from the
evaluation of an absorption or desorption test with mixed liquor
CS,T mg/L Measured DO saturation concentration or calculated DO
saturation concentration at T°C at clean water tests
CSS,T mg/L Standard DO saturation concentration (water vapour saturated
air, p = 1013 hPa) at T° C
hE m Diffuser depth (height of water above apertures of diffusers with
aeration switched off)
hW m Depth of water in the tank (still water level)
kLaT h-1 Oxygen transfer coefficient in clean water at T°C
αkLaT h-1 Oxygen transfer coefficient in mixed liquor at T°C
MVi - Molar ratio, mol O2/mol N2, for dry, CO2-free reference air,
MVi = 0.266
MVe - Molar ratio, mol O2/mol N2, for dry, CO2-free off-gas
MWi - Calibration of an instrument for the measurement of the
volumetric fraction of oxygen in the reference air, e.g. MWi =
100
MWe - Measured volumetric fraction of oxygen in the off-gas
OC kg/h Oxygen transfer capacity in clean water under standard
conditions (T = 20° C, p0 = 1013 hPa, C = 0)
αOC kg/h Oxygen transfer capacity in mixed liquor under standard
conditions (T =20° C, p0 = 1013 hPa, C = 0)
(α)OCR g/(m3·h) Volumetric oxygen transfer rate under standard conditions. OCR
= OC/V, αOCR = αOC/V
αOCR,H g/(m3·h) Volumetric oxygen transfer rate under the projection surface of
the off-gas collection hood
OAh %/m Oxygen transfer efficiency in clean water under standard
conditions (T = 20° C, po = 1013 hPa, C = 0) referred to the
diffuser depth hE
αOA* % Oxygen transfer efficiency in mixed liquor calculated from an off-
gas measurement
OCL,H g/(m3N·m) Oxygen transfer efficiency in clean water under standard
conditions (T = 20° C, po = 1013 hPa, C = 0). OC referred to the

June 1996 35
 ATV M 209E
air flow QL and the diffuser depth hE
3
αOCL,H g/(m N·m) Oxygen transfer efficiency in mixed liquor under standard
conditions (T = 20° C, po = 1013 hPa, C = 0). αOC referred to
the air flow QL and the diffuser depth hE
OP kg/kWh Aeration efficiency in clean water under standard conditions
(T = 20° C, po = 1013 hPa, C = 0). OC referred to the power
consumption P
αOP kg/kWh Aeration efficiency in mixed liquor under standard conditions (T
= 20° C, po = 1013 hPa, C = 0). αOC referred to the power
consumption P
OVR* g/(m3·h) Volumetric oxygen uptake rate of the mixed liquor, calculated
from off-gas measurements
P kW Power input of an aeration installation
p hPa Atmospheric pressure, p0 = 1013 hPa
QL m3N/h Air flow rate referred to standard conditions
(T = 20° C, p0 = 1013 hPa, dry)
QL,i m3N/h Air flow rate to the volume under the projection area of the
hood, determined by off-gas measurements, corrected for
standard conditions
QL,e m3N/h Flow rate of off-gas, corrected for standard conditions
qL,e m3N/(m3·h) Volumetric flow rate of off-gas (qL,e = QL,e/(AA · hW), corrected for
standard conditions
qL,R m3N/(m3·h) Volumetric air flow rate to the aeration tank, corrected for
standard conditions
qL,H m3N/(m3·h) Volumetric air flow rate, QL,i referred to the volume under the
projection area of the hood
q m3/(m3·h) Volumetric water flow rate. Sum of all water and sludge flows
referred to the tank volume
T °C Water temperature
TL °C Air temperature
t90% min Time for the decrease of the saturation deficit (CS - C) by 90 %.
t90% = 60 . 2.303/kLa; kLa in h-1
TDS mg/L Content of dissolved solids, vaporisation residue of the filtrate
Xi - Volumetric fraction of oxygen in dry, CO2-free injected air
Xe - Volumetric fraction of oxygen in dry, CO2-free off-gas
V m3 Volume
VBB m³ Aeration tank volume
α - Interfacial factor
ß - Salinity factor
ρO2 kg/m3N Density of oxygen (1.43 kg/m3N at 0° C and 1013 hPa). The
density of oxygen in dry air correspondingly is 0.299 kg/m3N

June 1996 36
 ATV M 209E

7. Bibliography
[1] ATV: Arbeitsanleitung für der Bestimmung der Sauerstoffzufuhr von Belüftungssystemen in
Reinwasser.
[German Association for the Water Environment: Instruction for the Determination of the Oxygen
Transfer by Aeration Systems into Clean water]. Korrespondenz Abwasser 26 (1979) p. 416

[2] ÖNORM M 5888: Abwasser-Kläranlagen, Sauerstoffzufuhr-Leistung von Belüftungseinrichtungen in

Reinwasser, 1978
[Austrian Standard Specification M 5888: Wastewater Treatment Plants, Oxygen Transfer in Clean
Water by Aeration Installations]

[3] ASCE Standard: Measurement of Oxygen Transfer in Clean Water. Second Edition (1992).
Am. Soc. of Civil Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017-2399, USA

[4] ASCE Standard: Guidelines for In-Process Oxygen Transfer Testing (1993).
Am. Soc. of Civil Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017-2399, USA

[5] Verordnung über Trinkwasser und über Wasser für Lebensmittelbetriebe (Trinkwasser Verordnung -
TrinkwV).
[Ordinance on Drinking Water and on Water for Foodstuff Concerns (Drinking Water Ordinance -
TrinkwV)]. BGBL 1 (1991) p. 2612

[6] Lister, A. R. and Boon, A. G.: Aeration in Deep Tanks. An Evaluation of a Fine Bubble Diffused Air
System. Water Pollution Control, 72 (1973), p. 590

[7] Boon, A. G.: Oxygen Transfer in The Activated Sludge Process. Proceedings: Workshop Toward an
Oxygen Transfer Standard. Asilomar Conference, April 1978, EPA (USA), 1979

[8] Ziokarnik, M.: Koaleszenzphänomene im System gasförmig/flüssig und deren Einfluß auf den O2-
Eintrag bei der biologischen Abwasserreinigung
[Coalescence Phenomena in the Gaseous/Fluid System and Their Influence on the Specific Oxygen
Transfer with Biological Wastewater Treatment], Korrespondenz Abwasser 127 (1980), p.728 - 734

[9] Kayser, R.: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen zur Bestimmung der Sauerstoffzufuhr in Reinwasser und
unter Betriebsbedingungen
[Possibilities and Limitations on the Determination of Oxygen Transfer in Clean Water and under
Process Conditions], Wiener Mitteilungen Wasser, Abwasser, Gewässer, Vol 64 (1986), p.1

[10] Kayser, R. und Dernbach, H.: Weiterentwicklung der Methoden zur Messung der Sauerstoffzufuhr
unter Betriebsbedingung. Berichte aus Wassergütewirtschaft und Gesundheitsingenieurwesen
[Further Development of Methods for the Measurement of the Oxygen Transfer under Process
Conditions. Reports from Water Quality Management and Health Engineers], TU München (1980),
Vol 28, p. 29

[11] V. d. Emde, Kayser, W. und R.: Beitrag zur Praxis von Sauerstoffzufuhrversuchen
[Contribution to the Practice of Oxygen Transfer Tests], GWF Wasser-Abwasser 106 (1965), p. 1337

[12] Brown, L. C. and Fisette, G. R.: Non-Linear Estimation for Unsteady State Oxygen Transfer (Basic
and Fortran Programme) Manuscript, ASCE Oxygen Transfer Workshop, San Diego, 1979

[13] Wagner, M. und Pöpel, H. J.: Erste Erfahrungen in Deutschland mit der Abluftmethode zur Messung
des Sauerstoffeintrages unter Betriebsbedingungen
[First Experiences in Germany with the Off-Gas Method for the Measurement of the Oxygen Transfer
under Process Conditions], Schriftenreihe WAR, Vol. 71, Darmstadt 1993, p. 267

[14] Philichi, T. L. and Stenstrom, M. K.: Effects of Dissolved Oxygen Probe Lag on Oxygen Transfer
Parameter Estimation. Journal WPCF 61 (1989), p. 83

June 1996 37
 ATV M 209E
[15] Terry, D. W. and Thiem, L. T.: Potential Interferences in Catalysis of Unsteady State Reaeration
Technique. Journal WPCF 61 (1989), p. 1464

June 1996 38
 ATV M 209E

Appendix 1:
Table of the oxygen concentration [mg/L] of air saturated water in balance with
water vapour saturated air with an atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa. (Standard
oxygen saturation value, CSS,T)
Values from EN 25814 (1992) or DIN 38408, Part 23.

T [° C] + 0.0 °C + 0.2° C + 0.4° C + 0.6° C + 0.8° C

0 14.62 15.54 14.46 14.38 14.30

1 14.22 14.14 14.06 13.98 13.91
2 13.83 13.75 13.68 13.61 13.53
3 13.46 13.39 13.32 13.25 13.18
4 13.11 13.04 12.97 12.90 12.84

5 12.77 12.70 12.64 12.57 12.51

6 12.45 12.38 12.32 12.26 12.20
7 12.14 12.08 12.02 11.96 11.90
8 11.84 11.78 11.73 11.67 11.61
9 11.56 11.50 11.45 11.39 11.34

10 11.29 11.23 11.18 11.13 11.08

11 11.03 10.98 10.93 10.88 10.83
12 10.78 10.73 10.68 10.63 10.58
13 10.54 10.49 10.44 10.40 10.35
14 10.31 10.26 10.22 10.17 10.13
15 10.08 10.04 10.00 9.95 9.91

16 9.87 9.83 9.79 9.75 9.71

17 9.66 9.62 9.58 9.55 9.51
18 9.47 9.43 9.39 9.35 9.31
19 9.28 9.24 9.20 9.16 9.13
20 9.09 9.06 9.02 8.98 8.95

21 8.91 8.88 8.85 8.81 8.78

22 8.74 8.71 8.68 8.64 8.61
23 8.58 8.55 8.51 8.48 8.45
24 8.42 8.39 8.36 8.32 8.29
25 8.26 8.23 8.20 8.17 8.14

26 8.11 8.08 8.05 8.03 8.00

27 7.97 7.94 7.91 7.88 7.85
28 7.83 7.80 7.77 7.74 7.72
29 7.69 7.66 7.64 7.61 7.58
30 7.56 7.53 7.51 7.48 7.46

June 1996 39
 ATV M 209E

Appendix 2:
Derivation of essential equations
1. Absorption and Desorption Measurements
With absorption and desorption measurements the DO concentration is lowered or raised
in the aeration tank, which must be considered as being completely mixed. Through the
aeration the DO concentration rises (Figs. 1 and 2) or falls (Fig. 3). The oxygen transfer
coefficient kLa or αkLa is calculated from the change of the DO concentration. Using a
mass balance (comp. Fig. A2-1) one can derive the equations for calculation. The
following applies for the general case with mixed liquor:

Fig. A2-1: Relationships in a tank with surface aeration

dt ⋅ [∑ Q ⋅ C i + αk L a ⋅ (β ⋅ C S − C)] = V ⋅ dC + dt ⋅ ( V ⋅ OVR + ∑ Q ⋅ C) (A2-1)

On the left is the oxygen transfer, on the right the oxygen consumption. Transposed one
obtains:

dC
= α ⋅ k L a ⋅ (β ⋅ C S − C) − OVR − q ⋅ (C − C i ) (A2-2)
dt

If OVR, q, Ci and T, and naturally αkLa also, are constant, then after a long period of
aeration there is a constant DO concentration, the apparent saturation value, C*, (C =
C*); then dC/dt = 0. From Eqn. A2-2 one obtains:

α ⋅ k L a ⋅ (β ⋅ C S − C*) = OVR + q ⋅ (C * −C i ) (A2-3)

As one can measure the values OVR, q, C* and Ci and can assume the value for CS
(Eqns. 10 and 11), αkLa can (theoretically) be calculated:

OVR + q ⋅ (C * − C i )
α ⋅ kLa = (A2-4)
β ⋅ CS − C

Due to the uncertainty of the measurement of OVR, αkLa shall not be calculated
according to Eqn. A2-4. An exception is the off-gas measurement; this is clear from the
similarity between Eqns. 17 and A2-4. OVR* in Eqns. 16 and 17 contains the DO
consumed for the water throughflow q · (C* - Ci).

June 1996 40
 ATV M 209E
Eqn. A2-3 can be used in Eqn. A2-2 for the elimination of OVR. For this Eqn. A2-3 is
solved for OVR and applied to Eqn. A2-2:

dC
= α ⋅ k L a ⋅ (β ⋅ C S − C) − α ⋅ k L a ⋅ (β ⋅ C S − C*) + q ⋅ (C * −C i ) − q ⋅ (C − C i )
dt

dC
= α ⋅ k L a ⋅ (C * −C) + q ⋅ (C * −C)
dt

dC
= (α ⋅ k L a + q) ⋅ (C * −C) (A2-5)
dt

In clean water is OVR = 0, q = 0, α = 1 and ß = 1. Eqn. A2-2 simplifies to:

dC
= k L a ⋅ (C S − C) (A2-6)
dt

One obtains Eqn. 15 through integration.

2. Off-gas measurements
With a certain aeration installation the air flow depends on (comp. Fig. A2-2):
• the geographical elevation of the wastewater treatment plant,
• the ambient atmospheric pressure, p,
• the pressure losses up to the blower (fittings, air filter, exhaust silencer), p - p1,
• the back-pressure at the blower outlet, p2 (diffuser depth, fittings, pipes).
The nominal performance of a blower is always given as intake air flow rate, QL (m3N/h),
dry air at T = 0° C and p = 1013 hPa for a certain back-pressure p2 (hPa). The intake air
flow can be determined from the blower characteristic curves for given values of p1 and
p2. Installed air flow instruments can be checked in the same way.

Fig. A2-2: Relationships in a tank with diffused air aeration

June 1996 41
 ATV M 209E
The partial pressures of the inlet air and off-gas are made up from the partial pressures
of nitrogen, argon, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour.

p = p N2 + p Ar + p O 2 + p CO 2 + p H2O (A2-7)

Written as partial pressure ratio resp. volumetric fractions the equation becomes:

1 = X N2 + X Ar + X O 2 + X CO 2 + X H2O (A2-8)

In the inlet air pCO2 + pH2O are, as a rule, negligibly small. On the other hand the off-gas is
water saturated and contains CO2 in concentrations which are not negligible. As, in
addition, the volume of the oxygen used is not the same as the volume of resultant
carbon dioxide, it therefore is QL,i ≠ QL,e.

Strictly speaking, a balancing of the oxygen is only possible if QL,i and QL,e as well as the
fractions of oxygen in the inlet air and the off-gas are measured.

Under the assumption that the flow rate of the inert gases (nitrogen and noble gases)
does not alter, one can theoretically calculate the inlet air flow rate (QL,i) with the aid of
the off-gas flow rate and the partial pressure distribution in the off-gas (Eqn. A2-8) by
means of a balancing of the inert gas. The following applies:

Q L,i ⋅ (1 − 0.21) = Q L,e ⋅ [1 − ( X O 2,e + X CO 2,e + X H2O,e )]

1 − ( X O 2,e + X CO 2,e + X H2O,e )

Q L,i = Q L,e ⋅ (A2-9)
1 − 0.21

In the intake air the carbon dioxide and water vapour were ignored.

At off-gas measurements the volumetric air flow rate, fed to the water volume under the
hood, can be calculated as follows:

Q L,i
qL,H = (A2-10)
A A ⋅ hW

It is also possible, for every measurement, to calculate the volumetric oxygen transfer
rate, αOCR,H [g/(m3·h)] for the mixed liquor volume under the hood, using αOAh (see
Eqn. 21) and Eqn. 6:

0.299
αOC R,H = αOA h ⋅ qL,H ⋅ hE ⋅ (A2-11)
100

If, for a series of measurements with the same blower setting, one plots the value pairs
αOCR,H and q L,H, then these should form a straight line (Fig. A2-2).

June 1996 42
 ATV M 209E

Fig. A2-3: Possibility for evaluating off-gas measurements

With the air flow fed to the tank (QL) one knows the volumetric air flow rate:

QL
qL,R = (A2-12)
VBB

The volumetric oxygen transfer rate for the tank, αOCR [g/(m3·h)], then can be read off,
see Fig A2-3.

Due to the pretentious measurement technique such investigations should be carried out
only by institutions with appropriate equipment and experience.

June 1996 43
 ATV M 209E

Appendix 3:
Desorption tests with the application of pure oxygen gas

1. Fundamentals
As a rule, if pure oxygen is to be employed to increase the DO concentration for
desorption tests, a tank with liquid oxygen including vaporiser and flow measurement
equipment is hired. Gas flow rates up to 2000 m3N/h, and with special equipment, up to
4000 m3N/h are possible. The oxygen gas is fed into the main air header behind the
blowers. If such tests are planned an appropriate connection piece with flange
connection, dimensioned for v= 20 m/s, should be welded on when assembling the air
pipe.

Special regulations are to be observed when handling oxygen due to the explosion
hazard.

It is assumed that an increase of the DO concentration by at least ∆C = 10 mg/L, better

15 mg/L, beyond the air saturation value is sufficient if the aeration is continuously
operated with the setting to be tested. If one is to work with a smaller air flow during the
admixture of oxygen, it can be practical to raise the DO concentration by more than 15
mg/L, as some time passes before the air flow rate is adjusted.

Fig. A3-1 shows the progression of DO at a desorption test in clean water. For
comparison the build-up curve of DO at an absorption test is presented. The DO
concentration here increases from C = 0 to CS. During the admixture of the oxygen for
the duration t02 the DO concentration increases by ∆C. The build-up curve here is
steeper as the flow of air plus oxygen is greater than that for air alone. The oxygen
transfer coefficient has the value kLa´. Should gassing with the mixture be continued, the
oxygen concentration would increase to CS´. After switching off of the oxygen the DO
concentration falls again to CS, this range is used for the evaluation of the desorption
test.

Fig. A3-1: Relationships with the desorption test in clean water

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A high supersaturation CS'/(CS + ∆C) leads to a short admixture period but requires a
high flow rate of pure oxygen. At a large tank volume the flow rate of oxygen may be
limited through the evaporation capacity. This requires clarification following a first rough
estimate. It is further assumed that the kLa-value increases proportional to the flow of the
air, QL, plus the flow of oxygen gas, QO2, (kLa is independent of the DO concentration of
the gas!).

2. Calculation Equations
The air flow rate QL [m3/h] to be tested, the oxygen transfer capacity, OC [kg/h] to be
determined and the tank volume V [m3] are known. It is assumed that the oxygen transfer
capacity will also be confirmed in the test. Then the following applies:
OC
OC R =
V (A3-1)

OC R
kLa =
CS (A3-2)

Following the selection of ∆C the desired value for the saturation value for the oxygen/air
mixture is to be selected. It should be:
′
1.05 ⋅ (C S + ∆C) ≤ C S ≤ 1.2 ⋅ (C S + ∆C)
(A3-3)

The fraction of oxygen in the air/oxygen mixture must then be:

′
CS
X O2 = 21 ⋅
CS (A3-4)

The air flow is designated as QL' during the admixture of the oxygen. It is recommended
that one works with QL' = QL.

Thus the following ratio of the flows results:

QO2 X − 21
= O2
′ 100 − X O 2
QL (A3-5)

The oxygen transfer coefficient kLa' for the air/oxygen mixture is:
′
QL + Q O2
k L a′ = k L a ⋅
QL (A3-6)

The theoretical, necessary duration for the admixture of the oxygen tO2 [min] is obtained
from the converted Eqn. 14:

− 60  C ′ − ∆C − C 
t O2 = ⋅ ln  S S 
k L a′  ′ 
 CS − CS  (A3-7)

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3. Calculation Example
Given:

Tank volume 5000 m3

Water depth 5.50 m
Diffuser depth 5.20 m
Temperature of water 11° C
Oxygen transfer OC to be investigated 550 kg/h
Air flow rate 7000 m3N/h

Calculations:

CSS = 11.03 mg/L (Appendix 1, T = 11° C)

 5.20 
C S = 11.03 ⋅  1 +  = 13.8 mg / L (Eqn. 11)
 20.7 

OVR = 550 / 5000 = 110 g /(m 3 ⋅ h) (Eqn. A3-1)

110
kLa = = 7.97 h −1 (Eqn. A3-2)
13.8

Further calculations are summarised in Table A3-1, the associated progressions of the
DO concentration are shown in Fig. A3-2. Variables are ∆C (Line 2), the supersaturation
ratio (Line 3) and the air flow rate QL' during the admixture of the oxygen (Line 1).

Fig. A3-2: Courses of the DO concentrations of the examples

The requirement for oxygen increases with ∆C and the supersaturation ratio. The
smallest flow rate is obtained if one works with a smaller quantity of air during admixture.
In addition oxygen is also necessary for the filling of the pipelines. Following the
switching off of the oxygen it must be "washed out" from the pipelines. This requires
time. Through this the transition from the rising curve to the falling curve of the DO
concentration is indeed not a sharp bend as shown in the figures but a curve.

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Table A3-1: Calculation of the oxygen requirement for desorption measurements

1 2 3

1 Q L' m3N/h given 7000 7000 2000

2 ∆C mg/L given 12 15 15
3 Cs'/(Cs + ∆C) -- given 1.2 1.05 1.1
4 Cs' mg/L Eqn. A3-3 31.0 30.2 31.6
5 XO2 % O2 Eqn. A3-4 47.1 46.0 48.2
6 QO2/QL -- Eqn. A3-5 0.49 0.46 0.53
3
7 QO2 m N/h L1 · L6 3.456 3.244 1.050
8 kLa' h-1 Eqn. As-6 11.9 11.7 3.5
9 tO2 min Eqn. A3-7 6.05 12.5 31.5
10 VO2 m 3N L6 · L9/60 349 677 552
11 MO2 kg 1.41 · L10 491 955 778

In comparison to absorption measurements, by which the DO is bonded with sodium

sulphite, there are advantages for desorption measurements using pure oxygen for large
tank volumes and in particular for large diffuser depths. With the same OVR the
requirement of pure oxygen is proportional to the tank bottom area while the sulphite
requirement is proportional to the tank volume.

Due to the coalescence inhibiting effect of the sodium sulphate, the oxygen transfer
capacity from desorption measurements (without sodium sulphite) can be comparatively
somewhat smaller than from absorption measurements with sulphite.

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 ATV M 209E

Appendix 4:
Evaluation of absorption and desorption measurements using a computer

1. Brief Description and Installation

This Advisory Leaflet has a Disk with the programme OCA for the evaluation of the
adsorption measurements and the desorption measurements (comp. 2.3.3).

Prerequisites for the operation of this programme are:

• an IBM compatible PC,

• a MS-DOS compatible operating system,
(MS-DOS 3.3 or higher),
• at least 640 KB main memory,
• an EGA or VGA card,
• a 3.5" 1.44 MB Disk drive.

The following are, in addition, an advantage:

• a numerical coprocessor,
• a harddisk,
• a mouse,
• a printer plotter.

The essential characteristics of the programme are:

• calculation in accordance with this Advisory Leaflet and US Standard [3] respectively
(exponential regression according to Brown and Fisette),
• up to 50 DO concentration values,
• operating surface in accordance with SAA Standard,
• formula oriented input data,
• printout of test results in form of tables and diagrams,
• comprehensive context and subject related on-line assistance.

Installation

All necessary files in standard form can be found on the original disk. You can therefore
use the programme without further preparation direct from the disk. However, you should
first make a safeguard copy of the disk. In order to install the programme on the harddisk
it is practical to create a new directory. Then copy all files from the disk into this directory.

Start

To start the programme select the drive with the programme disk or change to the
established directory and type:

OCA [ENTER]

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2. Brief Instructions
The following instructions are designed to give you, in five successive steps, an overview
on handling of the programme and the most important functions. Further more detailed
information can be found in the on-line help, which you can call up at any time using the
F1 key.

Following programme start-up you will see Fig. A4-1 on the screen.
The upper screen line is the menu line with the selection pints

• File
• Window
• Setting
• Help

The lowest line is designated as status line; depending on the situation it shows various
key sequences with which you can call up certain functions without using the menu. The
screen area between the menu and the status lines is the so-called view port.

Fig. A4-1: Screen format

Step 1: Creation and opening of data input formulas

With the mouse click on to the menu point "File" (if you use the keyboard press Alt + D
together). Following this the file sub-menu opens with the functions as shown in
Fig. A4-2.

Three dots following the menu function indicate that, on calling up this function, a so-
called dialogue window appears with whose help the function reference can be specified.
Designations such as "F3" or "Alt + X" represent key functions which can be used
instead of function commands using the keyboard. Now click on to "New" (or move the
selector bar to "New" using the cursor key and press ENTER). A window with input
formula appears on the screen. You can now enter all data and indicators which are
required for an evaluation and documentation of an oxygen transfer measurement (see
Step 2).

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 ATV M 209E

New
Open... F3 F3
Import...
Save F2
Save under...
Change directory...
Analyse...
DOS activate
Terminate Alt+X

Fig. A4-2: File sub-menu

Excel files can be transferred, for example, using "Import...". This is available if your data
logger has stored the data in Excel files. For information on this see "Help".

As described above reselect the menu point "File" and the function "Open" in the file sub-
menu. The window "Open File" then appears on the screen. It contains i.a. a list of files
which have already been saved - with the first programme start only the initial files
"DEMO1" and "DEMO2". Over the file list you see an input field for a file name. To the
right you find so-called switches (Open, Abort). Double-click on the name "DEMO1" in
the list (or press the tabulator key, move the selector bar if required with the aid of the
cursor key to the name "DEMO1" and then press [Enter]).

You have now created a second input form on the view port. As opposed to the first form
this already contains numbers and signs. As the windows are "one on top of another"
(superimposed) at first you see only the one created last. You have i.e. the following
possibilities of arranging the forms on the view port that all are, at least in part, visible.

(1) Select the menu function "Window" and in the sub-menu "Superimposed". The forms
are then presented portioned.

(2) Using the mouse click on the title row of a window and keep the mouse key
depressed while moving the mouse. In this manner you can displace the window and
make the one below visible.

Step 2: Input data

If the first created, empty input form is not already lying "on top" click on this form window
using the mouse on any visible point in order to bring it to the foreground. The input
marking is located, if you have not altered it in the meanwhile, on the first input field
"Label". If this is not the case move the marking using the cursor key to this field. Type in
any desired series of symbols to describe a measurement (e.g. "Sewage treatment plant
XYZ, Test 1, Measurement Point 2"). Then press the key [Down] or [Tabulator] or [Enter].
The input marking is now on the field "Date". Enter the date in the form DD.MM.YY or
DD.MM.YYYY and note that all other keys than the space bar, fullstop, the number keys
0....9 and various control keys are blocked.

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 ATV M 209E
Carry on in the same manner in order to enter numbers and symbols in the other fields.
As decimal point please always use the fullstop. Should the significance of the contents
of an input field not be clear press F1 in order to obtain the appropriate help. The "Help
Window" can be closed, if required, using the [Esc].

The saturation value (CS,20) is calculated and applied for surface aerators automatically
with CS,20 = 9.09 mg/L and for diffused air aeration also automatically in accordance with
Eqn. 11. Only if you have measured the saturation value or have determined it in any
other way you do set a value in the input form.

Step 3: Carry out evaluation

Bring the input form "DEMO1" into the foreground and select the function "Evaluate" from
the data menu. Dialogue window as shown in Fig. A4-3 then appears. In the top left-hand
corner you see below "Default settings" information on the scope of the actual oxygen
measurement series. Below there are two input fields in which you can enter which
values are to be taken into account with the next evaluation. Thus it is possible to cut out
possible false initial and end values.

Fig. A4-3: Evaluation menu

Now click on the switch "Compute" or press the key combination Alt+R. The most
important characteristic values of an oxygen transfer measurement then appear in the
box "Results":
• the oxygen transfer coefficient (α)kLa for the test temperature,
• the standard deviation of the measured DO values of the calculated curve (E.E),
• the oxygen transfer capacity under standard conditions (α)OC,
• the ratio ta/t90%,which should be greater than 150 %, comp. 4.1.
In order to obtain a graphic representation actuate the switch "Graphic". With this two
diagrams are produced: the upper diagram shows the individual DO concentration values
and the calculated curve, the lower one the deviations between measured and calculated
DO values (residues). The presentation of the residues is particular suited for the
assessment of the "quality" of a measurement. The DO value series of the Demo file has
been deliberately set so that a "wave form" path for the residues results. This can, for
example, be an indication of an insufficient mixing of the chemicals. In such cases you
should repeat the evaluation with a different range of values (comp.3. Example, Fig. A4-
7).

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 ATV M 209E
Step 4: Print
The programme offers the possibility of printing out the measured data in the form of a
list and as a diagram. Before you call up a function you should select and adjust your
printer. For this select the menu function "Settings" and in the sub-menu "Printer". This is
presented as shown in Fig. A4-4.

Fig: A4-4: Menu for printer setting

In the list "Model/Type" there are various well-known printers. Using "Text" a simple, non-
graphic capable printer is indicated. If you select this you can print a list but not a
diagram. All other printers on the other hand can produce graphics.

On the right-hand side of the dialogue window you can select the printer connection; the
standard setting is "LPT1". In the case that your printer is connected to a series interface
(COM1 and COM2), please note that you must set the transfer parameters (baud rate,
word length, etc.) before calling up the programme. In order to divert the printer output
into a file, select "File".
In the lower part of the window you can input how many character spaces in each row
should be left free as margin. An approximately 2 cm margin corresponds to 8
characters. Once you have carried out all necessary settings, close the dialogue window.
Call up the function "Evaluate" and actuate the switch "Print list". The printer must then
print out the measurement protocol in the desired form. (In the case that you have
selected an input on file it is naturally not printed. Instead you are asked for a name for
the output file). A print-out for "DEMO1" as an example can be found in Fig. A4-5. At the
top of the table the plant-specific values and the default settings are summarised on the
left, on the right are the results of the evaluation.
Next try out a print of a diagram by actuating the switch "Print graphic". If there are
problems with this then the printer is probably not compatible with the selected model.
Check the compatibility using the printer handbook.

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 ATV M 209E
OXYGEN TRANSFER TEST DEMO1, Desorption, Pressure Aeration

Test No.: 1 Date: 09.03.95 Sonde: red

Tank volume........: 1000.00 m3 C0...........: 16.04 mg/L

Water temperature..: 12.00 ºC cs(c*).......: 3.12 mg/L
Satur.value CS,20...: 11.07 mg/L (a)kLa.......: 4.42 1/h
Power input..: 33.00 kW (a)OC........: 59.15 kg/h
Diffuser depth hE..: 4.50 m (a)OCL,h.....: 6.57 g/m3N*m
Air flow QL.: 2000.00 m3N/h (a)OP 1.79 kg/kWh

Delta t............: 2.00 min E. E. .......: 0.15

Evaluation range...: 1 - 35 ta/t90.......: 218 %

I TIME C meas. C calc. Dev. I TIME C meas. C calc. Dev.

Min. mg/L mg/L mg/L Min. mg/L mg/L mg/L

1 0.00 16.00 16.04 -0.04 26 50.00 3.43 3.45 -0.02

2 2.00 14.80 14.27 -0.53 27 52.00 3.38 3.40 -0.02
3 4.00 12.70 12.74 -0.04 28 54.00 3.33 3.37 -0.04
4 6.00 11.00 11.42 -0.42 29 56.00 3.30 3.33 -0.03
5 8.00 10.00 10.29 -0.29 30 58.00 3.25 3.30 -0.05
6 10.00 9.15 9.30 -0.15 31 60.00 3.22 3.28 -0.06
7 12.00 8.40 8.46 -0.06 32 62.00 3.20 3.26 -0.06
8 14.00 7.75 7.73 0.02 33 64.00 3.17 3.24 -0.07
9 16.00 7.15 7.10 0.05 34 66.00 3.15 3.22 -0.07
10 18.00 6.60 6.55 0.05 35 68.00 3.13 3.21 -0.08
11 20.00 6.15 6.08 0.07
12 22.00 5.80 5.68 0.12
13 24.00 5.40 5.33 0.07
14 26.00 5.12 5.03 0.09
15 28.00 4.85 4.77 0.08
16 30.00 4.62 4.54 0.08
17 32.00 4.40 4.35 0.05
18 34.00 4.25 4.18 0.07
19 36.00 4.10 4.03 0.07
20 38.00 3.95 3.91 0.04
21 40.00 3.85 3.80 0.05
22 42.00 3.75 3.71 0.04
23 44.00 3.65 3.63 0.02
24 46.00 3.56 3.46 -0.00
25 48.00 3.50 3.50 -0.00

Fig. A4-5: Printout of the results of an evaluation

Step 5: Save data
Bring the form "DEMO1" into the foreground and then call up the function "Save" in the
file menu. You can determine that the data is then stored on a disk or harddisk without
further request. Now repeat the action with the form which was created in the first step. A
dialogue window "Save Data" now appears as request to give a file name (Fig. A4-6).

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 ATV M 209E
The reason for this different reaction is that the new form still has no valid file name and
is designated provisionally as "NONAME...". You can recognise this in the title row of the
form window.
If you wish to save a form with a valid file name under another name use the function
"Save under" instead of the function "Save". Through this you obtain the named dialogue
window and can give it a new file name.

Fig. A4-6: Menu to save data

3. Example
Call up "DEMO1". Select "File" and "Evaluate". Now go to "Graphic". You now see Fig.
A4-7. The wave form of the residues is apparent. Read off kLa = 4.42 1/h and the
standard deviation of the residues E.E. = 0.15 as characteristic values. Now change to
"Evaluate 2 (instead of 1) from 35" and go to "Graphic". The figure is unchanged. If you
now evaluate 3 from 35 the E.E sinks to 0.08 and kLa 60 4.16 1/h. The progression of the
residues is still wave form. It is only when you evaluate 4 from 35 that the residues are
more randomly distributed, E.E. sinks to 0.02 and kLa to 3.98 1/h. If you then evaluate 5
from 35 you will recognise that practically nothing alters
(Fig. A4-8).
If one had based the calculation on all 35 measured values then, in this example, one
would have overestimated kLa and thus also OC by ca. 10 %.

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 ATV M 209E

Fig. A4-7: Diagram of the test results applying all measured values (1 to 35)

Fig. A4-8: Diagram of the test results after leaving out the first four measured
values (1 to 35)

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 ATV M 209E
4. Help

The programme has been developed by AQUADATA GmbH. AQUADATA also takes on
programme maintenance on behalf of ATV. If you have problems with the programme
you can apply to AQUADATA. The most competent specialist there is Mr. Gero Fröse.

AQUADATA GmbH
Große Straße 5
D-38116 Braunschweig
Germany
Tel: (0049) 531-501452, Fax: (0049) 531-500907.

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