Surface mixing for destratification: Simulating the impact

Abstract

An algorithm describing the flow for a plane plume was incorporated into the DYRESM one-dimensional lake and reservoir simulation model to simulate the action of raft-mounted mechanical surface mixers with draft tube diffusers (hereafter referred to as surface mixers). The algorithm was validated against extensive physical field data collected at an artificially mixed South Australian water supply reservoir. The use of surface mixers for destratification and control of algal growth is becoming increasingly popular, however, minimal research has been undertaken to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of such systems compared to more established methods such as bubble plume aerators.