The aerators in operation at the Alexandria, Louisiana Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) are a good example of the reliability and longevity of the Aqua-Lator® surface aerator. The 79 twenty-horsepower units are a benefit to the facilities aeration system since some of the floating aerators can be taken out of service for maintenance without impacting dramatically on the overall system.  The aerators, mounted on fiberglass floats, operate in two primary and two secondary clay lined lagoons in a modified activated sludge/aerated lagoon system.  Operators monitor dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and flow rates to determine how many aerators to operate.  Flow rates range from a minimum of 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to a design maximum of 22 MGD, with an average of 11 MGD.  The vital key is the simple and disciplined maintenance schedule followed, which includes the inspection of the aerators every six months. 

Result

The 79 twenty-horsepower units, originally put into service in 1974, have been operating without any major problems or disruptions and have served a community that has grown to a populaton of over 50,000.  This consistent, reliable service attests to the design simplicity and ease of maintenance of the Aqua-Lator® surface aerator, keys to the long and reliable operating experience for the City of Alexandria.