Design a fine-bubble diffused aeration system to meet an oxygen demand of 5,000 kg/d. The plant is located at an elevation of 610 meters (2,000 ft). There are two aeration basins with a total volume equal to 5,400 m3. Assume the alpha and beta coefficients for the diffusers are 0.35 and 0.95, respectively and use a temperature correction factor () of 1.024. The dissolved oxygen (DO) saturation concentration of water is 7.81 mg/L at sea level and 28∘C. A DO concentration of 2.0 mg/L is maintained in the aeration basins. The oxygen transfer efficiency is assumed to be 30%, since fine-bubble diffusers are being used. The side water depth of the aeration basin is 4.9 m with diffusers placed 0.5 m from the bottom of the tank. The atmospheric pressure at an elevation of 610 meters is 706 mm Hg. Assume that the specific weight of water is 9,810 N/m3. Determine:
a. Volumetric flow rate of the air (m3/min) to meet oxygen requirement of 5,000 kg per day.
b. Power required (kw) for centrifugal blowers.