Nanobubble technology is based on the production of extremely small, stable gas bubbles with diameters smaller than 100 nanometers in a liquid. These bubbles are about 2,500 times smaller than a grain of table salt, making them invisible to the naked eye. Unlike ordinary bubbles, nanobubbles remain suspended in the liquid for long periods without rising to the surface and bursting due to their low buoyancy. This unique property provides high stability and reactivity within the liquid, making them ideal for various applications.
Nanobubbles enhance dissolved oxygen levels, eliminate microorganisms, break down organic materials, and improve the physical properties of water. Widely used in sectors such as water treatment, agriculture, healthcare, industrial cleaning, and aquaculture, this energy-efficient and eco-friendly technology offers sustainable solutions. Their high surface area and cavitation effects make them especially effective tools for improving water quality and disinfection processes.
The cavitation effect occurs when tiny bubbles within a liquid burst and release energy into their surroundings. It’s similar to how a balloon pops in water, creating a small "pop" sound and energy burst.
Benefits of Nanobubble Technology
This technology increases water recycling rates, reducing the need for natural resource consumption while improving the availability of water resources and agricultural productivity. It ensures continuity in the water cycle, making clean water more accessible. In water-stressed regions like Turkey, nanobubbles play a vital role in providing more efficient and sustainable water management.
- Nanobubbles remain stable in water for extended periods without rising to the surface, enabling continuous gas transfer during this time.
- They can neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, prevent algae formation, and eliminate unpleasant tastes or odors.
- Additionally, they reduce pollutants, precipitate metals, and remove contaminants like oil, fine particles, and surfactants from water.
- These features not only improve water quality but also shorten process durations, reduce costs, and minimize the size of existing systems.
- In short, nanobubbles stand out as one of the key technologies for a sustainable future .
Nanobubble Technology and Oxygen Solubility
Nanobubble water treatment technology is one of the most effective methods for increasing oxygen solubility in aeration tanks of activated sludge facilities. Nanobubble generators, with their high surface area and stability, enhance the efficiency of oxygen transfer into the water.
Here are some ways Nanobubble water treatment technology boosts oxygen solubility and increases Alpha values:
1. Improving Oxygen Transfer Efficiency (OTE): Nanobubble generators disperse oxygen in smaller bubbles, increasing water's oxygen absorption capacity. Since these bubbles rise to the surface more slowly, they stay dissolved longer, providing a higher Alpha value. The Alpha value indicates how easily bubbles transfer oxygen into water, acting like a measure of how helpful bubbles are in oxygenating the liquid.
2. Optimizing Nanobubble Size: To maximize oxygen dissolution, bubble sizes must be optimized. Nanobubble generators produce micro- and nano-sized bubbles, which provide significantly higher oxygen solubility than standard systems.
3. Energy Efficiency and Micro-Mixing: Nanobubble generators operate with low energy consumption, saving energy while achieving high oxygen solubility—especially useful for activated sludge plants. Micro-mixing created by the bubbles improves oxygen distribution, further increasing the Alpha value.
4. pH and Temperature Control: The pH and temperature of the tank can affect oxygen solubility. Maintaining optimal pH and temperature levels ensures maximum efficiency from nanobubble systems.
Optimal Placement of Nanobubble Systems: The positioning of the generator and the distribution of bubbles in the tank influence oxygen transfer efficiency. The system should be set up to ensure maximum oxygen dispersion.
Through these advantages, nanobubble technology can increase oxygen solubility in aeration tanks and achieve higher Alpha values, improving the overall efficiency of activated sludge processes.
In Which Areas Is Nanobubble Technology Can Be Used?
Nanobubble technology is used across a broad range of industries, offering innovative solutions. It is particularly prominent in wastewater treatment, agriculture, aquaculture, lake and pond remediation, the oil and gas industry , and mining .
In wastewater treatment, Nanobubble technology is applied in three main areas:
- Aeration: Enhances biological treatment efficiency by increasing dissolved oxygen in water.
- Flotation: Facilitates more effective separation of pollutants by floating them to the surface.
- Disinfection: Neutralizes harmful pathogens and microorganisms, ensuring safer water.
Global Use of Nanobubble Technology
Nanobubble technology has been successfully implemented worldwide, delivering impressive results in both environmental and economic terms. Here are some notable examples:
- Hershey’s Creamery (USA): By using nanobubbles in the flotation process of wastewater treatment, the company achieved a 90% increase in efficiency and saved $100,000 annually.
- Rebel Farms (USA): Applied nanobubbles in agriculture, increasing crop yield by 22% and dissolved oxygen in soil by 300%.
- Zakum Development Company (UAE): Increased oxygen levels in oxidation ponds by four times, reduced biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) by 59%, and eliminated foul odors.
- Tulbagh Winery (South Africa): Successfully eliminated bad odors from wastewater treatment ponds and reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 3000 mg/L to 322 mg/L.
- Delphy Research Institute (Netherlands): Enhanced agricultural yields by 14%, increased dissolved oxygen levels by 233%, and significantly improved plant root health.
These examples demonstrate the innovative and sustainable solutions nanobubble technology offers across various industries. In Turkey, adopting this technology could significantly improve water resource management and address environmental challenges effectively. To get this technology or to get more information feel free to contact us.
RESOURCES:
1. https://www.iklim.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nanobubble-Flyer.pdf
2. https://www.teksarge.com/2022/07/26/14229/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135423010539
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