Intelligent, automated oxidation air control

The fluid technology specialist Bürkert has developed a ready-to-connect solution for automated oxidation air metering. The Bürkert oxidator box operates on the basis of a high-performance, flexibly configurable mass flow controller. The compact system solution can automatically regulate the gas quantity needed for oxidation based on different process parameters, to achieve optimal results with minimal gas consumption.

“Automated metering of oxidation air ensures constant water quality and documented, traceable processes,” says Alexander Equit at Bürkert. “The low oxygen consumption and optimised operation of the compressors in the metered supply of air also offers substantial economic benefits.”

In addition to the treatment of municipal drinking water, the oxidator box is suitable for use in all applications where gaseous media have to be controllably metered into a liquid flow. One example is fish farming, which requires precise control of the oxygen content supplied to the breeding basin.

The flexible and cost-effective modular system is based on time-tested standard components and can easily and quickly be adapted to the requirements of individual users. The Bürkert mass flow controllers (MFC) Types 8626 and 8712 provide a high-performance basis for the oxidator box. Other safety-related functions such as pressure monitoring, emergency valves, check valves, optional manual operation or field displays are offered on an individual basis and delivered as a ready-for-connection solution in a stainless steel control cabinet or on a mounting base. “In the design and planning of the oxidator box we pay close attention to optimal cost effectiveness,” Hartmut Schmalz explains. This means avoidance of over-dimensioning and non-relevant functions for the specific application.

The control cabinets for the oxidator box are manufactured and assembled at the Bürkert Systemhaus in Menden, near Dortmund, which specialises in electro-pneumatic control units. The Systemhaus bundles Bürkert competence in the systematic combination of fluid technology, electronics and stainless steel manufacturing. Oxidator boxes used for oxygen are equipped only with oil- and grease-free components that are suitable for the application. All pipework is also oil- and grease-free. Pipe couplings are used for the air inlet and outlet and cable glands are used for the sealed electric lines to the MFC. This construction ensures easy installation and trouble-free process connections.