An Echo-Storm Venturi Aerator is a device used to mix and aerate tanks, ponds and lagoons. It uses Bernoulli’s principle, whereby a low pressure area is created by an accelerated fluid.
Where to use them, why to use them, and the misconceptions.
A common misconception about a Venturi aerator like the Echo-Storm is that it works like a typical surface aerator or requires compressors like diffused aeration systems. In reality, it uses the venturi effect to self-induce air and mix oxygen throughout the water column, providing both aeration and circulation with fewer mechanical components and lower maintenance.
WHAT IS AN ECHO-STORM VENTURI AERATOR?
The Echo-Storm Venturi aerator works with a self-priming pump that draws water into the system, where it accelerates through a Venturi to create low pressure that pulls in atmospheric air at about 2.2 times the water flow rate. The air and water mix under pressure, promoting oxidation, removing gases like CO₂ and VOCs, controlling odours such as hydrogen sulphide, and helping break down organic solids. Because the pump’s suction and discharge can be placed at different depths, the system also allows flexible mixing and destratification anywhere within a tank or lagoon.
WHERE TO USE THEM?
The Echo-Storm aerator is used across many industries to improve wastewater treatment, odour control, and aeration processes. It helps with applications such as BOD reduction, gas stripping (like CO₂ and H₂S), sludge separation, mixing and equalization, and aeration of lagoons, streams, and wetlands. It can also support specialized uses like landfill leachate treatment, oil and grease recovery, and destratification of lakes and dams.
WHY USE AN ECHO-STORM VENTURI AERATOR?
Echo-Storm Venturi aerators are installed on the bank of a lagoon, pond, or tank, unlike many aeration systems that sit in or on the water. This makes installation, monitoring, and maintenance easier, safer, and less expensive, since operators don’t need floating platforms, cranes, or difficult access to service the equipment. When paired with an efficient self-priming pump, the system can also achieve high oxygen transfer efficiency while allowing routine maintenance to be done safely from the lagoon bank.
HOW TO APPLY AN ECHO-STORM VENTURI AERATOR
Designing an Echo-Storm Venturi aeration system requires chemical engineers to assess key operational details to determine the correct system size and configuration. Important information includes the dimensions of the tank or lagoon, inflow rate, and the type of facility or process being treated. Engineers also need to know the treatment goals—such as increasing dissolved oxygen, reducing BOD/COD, raising pH, destratifying water, oxidizing contaminants, or controlling odours—and the desired treatment targets.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF ECHO-STORM VENTURI AERATORS?
Echo-Storm Venturi aerators are limited to approximately 37kg of oxygen transfer per hour by a single [six inch] unit. To deliver more oxygen [by atmospheric aspiration], multiple units must be used. Alternatively, if oxygen demands have peaks [for example, the “Vintage” period at wineries], pure oxygen can be aspirated from a stationary source [like a liquid oxygen plant or liquid oxygen tanker]. This can increase oxygen transfer by 2-3 times per unit.