Õhujetuse

Õhujetuse, often translated as air injection or air blowing, is a term used in various industrial and scientific contexts to describe the process of introducing air or other gases into a liquid or material. This can be done for several purposes, including improving mixing, promoting chemical reactions, or creating specific physical properties.

In metallurgy, õhujetuse is employed in processes like the Bessemer process for steelmaking. Here, air is blown through molten pig iron to oxidize impurities such as carbon, silicon, and phosphorus, converting them into gaseous byproducts or slag. This significantly refines the iron, making it suitable for various applications.

In the context of wastewater treatment, õhujetuse is a common method for aeration. Air is pumped into aeration tanks containing wastewater, providing oxygen for aerobic bacteria to break down organic pollutants. This biological treatment process is crucial for purifying water before it is discharged or further treated.

The principle of õhujetuse also finds application in chemical engineering. It can be used to enhance mass transfer between gas and liquid phases, for instance, in absorption or stripping processes. By dispersing air into a liquid, the surface area for interaction is increased, leading to more efficient transfer of substances. Furthermore, õhujetuse can be utilized to control viscosity or density in certain formulations, or to create foams and emulsions. The specific method and equipment used for õhujetuse vary greatly depending on the intended application and the nature of the materials involved.