Aeration

Aeration (also called aerification) is the process by which air is circulated through, mixed with or dissolved in a liquid or substance.

Contents

Aeration of liquids

Methods

Aeration of liquids (usually water) is achieved by:

Porous ceramic diffusers are made by fusing aluminum oxide grains using porcelain bonds to form a strong, uniformly porous and homogeneous structure. The naturally hydrophilic material is easily wetted resulting in the production of fine, uniform bubbles.[1]

On a given volume of air or liquid, the surface area changes proportionally with drop or bubble size, the very surface area where exchange can occur. Utilizing extremely small bubbles or drops increases the rate of gas transfer (aeration) due to the higher contact surface area. The pores which these bubbles pass through are generally micrometre-size.

Uses of aeration of liquids

Aeration of soil

Refers to the extent of air gaps in soil.

Aeration commonly refers to the process of using mechanized equipment to either puncture the soil with spikes (spike aeration) or remove approximately 1"X2" cores of soil from the ground (core aeration). Aeration may be overlooked when trying to restore a lawn but is vital to bring it back to health. It improves drainage and reduces puddles formation.

Spike aeration involves the use of an aeration machine with spikes up to a foot or more in length. It is sometimes used to address drainage issues in areas with turf. Core aeration is done on turf areas as a means of reducing turf compaction, reducing thatch buildup, improving the infiltration of water/nutrients, and creating an environment where grass seed can have direct contact with the soil.

There are many types of lawn aerators including walk behind models, ride on versions and tractor pulled versions.

Aeration in food

Refers to the process in which air, or CO2, is absorbed into the food item. It refers to the lightness of cakes, bread and some sauces.

In wine tasting, a variety of methods are used to aerate wine and bring out the aromas including swirl wine in the glass, use of a decanter to increase exposure to air, or a specialized wine aerator.

Cider from Asturias is poured into the glass from a height of about 1 metre (el escanciado) to increase aeration.

See also

References