Efforts to improve oxygen transfer efficiency as measured in tap water at standard test conditions have led to the development of nonclogging air diffusers that dissolve a large percentage of available oxygen and to low speed (motor-gear reducer) surface aerators with efficiencies that approach 3. 5 pounds O//2/hp/hour based on motor shaft (brake) hp. Improved oxygen transfer efficiency in surface aerators at a given power level has been accomplished through innovative impeller design, larger impellers and low speeds. The vector addition with a sample calculation is illustrated.