Abstract: A swing-type submersible floating aerator, including a gas-ring compressor, a base, a pipe, a support tube, a swing device and a driving device, wherein the base is disposed between the gas-ring compressor and the support tube, the base is disposed at the center of the swing device, and the driving device drives the swing device to rotate. The swing-type submersible floating aerator is capable of rotating 360 degrees in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, and push-flow and aeration can be performed in any direction.

Abstract: Provided is a submersible floating aerator, including a submersible hollow shaft motor (1) including a hollow shaft (2), a bottom shaft extension (4), a first motor flange (15), a second motor flange (16), a first flange (24) and a second flange (25), a gas-ring compressor (17), a base (21) having a gas inlet hole (22), a gas inlet tube (23), a dome (26), a propeller assembly (60) and an air outlet opening (18); wherein the base (21) is fixed on the top of the gas inlet tube (23), the gas-ring compressor (17) is fixed on the base (21) via a bracket (19); the air outlet opening (18) is connected to the gas-inlet hole (22) via a pipe (20); the gas inlet tube (23) is fixed to the first motor flange (15) via a first flange (24); the second motor flange (16) is fixed to the dome (26) via the second flange (25); the bottom shaft extension (4) is coaxially connected to the propeller assembly (60); and the hollow shaft (2) rotates along with the propeller assembly (60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aeration device for use in a liquid medium. The device includes a housing adapted to float within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains above a top surface of the medium. The housing has a bottom portion and an open side portion. The device further includes a hose affixed to the bottom portion of the housing substantially parallel to the surface of the liquid medium. The hose has a wall with a plurality of pores formed therein. The device further includes a gas-supplying pipe affixed to the hose and means for supplying a gas to the pipe such that the gas passes through the pipe and into the hose.

Abstract: A method for eliminating alien species and undesirable organisms from ballast water of a marine vessel. Ballast water (204) is injected into a container (202). An organic substance is added to the ballast water. Heterotrophic organisms (219) in the ballast water reproduce and consume the organic substance (218). The heterotrophic organisms substantially reduce the oxygen level in the ballast water compared to the oxygen level of untreated ballast water. The alien species and undesirable organisms die due to lack of oxygen.

Abstract: A water treatment device that chemically treats tidal water. The water may, if desired, be salt water or fresh water. The water treatment device is substantially cylindrical with paddles extending outward from central hubs. The paddles are T-shaped and are perforated. The perforation aids in water treatment by aerating the water as the tide movement turns the paddles. The water treatment device has a central perforated tray that is slidably insertable into the central hubs. The central hubs are open in the center to permit the aerated water from the paddles to come in contact with the water treatment chemicals in the central tray. The perforations of the central tray allow the water treatment chemicals to come into contact with the surrounding area to treat the tidal water.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a float configured to float on the surface of a water body, a first fluid channel coupled to the float and configured to circulate contaminated water in the water body, and a second fluid channel coupled to the float and configured to filter contaminated water in the water body. A fluid transport apparatus can draw the contaminated water through the first fluid channel at a first flow rate and through the second fluid channel at a second flow rate.

Abstract: An aerator for mechanically inducing near laminar flow and controlled turbulence in a liquid waste treatment lagoon or pond. A blower, blower mount platform, diffuser modules, aeration manifold, aeration chamber, an adjustable, telescoping aeration chamber extension, baffles, and buoyancy apparatuses attach to a frame. The diffusers are located beneath the surface of the body of liquid at a predetermined, fixed depth. The blower supplies air to the diffusers and liquid-bubble mixture is released into an aeration chamber where artificial aeration is maximized. The mixture then rises through the aeration chamber. Bubble dissipation and flow conditioning baffles force bubbles to coalesce and vertically dissipate into the atmosphere. The liquid flows over the top of the baffles and a flow manipulation rim to radiate outward and parallel to the pond surface with minimum turbulence at an optimum flow discharge rate. The aerator provides optimized oxygen transfer at low energy costs.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for the cooling and/or condensation and/or aeration and/or mixing of water. The apparatus has a shaft and a propeller to withdraw water from below and feed the water upwardly. The propeller is surrounded by a pipe through which the water withdrawn by the propeller flows upwardly. The inner diameter of the pipe is considerably larger than the diameter of the propeller, a flange to guide water to the sides, and a motor that rotates the propeller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.

Abstract: A method and portable system is disclosed for treating waste water received at a first location while in-transit to a second location. Waste water received by a portable treatment system is used to treat waste water while stationary at a first location and then the portable waste water system continues to treat the waste water while the portable treatment system is in-transit between the first location and a second location. This allows the transit time of the portable treatment system to be utilized to improve the quality of the waste water in the portable treatment system. Untreated waste water can be received by the system at a first location and during transport the waste water is treated by the portable treatment system, improving the quality of the effluent discharged from the portable treatment system when it arrives at the second location.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.

Abstract: A cruising aeration apparatus and a method are described. The cruising aeration apparatus comprises an aeration device for circulating the water in an aquatic pool, at least one conducting element connected to the aeration device for conducting the aeration device along a traveling route, and a controller. The at least one conducting element can be a rope or a float loop used as a separation line of a swimming pool. The pool water is drawn and pressurized by the aeration device and then ejected from nozzles of the aeration device. The nozzles on the front side and the rear side of the traveling route of the aeration device produce different counterforce. The aeration device is driven along the traveling route by the difference between the counterforce of the front side and the rear side of the traveling route. At least one switch is installed to control the opening and the closing of the nozzles, and is located on the side of the aeration device providing larger counterforce.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device for separating a first liquid from a second liquid, wherein the first liquid has a lower specific density than the second liquid. The separating device comprises a receptacle with an inside wall, an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is arranged above the outlet, and a separating member made of a permeable filter material that is capable of adsorbing the first liquid and is arranged within the receptacle between the inlet and the outlet and is configured in such a manner that it floats on the second liquid when it is clean, and sinks with the increasing adsorption of the first liquid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for increasing biological activity in waste treatment ponds and lagoons. In this process a floating fluid circulator having an annular space between nested frusto-conical surfaces is operated in a pond or lagoon. An aerator within the scope of the floating fluid circulator is provided. That aerator includes an upper float chassis having a frusto-conical configuration, a sectional diverter arranged in a lower portion of the upper float chassis, the sectional aerator having a lower diverter portion and motor driven means mounted on the upper float chassis connected to a rotatable impeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aeration device for use in a liquid medium. The device includes a housing adapted to float within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains above a top surface of the medium. The housing has a bottom portion and an open side portion. The device further includes a hose affixed to the bottom portion of the housing substantially parallel to the surface of the liquid medium. The hose has a wall with a plurality of pores formed therein. The device further includes a gas-supplying pipe affixed to the hose and means for supplying a gas to the pipe such that the gas passes through the pipe and into the hose.

Abstract: Wastewater is treated on at least one apparatus positioned at a location on the surface of a body of seawater wherein a wastewater intake system takes in wastewater into the apparatus, the wastewater is treated on the apparatus to yield treated wastewater and sludge, and the treated wastewater and/or sludge is diluted with seawater prior to being discharged into the body of seawater. The wastewater treatment systems and methods can also be combined with desalination and/or power generation. In combination with desalination, the concentrate produced from the desalination process is mixed with treated wastewater or sludge prior to discharge to bring the resulting mixture to a salt concentration closer to the body of seawater than the unmixed concentrate, treated wastewater, or sludge.

Abstract: Semi-submersible floating decanters and methods of use are provided. The decanters are moveable between a non-decant position and a decant position, and include a float forming an internal cavity, the float having a central annulus, a weir having an inlet opening and positioned within the center of the annulus and fixedly connected to the float forming a passage between the float and the weir, and a discharge conduit connected to the weir for discharging a supernatant fluid therefrom. A depth adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the decanter within a liquid between a non-decant position wherein the inlet opening is above the surface of the liquid and a decant position wherein the inlet opening is positioned within the supernatant to allow the supernatant to be withdrawn, the depth adjusting mechanism including a pumping mechanism for moving a fluid relative to the internal cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a surface layer in a stratified liquid body using a depth-adjustable, fine bubble, surface layer aeration unit comprising: a body comprising at least one hollow internal structure; an air inlet communicating with the at least one hollow internal structure, whereby air from an external air source may be introduced into the at least one hollow internal structure; at least one fine bubble aerator communicating with the at least one hollow internal structure, whereby air from the at least one hollow internal structure may be released through the fine bubble aerator into an adjacent fluid; and at least one weight pod attached to the body, wherein the at least one weight pod comprises structure for adjusting the weight of the at least one weight pod, whereby the buoyancy of the aeration unit may be adjusted so as to permit the at least one fine bubble aerator to be positioned at a desired depth in a fluid body.

Abstract: Offshore facilities, systems, and methods for treating wastewater have been developed. An offshore wastewater treatment facility include wastewater treatment components (for preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and/or advanced treatment); a means for moving wastewater from a land-based site to the facility; a means for removing treated wastewater from the facility; and a means for removing sludge from the facility. A method of treating wastewater includes: transporting wastewater from a site on land to a wastewater treatment facility located offshore in a body of water, and subjecting the wastewater to preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and/or advanced treatment.

Abstract: One embodiment of an aerator is disclosed that has a hollow intake housing with a horizontally disposed lip on a lower portion thereof. This intake housing converges a flow of bubbles into a draft tube. These bubbles are injected into a fluid in which the aerator is installed at a location that is directly under the intake housing. A fluid flow is also drawn into this draft tube through the intake housing. Fluid exiting the opposite end of the draft tube is directed into a hollow discharge housing having a divergent inner surface. A wave generator (e.g., a rotating impeller) is mounted within the hollow interior of the discharge housing. The upper end of this discharge housing also includes a horizontally disposed lip to direct a flow out of the aerator at least generally parallel with an upper surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus creates gas-enriched fluid that is used to treat wastewater. In one embodiment, the wastewater is withdrawn from a supply of wastewater to be treated, and the wastewater is delivered in an atomized manner to a vessel pressurized with gas to form gas-enriched wastewater. The gas-enriched wastewater is then delivered to the supply of wastewater to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating paddlewheel aerator for aerating water or clearing basins. The paddlewheel aerator includes a frame (1) of elongated floats (2, 3), which are substantially arranged at a right angle to each other and are linked with each other in a T or H configuration. On a first float (2), further floats (3) or sections of floats are mounted on both of the first float's opposite ends. The first float (2) has a top which is turned upwards by 90° compared to its lateral sides on which further floats/float sections (3) are mounted and carries a drive unit (9). This drive unit (9) is mounted completely or partially on the floats, and its output shaft (10) projects outwardly from both sides parallel to the longitudinal extension of the further floats/float sections (3).

Abstract: An aerator/mixer which includes a rotatable hollow drive shaft one or more air intake ports adjacent one end, and a propeller and an air permeable diffuser mounted adjacent to the other end; the diffuser is mounted below the propeller; and is in communication with the interior of the hollow drive shaft such that air supplied to the air intake port can exit only through the diffuser, the aerator/mixer further includes a device for rotating the drive shaft and the propeller and a device for supplying air at above atmospheric pressure to the or each air intake port.

Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

Abstract: An odor reducing assembly for use in a marine vessel or RV waste holding tank including an aeration tube and an aeration pump. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding tank. The aeration tube may be provided by a separate aeration tube or may be incorporated into the macerator/discharge pump. The aeration pump is in fluid communication with the aeration tube and supplies pressurized air to the aeration tube during operation of the marine vessel or RV. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom-most portion of the holding tank and is submerged in sewage. Pressurized air from the aeration pump is injected into the sewage via the aeration tube and creates an oxygen-enriched aerobic environment therein. Air from the holding tank is continuously vented to atmosphere during operation of the aeration pump via a vent in the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of sewage on vessels. The apparatus includes at least a first aeration chamber, a settling chamber, a disinfection chamber, and a storage container. In order to provide a multifunctional and efficient apparatus, the aeration chamber, the settling chamber, the disinfection chamber, and the storage container are integrated into the same structure.

Abstract: The invention is a paddlewheel aerator having a support structure, a drive mechanism contained within the support structure, a rotatable shaft extending horizontally from the drive mechanism; and a plurality of paddlewheels surrounding the shaft. A plurality of support legs are formed integrally with the support structure. In a preferred embodiment, a watertight drive box is positioned within the support structure. The drive box has a removable cover and a substantially water tight seal for preventing ingress of water. The drive box contains a motor drivably connected to the shaft. The motor is contained within an upper portion of the drive box so that the motor is positioned at a vertically elevated level compared to the shaft.

Abstract: A water filtering system includes: a water intake system including a plurality of inlets in fluid communication with a water intake pump; and a containment/exclusion boom including (i) a support system positioned in a body of water, (ii) a curtain including a sheet of flexible fabric material that allows movement of water therethrough, the curtain having upper and lower ends with the upper end being connected to the support system, and (iii) means for maintaining the lower end of the curtain substantially against the floor of a body of water; wherein the curtain surrounds substantially all of the plurality of inlets and wherein, upon operation of the water intake pump, water is drawn through the curtain at which time the water is filtered, and subsequently filtered water is drawn through the plurality of inlets for delivery into the water intake system.

Abstract: The invention is a paddlewheel aerator comprising a support structure, a drive mechanism contained within the support structure, a rotatable shaft extending horizontally from the drive mechanism; and a plurality of paddlewheels surrounding the shaft. A plurality of support legs are formed integrally with the support structure. In a preferred embodiment, a watertight drive box is positioned within the support structure. The drive box has a removable cover and a substantially water tight seal for preventing ingress of water. The drive box contains a motor drivably connected to the shaft. The motor is contained within an upper portion of the drive box so that the motor is positioned at a vertically elevated level compared to the shaft.

Abstract: An odor control apparatus for a facultative lagoon, and a facultative lagoon created and maintained thereby. The apparatus includes an aerator and a cover. The aerator can include a body with an inlet and an outlet and a support such as a float. The inlet and outlet are submerged slightly beneath the surface of the material in the lagoon. Air supplied under pressure to the aerator diffuses oxygen into the aerobic layer of the lagoon. The dissolved oxygen is used in the biodegradation of the hazardous and odorous gases of the waste material that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The cover is either porous or non-porous and covers some or substantially all of the lagoon surface. The cover promotes accumulation and concentration of desirable odor degrading bacteria in the lagoon.

Abstract: An aerator or destratifier used to provide Oxygen to standing or less active bodies of water. The aerator has a non-floating internally driven motor within a non-floating sealed drum. The drum and motor are supported by a support frame attached to floatation devices. A plurality of elliptically shaped paddles are externally affixed to the exterior surface of the non-floating drum. Rotation of the drum by the internal motor and gearbox causes rotation of the plurality of paddles affixed to the drum exterior. The plurality of paddles cause agitation of the body of water and allow Oxygen to be dissolved therein.

Abstract: A device of oil removal and transport comprising a bulk material having an inlet region and an outlet region, which is in liquid communication with a reservoir. A membrane is hermitically sealed to or about the inlet region, wherein the membrane is liquid permeable and has an average pore size not greater than 100 micrometers. The invention also relates to a method of oil removal and transport using this device.

Abstract: An aerator or destratifier used to provide Oxygen to standing or less active bodies of water. The aerator has a non-floating internally driven motor within a non-floating sealed drum. The drum and motor are supported by a support frame attached to floatation devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling movement of suspended particulates or marine life in a body of water. The method includes introducing into the body of water containing suspended particulates or marine life a containment/exclusion boom having a curtain formed of a flexible fabric that controls the passage of suspended particulates or marine life through the curtain and injecting a gas into the water in a manner effective substantially to remove fouling material from the curtain. Further, the present invention relates to a method of cleaning fouling material from a boom curtain suspended in a body of water, a containment/exclusion boom for controlling movement of suspended particulates or marine life in a body of water, and use of the boom of the present invention for filtering intake water or reducing transmission of energy of the shock wave of an underwater explosion.

Abstract: A floating fine-bubble aeration system for dissolving a gas in a liquid in which the system is floated. A grid of uniformly spaced fine-bubble diffusers is used to establish large area of bubble-laden liquid, having a substantially uniform density. The uniform density prevents the formation of any upwardly directed currents within the interior portion of the area. Bubble residence time is maximized, due to the absence of the currents, thus increasing the efficiency of dissolving the gas in the liquid.

Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. By placing the impeller above and out of the draft tube it enables to lift water through the draft tube and imparts a centrifugal force on the water above the impeller which aids in moving the water radially outward from the impeller. The water is directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water. This design ensures that most of the energy imparted to the water by the impeller is retained once it leaves the diffuser plate, making the invention operate efficiently.

Abstract: A wastewater aerating system uses a plurality of aeration floats movably arranged within a body of wastewater and supplies each of the floats with compressed air delivered through a flexible line from a compressor arranged onshore near the wastewater body. Each aeration float has a floatation chamber floating on the surface of the wastewater and delivers compressed air from the floating chamber downward to a predetermined depth below the waste water surface where the compressed air is distributed to a plurality of diffusers arranged around the surface float to direct streams of air bubbles up through the wastewater to the wastewater surface around the surface float. This nourishes aerobic bacteria, which then consume materials within the wastewater.

Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. The water drawn up and directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located within the invention. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is specifically designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water as little as possible. Additionally, a means of providing a floating water circulation apparatus with the ability to operate effectively in weather conditions in which a layer of ice is likely to form over the diffusor plat of the apparatus in the nighttime hours is provided.

Abstract: A bubble generating device includes a central tube having a hollow interior and a float is connected to the central tube. The central tube extends through a disk and a porous film is fixedly mounted to a peripheral wall of the disk A U-shaped tube is connected to the disk and communicates with the hollow interior of the central tube. Two ends of the U-shaped tube respectively communicate with a space between the disk and the porous film. Air enters from the central tube and flows out from two ends of the U-shaped tube to generate bubbles via the porous film.

Abstract: A bubble generating device includes a shaft connected to a float and a plurality of frames connected to the bolt at their first ends. A porous device is connected to the respective mediate portions of the frames. A bolt extends through respective second ends of the frames and a weight is connected to the bolt. A pipe is connected to a fitting extending from the porous device so as to provide air into the porous device to generate bubbles. The bubble generating device can be maintained in water by adjusting the float and the weight.

Abstract: A floating biological contactor confining aerobic bacterial growth media in a container submerged in a wastewater lagoon provides fluid flow for bacteria growth by bubbling fine air bubbles upward through the media from diffusers arranged near the container bottom, which has openings allowing lagoon liquid to rise upward through the media with the air bubbles in a gentle circulational flow. Coarse bubble dispensers, also arranged under the media, deliver coarse bubbles during cleaning cycles for agitating the media to dislodge solid particles that settle downward though the bottom openings in the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to the aeration of relatively large volumes of wastewater using an improved high-capacity aeration system to stimulate enhanced bio-activity. An air delivery system is provided to deliver oxygen to a body of wastewater beneath a large main processing float and a plurality of smaller bio-block floats positioned in proximity to the large main float to sustain biological media submerged beneath the floats. The bio-block floats are positioned relative to the main float so that the treatment capacity of the system can be increased without using additional, more costly, large processing floats. Moreover, the bio-block floats are made smaller relative to the main float so that the system can be easily and inexpensively transported using readily available standard-sized trucks.

Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. By placing the impeller above and out of the draft tube it enables the present invention to lift water up through the draft tube and imparts a centrifugal force on the water above the impeller which aids in moving the water radially outward from the impeller. The water is then directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located within the invention. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is specifically designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water as little as possible. This design feature ensures that most of the energy imparted to the water by the impeller is retained once it leaves the diffuser plate, making the invention as a whole operate more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for aerating liquids including pumping liquids to be aerated into a hollow manifold, providing nozzles on the manifold and openings in the top of the manifold for spraying the liquids to be aerated therefrom, swirling the liquids in a spiral direction prior to the liquids reaching the nozzles, injecting air under pressure into the nozzles prior to discharge of the liquids to be aerated from the nozzles, and discharging the liquids through the nozzles and the openings from the interior of the manifold to the exterior of the manifold.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus which can be used both for aeration of water and mixing of water. The apparatus comprises a power source which can drive a helical propelling device, whereby the propelling device can operate in both directions of rotation. The propelling device is located completely below the surface of the water. Further, the apparatus is fitted with an additional circulation element which is positioned above the propelling device and at least partly below the surface of the water. The apparatus can also be fitted with further conventional elements such as a pump housing, a deflector and so on.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a gas and a liquid while concomitantly mixing and suspending solids and sludge at the bottom of a deep tank. The present invention includes a gas-liquid aerator which is adapted to be submerged below the surface of wastewater in a deep tank. An expanding high velocity gas-liquid mixture is caused to exit from the bottom of the submerged aerator device with enough force to mix and suspend settling solids and sludge at the bottom of the deep tank.

Abstract: Water in an aeration pond is treated with substantially pure oxygen. The oxygen originates from a pressurized oxygen supply, and is conducted through a conduit to the bottom of the pond. Perforations located around the perimeter and along the length of the conduit allow oxygen to bubble through the pond. A hood disposed to float above the surface of the pond collects unreacted oxygen, and this oxygen flows, through a suitable gas line, back to the original conduit. The unreacted oxygen mixes with fresh oxygen from the pressurized source, and is recycled through the pond. In one embodiment, before mixing with fresh oxygen, the recovered oxygen is pressurized by a double-diaphragm pump which is operated by pressure from the oxygen supply. The pressurized oxygen is the sole source of motive force for moving gas through the system. The rate of gas flow through the system is controlled by adjusting the supply pressure, through the use of a control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water with fine bubbles using elastomeric members having fine openings is provided. The apparatus is provided with one or more lifting bodies in such a way that the apparatus, which is generally disposed at the base of a reservoir or tank, can be raised, by introducing air into the lifting bodies, to such an extent that the apparatus is accessible above the surface of the water.

Abstract: A process for treating a body water to purify it. In this process, a portion of the water to be treated is continuously caused to flow at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute and is continuously agitated, aerated, and fed into a biochamber within which are disposed at least five distinct strains of microorganisms. A screen is disposed in the biochamber below the microorganisms, and air is forced through such screen during the processing of the water.