Abstract: An aerator for mixing an ambient gas with a liquid and agitating the liquid incorporates at least three bearings that are rigidly connected to an aerator housing. A propeller is driven by a central shaft that is rotatably mounted in the aerator housing using the bearings. Two bearings are located near the ends of the central shaft. At least one additional bearing is located between the ends, for example, in a intermediate position. This additional bearing may absorb some of the force that would otherwise be transferred to the bearing near the propeller end of the central shaft. The bearings are thus subjected to lower stress and may exhibit a prolonged useful lifespan.

Abstract: An aerator for mixing an ambient gas with a liquid and agitating the liquid incorporates at least three bearings that are rigidly connected to an aerator housing. A propeller is driven by a central shaft that is rotatably mounted in the aerator housing using the bearings. Two bearings are located near the ends of the central shaft. At least one additional bearing is located between the ends, for example, in a intermediate position. This additional bearing may absorb some of the force that would otherwise be transferred to the bearing near the propeller end of the central shaft. The bearings are thus subjected to lower stress and may exhibit a prolonged useful lifespan.

Abstract: A floating mixer which is suitable for use in anoxic processes in wastewater treatment facilities is provided. The mixer includes a float and a motor having an elongated shaft which is carried on the float such that the shaft extends into the body of liquid. A motor base is also carried by the float and it supports a shaft enclosure which surrounds and protects the shaft. When the mixer is floating in a body of liquid, the upper end of the shaft enclosure is in communication with the atmosphere above the surface of the body of liquid and the lower end of the shaft enclosure is in communication with the body of liquid. The mixer further includes a propeller attached to the drive shaft below the surface of the liquid which, when driven by the motor, creates a low pressure zone which extends to the lower end of the shaft enclosure.