Abstract: The water resistant aerator design of the present invention includes a combination of known waterproofing techniques with new techniques for wastewater aerators comprising: use of a threaded joint and thread sealing compound between the lifting handle and the top endbell to provide a watertight connection between the parts; use of a single lip seal for the top lip seal that has over 18 degrees of wear motion before pressure is lost; use of a grease seal between the top lip seal and the top bearing to impede moisture from entering the motor; use of a grease seal between the bottom lip seal and the bottom bearing to impede moisture from entering the motor; use of a multi-surface silicone sealant between the bottom endbell and the air seal enclosure to provide a watertight joint that prevents water from entering the air seal enclosure; and use of an O-ring seal between the endbells and the stator shell.

Abstract: The design of an air seal enclosure of the system and method of the present invention includes a combination of use of a multisurface silicone sealant between the bottom endbell and the air seal enclosure to provide a watertight joint that prevents water from entering the air seal enclosure. The air seal enclosure is formed from a suitable flexible material and is attached to a bottom endbell with bolts through holes in a periphery thereof. When tank liquid rises during flooding, the air seal enclosure provides a pocket of trapped air like a diving bell that prevents the tank liquid from ever reaching the bottom of the aerator.

Abstract: The aspirator is utilized to introduce air, oxygen, or other gases into a liquid. The advantages of the present design include the ability to inject approximately 30% more air than a conventional current design at 50% of the rotational speed. This reduces the power requirements. Additionally, the 45 degree angle of the aspirator tubes helps to shed debris that might otherwise collect on the aspirator. The aspirator design includes a fin along the aspirator tube, which is formed at a 45 degree angle relative to the aspirator shaft. Superior mixing is provided by the larger profile of the aspirator. The fins along the bottom of the aspirator tubes help to create larger voids in the liquid. This increases the aspirator's capacity to inject air, while minimizing the material requirements of the part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barrier over which waste water must flow in order to reach the outlet of a wastewater treatment plant. The barrier provided by the weir allows wastewater to exit the plant, while keeping solids that are in suspension to remain. The weir has a scum baffle mounted on its front that acts as a shield against solids that are floating on the surface of the wastewater. The self-leveling ability of the weir is provided by the use of two floats and a coupling to the outlet pipe that has rotational freedom. The floats are mounted on either side of the weir in such a way so that they are partially submerged in the wastewater. The buoyant forces that result cause the weir to align itself parallel to the surface of the water at all times. One advantage of the present invention is that it is self-adjusting, thus eliminating the need for calibration or adjustments after installation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and maintaining Biologically Accelerated Treatment ("BAT") support media disposed within a fixed wastewater treatment tank is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a hollow shaft and a perpendicularly placed diffuser having a plurality of orifices, which may also include nozzles. An air blower or a water pump is attached to the hollow shaft. The cleaning apparatus is inserted into a wastewater treatment tank, and either air or water is forced through the orifices or nozzles of the diffuser, respectively. The air or water generates a force that is directed toward the BAT support media to effect cleaning. In one embodiment, a hinge is provided between the shaft and diffuser to enable the diffuser to pivot downward, to a position close to parallel with the hollow shaft, so that the cleaning apparatus can be inserted through multiple risers that provide access to an underground wastewater treatment tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning, inspecting and maintaining media disposed within a biological aeration treatment media support frame. The apparatus consists of a frame connected to legs, x shaped cross-members, lifting hooks, lock bar supports and lock bars. The x shaped cross-members are mounted to the sides and bottom of the frame for the support of media as well as contributing to the strength of the frame thus protecting it from external forces. The lifting hooks permit the operator of the biological aeration treatment support frame to remove the frame in an effortless manner when cleaning, maintaining and inspecting the media. The lock bars are supported by the lock bar supports, which, in turn, maintain the media within the frame hence not allowing the media to float around in the wastewater treatment compartment. The lock bar support handle can also be used as a lifting hook. The lock bars are swivel mounted on the lock bar support to allow easy access to the media.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant for removal of organic matter, suspended solids and other pollutants comprising a pre-treatment chamber, a biofilm-aeration chamber and a settling chamber. Biofilm grows on biofilm support structure which is stationary and submerged in the mixed liquor of the biofilm aeration chamber. The combination of submerged or surface aeration and suspended solids particle size reduction occurs thereby creating a sufficient fluid flow within the biofilm aeration chamber. This combination of sufficient fluid flow, and reduced size suspended organic particles results in the efficient digestion of organic matter and pollutants by the biofilm growing on the biofilm support structure submerged in the biofilm aeration chamber. This results in a vastly more effective digestive process than conventional processes producing no sludge. Further, resulting treated effluent has a high dissolved oxygen content and low BOD and SS.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant for removal of organic matter, suspended solids and other pollutants comprising a pre-treatment chamber, a biofilm-aeration chamber and a settling chamber. Biofilm grows on biofilm support structure which is stationary and submerged in the mixed liquor of the biofilm aeration chamber. The combination of submerged or surface aeration and suspended solids particle size reduction occurs thereby creating a sufficient fluid flow within the biofilm aeration chamber. This combination of sufficient fluid flow, and reduced size suspended organic particles results in the efficient digestion of organic matter and pollutants by the biofilm growing on the biofilm support structure submerged in the biofilm aeration chamber. This results in a vastly more effective digestive process than conventional processes producing no sludge. Further, resulting treated effluent has a high dissolved oxygen content and low BOD and SS.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of biofilm support structure modules from individual sheets of biofilm support structure. The apparatus consists of a number of dowel rods protruding from a base. Hollow tubes are placed over the rods. Alignment holes are made in the biofilm support structure sheets such that the sheets may be slid over the tubes. When the required number of biofilm support structure sheets have been stacked in this fashion, caps are attached to the ends of the tubes, holding the biofilm support structure sheets in place. The assembled biofilm support structure modules may then be placed in a wastewater treatment plant. The tubes may also be used as passages for outside air or water, allowing the biofilm support structure sheets to be cleaned while still inside the treatment plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the assembly of biofilm support structure modules from individual sheets of biofilm support structure. The apparatus consists of a number of dowel rods protruding from a base. Hollow tubes are placed over the rods. Alignment holes are made in the biofilm support structure sheets such that the sheets may be slid over the tubes. When the required number of biofilm support structure sheets have been stacked in this fashion, caps are attached to the ends of the tubes, holding the biofilm support structure sheets in place. The assembled biofilm support structure modules may then be placed in a wastewater treatment plant. The tubes may also be used as passages for outside air or water, allowing the biofilm support structure sheets to be cleaned while still inside the treatment plant.

Abstract: A fluid level sensitive switching device is disclosed that utilizes a lost motion type action to increase the available fluid drawdown and cycle level of the switching device.