Abstract: A diffuser assembly with a buoyancy vessel and a chamber for buoyantly raising the diffuser assembly for maintenance work. The diffuser assembly has a support structure, diffusers connected to the frame, and a buoyancy vessel positioned on the frame, capable of alternating between a state of buoyancy or ballast.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a super-micro bubble generation device providing super-micro bubbles using a simple method and having a higher degree of freedom of installation so as to be suitable for a place where the device is to meet functional requirements. A super-micro bubble generation device is provided with a compressor for delivering gas under pressure, and also with a bubble generation medium for discharging the gas, which has been delivered under pressure, as super-micro bubbles into liquid. The bubble generation medium consists of a high-densit com s ound which is an electrically conductive substance. The super-micro bubble generation device is also provided with a liquid jetting device for jetting liquid in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the bubble generation medium discharges the super-micro bubbles, said liquid being the same kind of liquid as the liquid into which the super-micro bubbles are discharged.

Abstract: Adapters and methods related to aeration applications. An adapter for use in water treatment applications. The adapter includes a generally circular member for conversion of an aeration diffuser holder from a membrane diffuser element holder to a ceramic diffuser element holder. The generally circular member includes a top adapted to receive a retaining ring, a bottom adapted to receive an aeration diffuser holder, a diameter adapted to receive a ceramic diffuser element, and a height adapted to receive a ceramic diffuser element.

Abstract: An oxygen therapy humidification device is disclosed. The humidification device includes a hollow water reservoir that includes an upper end that has an upper cross-sectional area and a lower end that has a lower cross-sectional area. The lower cross-sectional area is smaller than the upper cross-sectional area. The device also includes an oxygen inlet and an oxygen outlet, both of which are positioned at the upper end of the hollow water reservoir and provide fluid communication to and from the hollow water reservoir. The oxygen inlet includes a bypass valve that is connected to a duct that extends from the oxygen inlet to a diffuser that is positioned at the lower end of the hollow water reservoir. The bypass valve allows the user to control the proportion of water vapor or humidity delivered to oxygen that is passed through the device, with the oxygen entering through the inlet and leaving through the outlet at the desired humidity level.

Abstract: A flexible diffuser membrane for diffusing gas into a liquid includes a substrate covered wholly or partially by a thin fluorocarbon elastomer coating. The coating is applied after the substrate has been fully constructed and cured. The coating is then mixed with an adhesive catalyst and applied by spraying or in another suitable manner to the substrate. The substrate and coating are then heated to a temperature such as 350° F.-800° F. adequate to form a strong chemical, molecular, and adhesive bond between the coating and substrate. Perforations are formed in the membrane, the substrate may be treated with a biocide allowing the uncoated edges of the perforations to be coated with the biocide and resist biological growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a container having a diptube inlet, at least one baffle disc positioned between the outlet of the diptube and the outlet of the container to provide a narrow annular space between the baffle disc and the sidewall of the container to prevent liquid droplets from entering the outlet to the container and the inner surface of the container sidewall and an annular, radially inward projecting deflector ledge on the sidewall, proximate the baffle disc. The present invention is also a process of delivering a chemical precursor from a container having the above structure. Liquid and vapor delivery are both contemplated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a bubble curtain with a diversity of bubble diameters for purposes such as suppressing surface-related multiple reflections in marine seismic surveys. Bubble generating elements are used that combine porous wall material with discrete holes.

Abstract: A gas sparger produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. The housing is integrated with the potting head of a module. The conduit passes through the potting head.

Abstract: A method for generating and dissolving nano-bubbles in a liquid comprises the steps of preparing a bamboo filter by partially or entirely removing an enamel layer of a bamboo and using a bamboo fibrous layer therein as a component of a filter; applying a gas to an inside of the bamboo filter with a pressure over atmospheric pressure in a state where the bamboo filter is submerged in water; and making the gas permeate from an inside of the bamboo fibrous layer to an outside thereof, thereby forming nano-bubbles and at the same time dissolving the gas in the liquid. The present invention advantageously allows the generation of nano-sized fine bubbles by a filter member made of naturally occurring material so that the nano-bubbles are dissolved in a liquid, without applying external mechanical force to the water.

Abstract: An aeration apparatus is immersed in diluted used seawater which is water to be treated and generates fine air bubbles in the diluted used seawater. The aeration apparatus includes: an air supply line L5 having branch pipes L5A to L5H for supplying air 122 through blowers 121A to 121D serving as discharge unit; aeration nozzles 123 including diffuser membranes 11 having slits, through which the air 122 is supplied to the aeration nozzles 123 via headers 15 of the branch pipes L5A to L5H; a water tank 140 and a supply pump P1 that are used as water introducing unit for supplying water 141 to the air supply line L5. When pressure loss of the aeration nozzles 123 increases, the aeration apparatus stops introduction of the air 122 and supplies the water 141 into the branch pipes L5A to L5H branched from the air supply line L5.

Abstract: In order to provide a device and a method for increasing blood flow and an insulin-like growth factor with use of a large amount of carbonic gas nano bubbles, the device of the present invention includes: a bathtub 1; and a nano bubble-producing section 41 for producing carbonic gas nano bubbles in bath water in the bathtub 1.

Abstract: An aeration system for treating liquid contained in a vessel is provided. The aeration system includes a header pipe and a plurality of lateral pipes coupled to the header pipe. The lateral pipes each have one or more tubular diffuser membranes sleeved therearound. Also provided is a coupling for sealingly joining end portions of two adjacent pipes is provided. The coupling includes two saddle sections and a deformable gasket extending between the pipes. The coupling is adapted for enabling one pipe to be removed and replaced from a series of pipes without substantially moving any adjacent pipes.

Abstract: An intake pipe is positionable adjacent to the bottom of a body of water. The intake pipe has at least one perforate section adapted to receive stagnating un-aerated water. A discharge pipe is positionable between a waterline of the body of water and the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe has at least one orifice for injecting aerated water into the body of water. An intermediate pipe section has an input end coupled to the discharge pipe. The intermediate pipe section has an output end coupled to the discharge pipe. A pump moves water from the perforate section of the intake pipe to the orifice of the discharge pipe. A venturi assembly injects air into water flowing to and through and out of the discharge pipe into the body of water.

Abstract: A flexible aeration panel is described, which does not include a rigid support plate. The flexible aeration panel can include a first perforated, flexible sheet sealed to a second non-perforated flexible sheet at their peripheral edges, thereby defining one or more cavities that are in fluid communication with at least one gas inlet. The flexible aeration panel can be configured to produce preferably evenly spaced bubbles of gas when positioned in a liquid body. Applications include, but are not limited to, aeration of wastewater, lakes, streams, water basins and the like.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This relates to an apparatus to add gas from liquid state source to a dry carrier gas at low pressure and delivery method.

Abstract: The Present Invention enables energy to be extracted from the atmosphere by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor. The motor operates on the pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the motor inlet and the vacuum level created by liquid flowing vertically through a tube via gravity. The greater the pressure differential, the greater the airflow through the motor, and the greater the energy extracted by the vacuum motor. The Present Invention is a workable and sustainable vacuum energy recovery system based on siphon principles, and specifically addresses problem areas immediately identifiable to a siphon-based system with air infusion. A scavenger loop operates independently to prevent air and/or gas from accumulating at the siphon apex. Micro-diffusers designed for sweeping effects across the air-liquid interfaces also provide for the optimal ratios of air volumes and bubble sizes compatible with the liquid flow rates within a given siphon.

Abstract: A flexible membrane disk diffuser having an improved arrangement for sealing the membrane to the diffuser body. An enlarged sealing bead on the circumference of the membrane fits in an annular channel on the diffuser body. A retainer ring threads onto the diffuser body to compress the sealing bead against a base surface of the channel. A discontinuity on the base surface provides an effective seal with the bead without requiring undue tightening force of the retainer ring. The discontinuity may take the form of a ridge or a rut on the base surface of the channel.

Abstract: An aeration assembly includes an end fitting having a top piece for attachment to a diffuser member. A gasket extends beneath the top piece. The aeration assembly may include a diffuser member with the end fitting. In one embodiment, the diffuser member has a hollow conduit section and a flange section. The flange section includes a series of openings extending along a length of the diffuser member. The openings extend through the flange section to an interior space in the conduit section.

Abstract: Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.

Abstract: A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each header pipe is equipped with a truss for enhanced structural strength and resistance to bending. The truss may take the form of a buoyancy/ballast pipe connected with the header pipe by purlins.

Abstract: An improved aerator for creating gas-enriched water in aquaculture bodies of water, as well as other shallow ponds and lagoons, comprising a dual diffuser system providing for a large bubble water-mixing phase coupled with a small bubble water-aeration phase.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly with a buoyancy vessel and a chamber for buoyantly raising the diffuser assembly for maintenance work. The diffuser assembly has a support structure, diffusers connected to the frame, and a buoyancy vessel positioned on the frame, capable of alternating between a state of buoyancy or ballast.

Abstract: Membrane strip diffusers are disclosed, useful for example in aerating wastewater in activated sludge plants. These diffusers have membranes, diffuser bodies comprising gas conduits and, in addition to the conduits, integral membrane supports elongated in the same general direction. Such conduits are for example co-extruded with the diffuser bodies. The supports are apertured to discharge gas into chambers formed beneath the membranes when they inflate, and the membranes have pores to discharge the gas. Ways to edge- and end-seal the membranes to the diffuser bodies and ways to support the diffusers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diffuser for an aeration system includes a base, a valve member, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm has a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a surrounding segment. The surrounding segment is interposed between the central portion and the peripheral portion, and includes a base web layer and a porous foam layer. The base web layer includes a plurality of fibrous filaments arranged to form a textured structure with a plurality of pores. The porous foam layer is disposed on the base web layer.

Abstract: Aeration pipe for diffusion of a gas into a liquid medium, the pipe having a flexible microporous tubular wall of thermoset polymer particles and a thermoplastic binder for melt bonding said thermoset polymer particles and dispersing an antimicrobial compound substantially uniformly throughout the wall. The aeration pipe is useful in various environments such as aquaculture and waste water treatment.

Abstract: A diffuser membrane for use in a wastewater treatment application comprises an additive or coating operative to substantially reduce the ability of at least a portion of the diffuser membrane to buildup static charge. Aeration efficiency and contamination resistance are thereby improved.

Abstract: An electrostatic phase change generating apparatus is described. The apparatus causes a change of state to occur in an input gas, for example, ambient air. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus removes moisture from air, and may be used to generate water from air, dehumidify air, cool air, and the like. The ability to generate water from air has global importance as the need for clean water increases each year. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus uses high voltage but low current allowing for very energy efficient operations. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus uses a phase change vessel containing a liquid, a bubbler immersed in the liquid for conveying a gas, and a high voltage source to bias the liquid with respect to an upper electrode.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing receives a fluid and includes a sensing element for measuring at least one property thereof. The bag may include an internal fluid-agitating element and an integral sparger. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.

Abstract: Adapters and methods related to aeration applications. An adapter for use in water treatment applications. The adapter includes a generally circular member for conversion of an aeration diffuser holder from a membrane diffuser element holder to a ceramic diffuser element holder. The generally circular member includes a top adapted to receive a retaining ring, a bottom adapted to receive an aeration diffuser holder, a diameter adapted to receive a ceramic diffuser element, and a height adapted to receive a ceramic diffuser element.

Abstract: Containers for providing vapor phase reactant from liquid sources include bubbler designs and designs in which carrier gas flows over the liquid surface. Among the bubbler arrangements, a bypass conductance is provided to release excess pressure from the gas volume inside the container, or an enlarged bubbler tube is provided with a volume sufficient to accommodate all possible liquid backflow without having the liquid exit the container. Among the overflow designs, flow dividers provide a tortuous path for the gas to increase the time exposure of carrier gas packets to the evaporating liquid surface. The flow dividers can be microporous to encourage capillary action, thereby increasing the evaporating surface. The tortuous gas flow path can be separated from the liquid phase by a breathable semi-porous membrane that permits vapor phase reactant to pass through but prohibits liquid from passing in the other direction.

Abstract: Wastewater is treated by providing a distribution conduit and providing a diffuser assembly. An aperture is created in the distribution conduit having an initial minimum diameter. The diffuser assembly, in turn, comprises a diffuser membrane in fluidic communication with a mating tube. The mating tube has an initial outside diameter at a location along its length greater than the initial minimum inside diameter of the aperture. The mating tube is inserted into the aperture until the location on the mating tube that, before insertion, had the initial outside diameter is encircled by the aperture where the aperture, before insertion, had the initial minimum inside diameter. This forms an airtight interference fit between the distribution conduit and diffuser assembly.

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: An aeration device or diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser preferably includes a porous hose adapted to allow gas to escape therefrom, a rigid element disposed within the hose, the rigid element being constructed of material denser than water and a fitting suitable for attaching the hose to an air supply, the fitting disposed within the hose at one end of the hose. Methods of use of the diffuser and of assembling the diffuser are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each pipe is equipped with a smaller internal pipe arranged concentrically to provide an annular space which receives the gas and supplies it to the diffusers. The volume within the internal pipe can serve as a ballast chamber or a buoyancy chamber or both.

Abstract: An oxygen therapy humidification device is disclosed. The humidification device includes a hollow water reservoir that includes an upper end that has an upper cross-sectional area and a lower end that has a lower cross-sectional area. The lower cross-sectional area is smaller than the upper cross-sectional area. The device also includes an oxygen inlet and an oxygen outlet, both of which are positioned at the upper end of the hollow water reservoir and provide fluid communication to and from the hollow water reservoir. The oxygen inlet includes a bypass valve that is connected to a duct that extends from the oxygen inlet to a diffuser that is positioned at the lower end of the hollow water reservoir. The bypass valve allows the user to control the proportion of water vapor or humidity delivered to oxygen that is passed through the device, with the oxygen entering through the inlet and leaving through the outlet at the desired humidity level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for inserting gas bubbles into a liquid, comprising a base plate (2) with a gas supply opening (3) which is connected to a gas supply device (3) and closable by a valve, wherein a valve element (12) is fixed in the operating position directly to the upper side of the base plate (2).

Abstract: A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.

Abstract: A gas sparger produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. Optionally, a cover over an outlet from the conduit may break up or distribute the released gas. A large sparger for use with a commercial membrane module can comprise a plurality of smaller units.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of cell bioreactors, and specifically in the field of disposable bioreactors.

Abstract: An integrated nano-bubble generating apparatus including a pressure tank integrated with components constituted as a system and a power portion to be selectively adapted to a system so as to enlarge the use scope of the system, which includes an integrated bubble generating portion including a three-directional electronic valve supplying water flowing in an inflowing pipe to any one of a bubble generating portion and the power portion, a pressure sensing portion sensing a pressure in the inflowing pipe, a first vacuum chamber providing outer air to a pressure tank, a power control portion controlling the three-directional electronic valve, the pressure sensing portion and the first vacuum chamber and the pressure tank mixing water and air under an inner predetermined pressure and shattering water, physically, to generate nano-bubble water; and the power portion including a pump operated by a motor to supply water flowing in the inflowing pipe to the bubble generating portion and a second vacuum chamber supply

Abstract: In a tank for treating wastewater and including a first plurality of air diffuser elements and a second plurality of air diffuser elements, means for adjusting the relative height of the first diffuser elements with respect to the height of the second diffuser elements in response to changing operating conditions in the tank and changes in the characteristics of the diffusers.

Abstract: A flexible aeration panel is described, which does not include a rigid support plate. The flexible aeration panel can comprise a first perforated, flexible sheet sealed to a second non-perforated flexible sheet at their peripheral edges, thereby defining one or more cavities that are in fluid communication with at least one gas inlet. The flexible aeration panel can be configured to produce preferably evenly spaced bubbles of gas when positioned in a liquid body. Applications include, but are not limited to, aeration of wastewater, lakes, streams, water basins and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gassing liquids, particularly waste water, including a gas supply line (1) and at least one gassing element (2), which has a longitudinal axis (L) and can be attached to the gas supply line in a positive manner. In order to simplify the mounting of the gassing element (2), the invention provides that the gassing element (2) has at least one fixing plate (8), which laterally projects relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and which serves to establish a non-positive connection with the gas supply line (1).

Abstract: An external gas humidifier for fuel cell transfers recycled high-temperature waste heat produced by the fuel cell to a reactant gas, such as hydrogen or air, which is guided into the external gas humidifier. The heated reactant gas is treated in the external gas humidifier to effectively increase the moisture content of the reactant gas within a shortened time. When the humidified reactant gas enters into the fuel cell, it enables a polymeric membrane in the fuel cell to be well humidified to thereby enhance the power generation efficiency and service life of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A diffuser for an aeration system includes a base, a valve member, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm has a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a surrounding segment. The surrounding segment is interposed between the central portion and the peripheral portion, and includes a base web layer and a porous foam layer. The base web layer includes a plurality of fibrous filaments arranged to form a textured structure with a plurality of pores. The porous foam layer is disposed on the base web layer.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to convert the dynamic of residential wastewater treatment processing bacteria from anaerobic to aerobic bacteria in existing single or multiple compartment septic tanks. The apparatus consists of a small self-standing weighted diffuser assembly designed with a center tube having a specific series of vertically lined orifices and a deflector plate that can be lowered through an 8-inch diameter opening by means of the attached flexible airline into an existing septic tank and sit directly on the bottom of the septic tank. A flexible airline attaches the diffuser assembly to a small air pump located outside of the septic tank. When the air pump is activated, air will enter the diffuser assembly and discharge through the orifices a combination of fine and coarse air bubbles. This action causes the wastewater to be forced against the deflector plate and creates a rolling action starting at the bottom of the septic tank and rolling upwards toward the outside of the tank.

Abstract: A diffuser which includes a cylinder open at one end and closed at the opposite end, the open end of the cylinder being securable to air supply; the wall of the diffuser being formed with a plurality of holes therethrough, each hole having a larger diameter on the exterior of the wall of the diffuser than on the interior of the wall of the diffuser, the longitudinal axis of each hole being inclined at an acute angle to both the radius and the longitudinal axis of the diffuser, and the orientation of each hole with respect to the longitudinal axis of the diffuser being such that when the diffuser is rotated about it longitudinal axis in use, the leading edge of each hole is at a higher elevation than the trailing edge of each hole.