Abstract: An elongate diffuser (10) comprises a diffuser body (30), and a membrane (20) attached so that introduction of gas at a working pressure into the diffuser displaces part of the membrane (20) from contact with the diffuser body (10) providing an elongate sealed compartment (50) between the membrane (20) and a surface (32) of the diffuser body (30). The gas can pass from the compartment (50) through the membrane (20) for aeration of fluid in which the diffuser (10) is immersed. The diffuser body surface (32) which bounds the compartment (50) is recessed away from the membrane (20) in use, to contribute to the lateral cross sectional area of the compartment (50) and facilitate distribution of gas along the diffuser by the compartment (50). An automatic purge valve for purging water from a gas feed pipe of a diffuser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly includes a flexible diffuser membrane and a diffuser body. The flexible diffuser membrane defines a circumferential bead. The diffuser body defines a circular plate underlying the flexible diffuser membrane, and an edge ring covering a covered portion of the circumferential bead. The edge ring defines an inside surface that conforms to an outside shape of the covered portion of the circumferential bead. The edge ring is integral to the diffuser body. Such a diffuser assembly may provide a disposable diffuser assembly option with many advantages over conventional technologies such as improved ease of installation, lower weight, and lower cost.

Abstract: A mixing chamber for two fluid constituents is disclosed which provides improved mixing before the mixture is pushed through a mesh insert for the production of foam. Foam production using air and liquid is the basis of the exemplary embodiment though the disclosed mixing chamber could be used for any two fluid constituents. A single stream of air is diffused into a plurality of smaller streams of air. The single stream of liquid is directed into an annular sleeve resulting in a thinner wall of liquid flow as compared to the entering liquid stream. This annular sleeve of a thinner wall of liquid flow surrounds the plurality of smaller streams of air. In a second embodiment, there are individual streams of liquid which are directed inwardly toward the individual streams of air. The mixing chamber construction is disclosed herein can be used for any two fluid constituents which would benefit for more thorough mixing.

Abstract: A container system includes a bag having of one or more sheets of flexible polymeric material, the bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber that is adapted to hold a fluid. A sparger is secured to the interior surface of the bag so that a compartment is formed between the interior surface of the bag and the sparger. At least a portion of the sparger includes a sparging sheet formed from a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the bag so that a passage bounded by the tubular port or tube communicates with the compartment.

Abstract: A diffuser tube is capable of preventing sludge from entering the tube when a diffusion operation is not performed, thereby preventing clogging of diffusion holes and inside of the tube and reducing a pressure loss during the diffusion operation. The diffuser tube is formed of an elastic tubular body, and slit cutting surfaces of a diffusion slit are slanted with respect to a radial direction of a membrane member in a slanted surface portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for inserting gas bubbles into a liquid, the device including 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 sparger includes a body bounding a compartment. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the body. The tubular port or tub bounds a passage that communicates with the compartment of the body. At least a portion of the body includes of a first sparging sheet. The first sparging sheet includes a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material such that a gas passing into the compartment of the body through the passage can exit the compartment by permeating through the first sparging sheet.

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 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: 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 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: 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: A multi-layer membrane includes a fluorine containing layer and a substrate which are joined through spray coating and heat treatment in a multi-step technique.

Abstract: This invention relates to a diffuser for an aeration system, comprising a base, a diaphragm and a valve member attached to the diaphragm. The base is provided with a valve seat for engaging with the valve member to close the inlet of the aerating gas. Furthermore, the diaphragm includes a central portion, a peripheral portion attached to the periphery of the base, and a surrounding web segment interposed therebetween. The surrounding web segment includes a plurality of fibrous filaments which are arranged to form a textured structure with a plurality of pores of a dimension such that the aerating gas, when introduced, is permitted to be bubbled through said plurality of pores, so as to form fine and small bubbles in the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gasification or aeration of liquids. Elongated aeration elements are connected to a distribution conduit and have an essentially rigid support tube having a lengthwise rounded groove about which is disposed a membrane of elastomeric material. Compressed gas introduced between the support tube and membrane escapes via slits in the membrane. An elastically deformable flange of a cylindrical portion of a fitting with a plastic semi-rigid saddle portion is disposed between the distribution conduit and one of the aeration elements, and is disposed in a bore in the conduit. The fitting has an essentially flat saddle portion, one side of which rests against the outer surface of the conduit, and the other side of which rests against an end of the aeration element. A hollow bolt is securely connected to the aeration element and is guided through a bore in the fitting into the interior of the conduit, where it is provided with apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in home apparatus for simultaneously suspending, aerating, agitating, extracting and entraining a compost water nutrient culture. A beaker contains the compost nutrient water culture. A perforated elastic membrane transversely covers the open beaker bottom and is retained and compression sealed by a holder. The holder mates with a recess provided by upper portions of a base. The base contains a diaphragm air pump supplying air through the perforated elastic membrane releasing air bubbles into the compost, water nutrient culture in the beaker. Pulsating air supply from the diaphragm air pump vibrates the perforated elastic membrane which in combination with the sparging of air bubbles suspends the compost nutrient water culture preparing a high quality compost tea. The beaker, holder, and base easily engage and disengage for the proper cleaning and convenient in home preparation of compost tea.

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: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a fluid from a fluid source into a medium to aerate the medium. The diffuser assembly including a diffuser body in fluid communication with the fluid source and a membrane connected to the diffuser body. The membrane is circular and includes a slitting pattern divided into a series of similar angular segments. The segments are positioned adjacent each other in a circular arrangement to substantially cover the membrane. Each segment includes a plurality of rows each having a plurality of slits. The slits within the segment are arranged in a parallelogram pattern. A first line extending between adjacent slits in a common row is substantially the same length as a second line extending between adjacent slits in adjacent rows.

Abstract: A flexible diffuser membrane is provided with a unique system of perforations arranged to result in uniform distribution of gas even though the membrane deflects to different extents or the submergence varies in different parts of the membrane. The perforations are arranged to provide less perforation area per unit of perforated membrane surface area in the membrane parts that deflect the most or are submerged least and greater perforation area in membrane parts that deflect the least or are submerged most. The perforations can be slits arranged in parallel rows on a tubular membrane, in concentric circles or another pattern on a disk membrane, or in still a different pattern on a flat panel diffuser membrane. The slit length or separation can be varied between different zones on the membrane surface or the spacing between rows or circles can be varied.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water or other liquid is provided, and includes a flexible hose of rubber or other elastomeric material for disposal in the water or other liquid. The wall of the hose has a perforation, fine slits, openings or the like via which gas can escape into the liquid. A tubular connector is introduced into one end of the hose via which air can be supplied to the hose. That end of the tubular connector facing the interior of the hose has a flattened configuration and extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hose. The wall of the tubular connector is provided with apertures for the passage of air.

Abstract: An aerator for immersed filtering membranes has an aerator shell with openings for discharging bubbles from its upper surface and a shape capable of temporarily containing a volume of air in fluid communication with the openings. The shell is open to tank water below it and located so that discharged bubbles will rise through an assembly of the filtering membranes. The shell may be wholly or partially made of parts of the assemblies of filtering membranes. A supply of air is provided to the air space in the aerators alternating between a high flow rate and a low flow rate in short cycles of between about 10 seconds and 100 seconds. A filtration system has an inlet for adding substrate and an outlet for retentate are located so as to create a horizontal flow of substrate through the tank. Membrane assemblies are located within the horizontal flow of substrate. Aerators as described above are provided and operated as described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the introduction of gas into a liquid, especially for the aeration of water, and includes an elastic hose or tube that is disposed on a rigid profiled support member, whereby the tube has elastically expandable slits and whereby the air can escape into the water, in the form of small bubbles, through the expanded slits. The diameter of the tube is greater than the outer periphery of the profiled support member without recessed area or areas.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the gasification or aeration of liquids. Elongated aeration elements are connected to a distribution conduit and have an essentially rigid support tube about which is disposed a membrane of elastomeric material. Compressed gas introduced between the support tube and membrane escapes via slits in the membrane. An elastically deformable fitting is disposed between the distribution conduit and one of the aeration elements, and is disposed in a bore in the conduit. The fitting has an essentially flat portion, one side of which rests against the outer surface of the conduit, and the other side of which rests against an end of the aeration element. A hollow bolt is securely connected to the aeration element and is guided through a bore in the fitting into the interior of the conduit, where it is provided with apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water is provided, and includes a support body and disposed thereon a slitted sleeve of rubber or similar elastomeric material. The support body has sides of greatly different lengths, with the longer sides being essentially vertical. The support body is preferably a board-like, flat, rectangular upright support body.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate of air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: A fine bubble diffuser membrane used in the aeration of wastewater is treated with biocide to inhibit growth and accumulation of biological materials on the membrane. The membrane may be constructed of EPDM rubber or urethane. The biocide may be carbolic acid either dispersed throughout the membrane or applied as a coating on the surface of the membrane exposed to the wastewater. The membrane is a flexible and elastic structure impervious to liquid and provided with slits that close to prevent wastewater inflow in the absence of aeration and open in response to aeration pressure to discharge air into the wastewater.

Abstract: A fine bubble diffuser membrane used in the aeration of wastewater is treated with biocide to inhibit growth and accumulation of biological materials on the membrane. The membrane may be constructed of EPDM rubber or urethane. The biocide may be carbolic acid either dispersed throughout the membrane or applied as a coating on the surface of the membrane exposed to the wastewater. The membrane is a flexible and elastic structure impervious to liquid and provided with slits that close to prevent wastewater inflow in the absence of aeration and open in response to aeration pressure to discharge air into the wastewater.

Abstract: A diffuser mounting assembly includes two saddle sections having integral outlet fittings to which elongated air diffusers can be mounted for aerating liquid in a basin. Air laterals installed in the basin receive the saddle sections on opposite sides so that the outlet fittings and diffusers extending on opposite sides of the laterals. Wedge fasteners are applied to flanges on the top and bottom edges of the saddle sections to secure them on the laterals. The outlet fittings are offset below center on the saddle sections so that both the laterals and diffusers can be located adjacent to the floor. The diffusers with a saddle section attached to each can be shipped in a compact configuration in shipping cartons.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water is provided, and includes a support body and disposed thereon a slitted sleeve of rubber or similar elastomeric material. The support body has sides of greatly different lengths, with the longer sides being essentially vertical. The support body is preferably a board-like, flat, rectangular upright support body.

Abstract: A diffuser for aerating a fluid, and particularly for aeration in waste water treatment tanks, is formed in an elongate configuration by manufacturing a base plate from an extrusion cut to the desired length. A perforated elastomeric membrane is secured to the base plate by pressing sealing strips along the elongate edges of the membrane into corresponding grooves formed in the base plate extrusion. The ends of the membrane are sealed to the base plate by end strips or clamps. Air is introduced through apertures in the base plate causing the membrane to inflate away from the base plate forming an interior compartment for the passage of air along the diffuser. Apparatus for securing the diffuser to a horizontal header pipe is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water with fine bubbles is provided. At least one strip-like, inextensible aerating element is provided that has an air supply channel and there above a portion that is provided with slits which elastically widen under the effect of a supply of air. At least one holding element is secured to the base of a water reservoir that is to be aerated, wherein the aerating element is longitudinally displaceably held by the holding element such that with the reservoir filled, a pulling action on one end of the aerating element results in withdrawal thereof from the holding element.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a substantially rigid base member having a first side and a second side, and an inlet conduit defining a central bore depending from the second side of the base member. A resilient dome member having a plurality of perforations is sealed to a peripheral edge of the first side of the base member. A coupling member, preferably in the form of a check valve, provides cooperation with a fluid source. As the diffuser is pressurized the dome member expands away from the base member and fluid is diffused by the perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an aerating device, for aerating water with fine bubbles, to an air supply conduit is provided. The aerating device is detachably connected to a mounting that is secured to an air supply conduit. The mounting is provided with an undercut groove into which engages the projection of the aerating device in the manner of a dovetail connection in order to provide the connection by means of a horizontal insertion movement of the aerating device.

Abstract: A plate-like water aerator is provided. A plate, made of elastomeric material, is disposed on a rigid, essentially planar mounting support and covers the one or more air supply connections thereof. The plate is provided with fine slits for the discharge of air. The mounting support has a circumferential rim that is angled-off at substantially right angles. The mounting support also has a circumferential rib that extends parallel to the rim in such a way as to form a circumferential groove between the rib and the rim. The plate has an essentially u-shaped rim portion, a radially inwardly disposed leg of which surrounds the rim of the mounting support and engages in the circumferential groove in a manner free of play.

Abstract: A flotation plant comprises air supply means with which air bubbles can be supplied to a basin to which untreated water is supplied so as to cause flakes suspended in the untreated water to float by aid of the air bubbles; the air supply means includes strip- or plate-shaped aeration means having perforated membranes and to be installed in the bottom region of said basin.

Abstract: An elongated apparatus is provided for aerating water, and includes a tubular support body and a sleeve of elastomeric material that surrounds the support body and is provided with slits that open to allow fine bubbles to pass into the water. To achieve a uniform supply of the sleeve with little loss for long apparatus, the inner side of the sleeve is provided with one or more groove-like channels that extend lengthwise relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A bubble generating device is to be used with a water tank which has a water receiving chamber, and includes a bubble emission member adapted to be disposed in the water receiving chamber and formed with bubble emission holes, an air pump for providing pressurized air, a first air passage tube with a first end connected to the air pump and an opposite second end, and a second air passage tube with a first end connected to the bubble emission member and an opposite second end. The control unit includes a cam wheel, a valve seat formed with an air chamber which communicates fluidly the second ends of the first and second air passage tubes, and a spring-loaded piston rod with a first end portion in contact with a peripheral cam surface of the cam wheel and a second end portion extending into the air chamber and provided with a valve piece.