Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater is placed directly in line with a flow of stock through a pipe. The steam injection heater includes a Mach diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes and an adjustable steam-plug cover that is positioned within a stationary diffuser tube to modulate the amount of steam added to the flowing stock by exposing a desired number of steam diffusion holes. The steam tube assembly includes an O-ring that forms a seal along the inner wall of the diffuser tube to prevent the flow of stock into the steam tube assembly when steam pressure is not present. Select areas of the steam injection heater, including the deflection plate, diffuser tube and heater body inner wall are coated with a wear coating such as tungsten carbide. Further, a pair of pressure ports are formed in the steam-plug cover to equalize the pressure between the open interior of the steam-plug cover to further facilitate rotation of the steam-plug cover.

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 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: One or more aerators move below an area of an assembly of immersed filtering membranes to be aerated. The movement can take various forms including the sweep of a pendulum. Positions in the assembly of membranes may be alternately aerated for a period of time and then not aerated for a period of time.

Abstract: An air bubble massage bathtub mat system featuring a remote control and a flexible mat is disclosed. The remote control unit communicates with a blower/air heater unit contained in a housing. The housing is connected to the mat by a tube that directs air into the mat. The mat is formed of a flexible polymeric sheet material that may be rolled up for storage. The mat includes a plurality of flexible blocks that are retained between two layers of polymer sheet material that also define the air passages in the mat. Air flows through the mat and exits the mat in small holes that provide small air bubbles to water contained in a bathtub. Suction cups attached to elongated strips which are held to the mat by elongated pockets hold the mat stationary in the bathtub.

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: A collapsible sparger for insertion into a vessel through a flanged opening is disclosed having a central tubular conduit having a plurality of rotatable members along its length. The rotatable members may be rotated and secured into position after insertion.

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: A bubble humidifier for adding humidity to supplied oxygen. The bubble humidifier comprising a humidifier base, for containing a quantity of liquid, and a cover for the humidifier base. The bubble humidifier has an oxygen inlet for supplying oxygen to the bubble humidifier and an moisturized oxygen outlet for connection to a moisturized oxygen supply conduit for supplying humidified oxygen to a patient, and the oxygen inlet being connected to a diffuser for diffusing the supplying oxygen within the bubble humidifier. The bubble humidifier has a pressure relieve device for relieving excess pressure generated within the bubble humidifier during operation thereof.

Abstract: A gasification device is described for the introduction of a gas into a liquid, in particular of air into waste water. The gasification device has a blower body element, which carries a membrane made of an elastic material with perforation slits. The gasification device also has a longitudinal ridge arranged in an area located at the top, related to the installation location. When the gas feed is switched off and the hydrostatic pressure of the waste water is imposed, an axial fold of the membrane is formed in this upper area. This area is, at the same time, free of perforation slits.

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: This invention describes systems and methods for mixing two fluids. A first fluid, usually fuel, can be passed through a primary passage that typically leads to a carburetor or other inlet to a combustion engine. A second fluid, usually air, can be mixed with the first by introducing it to the primary passage through an inlet located upstream in the primary passage. The mixture of fluids can then be further emulsified by passing it over a plurality of obstructions, such as a threaded interior surface of the primary passage, located within the primary passage downstream of the inlet.

Abstract: This invention describes systems and methods for mixing two fluids. A first fluid, usually fuel, is passed through a primary passage that typically leads to a carburetor or other inlet to a combustion engine. A second fluid, usually air, is mixed with the first by introducing it to the primary passage through an inlet located upstream in the primary passage. The mixture of fluids is then further emulsified by passing it over a plurality of obstructions, such as a threaded interior surface of the primary passage, located within the primary passage downstream of the inlet.

Abstract: A container for a sparkling beverage which includes, on its inside bottom portion or surface, a bubble generator having a bubble generating portion for generating bubbles in such a manner that an aggregation of bubbles forms substantially the same shape as a mark on the surface of a beverage.

Abstract: A high flow rate bubbler system and method are provided for producing a stable, easily controllable source of chemical vapors to a downstream process. The bubbler system is equipped with a vaporizer unit connected to its gas outlet tube. This vaporizer unit slows the gas velocity to enhance settling of entrained droplets and contacts the exiting gas with a high thermal mass, heated surfaces to promote heat transfer and evaporation of the entrained droplets.

Abstract: A bubbler for use in vapor generation systems that minimizes splashing and the formation of aerosol droplets of liquid, which are carried out of the bubbler in the vapor stream and result in erratic mass transfer of the process chemical liquid. A closed stainless steel vessel contains a carrier gas distribution plenum that distributes the carrier gas to a plurality of small diameter generator tubes, which are submerged into the process chemical liquid. The length, inside diameter and number of the generator tubes are designed to inject a high velocity, small diameter stream of carrier gas into the liquid such that a long small diameter cylinder of carrier gas is created in the process chemical liquid. The surface tension of the liquid-gas interface causes the cylinder of gas to be pinched off at intervals along the length of the cylinder to produce a plurality of small bubbles the diameter of which is largely independent of the carrier gas flow rate.

Abstract: A sparger for delivering fluid comprising a sparger pipe for carrying the fluid from a fluid source and downwardly directed nozzles to direct the delivery of fluid is disclosed. A substantially vertical connection pipe connects the sparger to the nozzles. Also, a method of delivering oxygen to an oxygen-depleted zone in the bottom of the fermenter using the sparger is disclosed.

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 mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.

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: This invention describes systems and methods for mixing two fluids. A first fluid, usually fuel, can be passed through a primary passage that typically leads to a carburetor or other inlet to a combustion engine. A second fluid, usually air, can be mixed with the first by introducing it to the primary passage through an inlet located upstream in the primary passage. The mixture of fluids can then be further emulsified by passing it over a plurality of obstructions, such as a threaded interior surface of the primary passage, located within the primary passage downstream of the inlet.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel (12;25) containing extract (26) and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand (27) having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet (30) for bubbling the gas through the extract (26).

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: A porous diffuser is disclosed. The porous diffuser can be in the form of a hose or other structure, the wall of the hose or structure having many small and irregularly shaped channels and pores that allow gas to seep out of the hose into the liquid. The diffuser receives air, oxygen or other gasses, and releases these gasses as bubbles into the liquid through the channels and pores. As the bubbles migrate in the liquid, they diffuse their gas into the liquid, as well a mix the liquid. The porous diffuser also provides for convenient methods to purge the system of liquid that has seeped into the diffuser during normal use and to retrieve the diffuser when maintenance, repair or replacement is required. An anchoring system can be incorporated with the porous diffuser to overcome buoyancy problems associated with gas in a liquid environment which can reduce or prevent proper gas distribution.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a water treatment apparatus in which a membrane separation device is disposed above a gas diffuser device arranged in a treating tank, wherein diameters of gas discharge holes formed in the gas diffuser device are within a range of 1 to 10 mm, and a relational expression of 20<X/Y<300 is satisfied wherein X is a sectional area (cm2) of the membrane separation device in a horizontal direction, and Y is the number of the gas discharge holes of the gas diffuser device. According to this water treatment apparatus, the clogging of the pores in the surface of a separation membrane with a suspended substance can be inhibited, so that a stable filtration is possible for a long period of time.

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, thereby providing a horizontal insertion movement of the aerating device.

Abstract: An air diffuser (2) comprises a diffuser tube (5) immersed sidewardly in a tank (1), a flushing pipe (9) opening at its tip an outlet (11) at an upper position of the diffuser tube, and a flushing valve (12) disposed in the flushing pipe (9). The diffuser tube (5) is made up of a main pipe (6) communicated at its basal end to an air supply source (8) and communicated at its tip to the flushing pipe (9), and a plurality of branch pipes (7) being communicated to the main pipe (6) and opening at their tip as a blowhole (10) at a lower position of the main pipe (6). During air diffusion, air is supplied from the air supply source (8) with tile flushing valve (12) closed, and the air is diffused from the blowholes (10). During flushing, air is supplied from the air supply source (8) with the flushing valve (12) opened and an intra-tank mixed liquor is sucked from the openings of the diffuser tube (5), thereby flushing the inside of the diffuser tube (5) with the sucked intra-tank mixed liquor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for preventing the growth of marine organisms on objects which are continually submerged in water, such as a boat hull or piling. The present invention operates by having a source of air deliver air through a conduit to an underwater aeration device placed in proximity to the object which is desired to be free of the marine organisms. The present invention comprises an underwater aeration framework having a plurality of air vents therein which supply air bubbles so as to constantly keep the water in motion around the boat hull, piling or other underwater structure, thereby preventing the growth of marine flora and fauna.

Abstract: A container for liquid oil of energy includes a container body, a top cover and a bottom cover. The container body is made of aluminum squeezed into a tubular shape with a hollow interior and provided with plural vertical support posts and a vertical projection fitted with a gasification box. The top cover and the bottom cover are respectively fitted on the top edges and the bottom edges of the support posts. The top cover is fixed with a stop valve and an air filling pump functioning to turn off power. Then, the bottom side of the stop valve is connected with an air intake pipe extending into the gasification box. The oil container of such design is easy in manufacturing, possible to lower manufacturing cost and capable to permit the oil and air inside mixed completely to elevate the degree of gasification and density of oil gas.

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: A biological oxidation filter system can be used as a pretreatment process in water treatment, or for processing sewage or wastewater by reproducing the purification mechanisms in nature environments. It has a physical screening function and an oxidation function through the aeration and biological decomposition. The biological oxidation filter system includes: a raw water inflow unit; a biological contact filter unit; a filtrate outflow unit; an oxidation air supply unit supplying air and/or oxygen in order to provide a proper growth environment for microbial flora and perform the oxidation in the biological contact filter unit; and an air backwashing unit and a water back washing unit for backwashing the filter media when the biological contact filter unit is blocked.

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: A water pressure-type aeration device including a water pump that generates powerful water pressure, with the water pumped through a water distribution head and a number of water distribution tubes which are placed throughout the water of a pond (or tank). The ends of the water distribution tubes are installed to cavitation housings, with the each of the cavitation housings connected at an angle of 90 degrees to the fresh air supply tubes which are directly conjoined to air filter and delivery devices floating on the surface of the water. When water is conveyed under pressure to the cavitation housings at the ends of the water distribution tubes, rear pressure constrictive openings in conjunction with a spray guide elements inside the housings generate powerful water pressure and the resulting friction across the tubular openings of fresh air supply tubes draw air in that is mixed with water in the cavitation housings and discharged from spray nozzles, thereby replenishing oxygen in the water.

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 direct contact steam injection heater body is placed directly in line and allows axial flow of stock (i.e. liquid or slurry) through a pipe. The steam injection heater includes a Mach diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes. The Mach diffuser is mounted transverse to the axial flow of stock through the pipe and the heater body. High velocity steam is injected from the plurality of steam diffusion holes into the stock flowing through the heater body. An adjustably positionable cover in the Mach diffuser modulates the amount of steam added to the flowing stock by exposing a desired number of steam diffusion holes. Modulation is accomplished at constant steam pressure by an actuator that rotates the cover. The arrangement is able to efficiently heat large flows of viscous stock, such as slurries having suspended materials that tend to flocculate. The upstream surface area of the Mach diffuser is preferably free of steam diffusion holes to eliminate unnecessary plugging.

Abstract: A mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.

Abstract: A device for regenerating the cooling emulsion (3) stagnating in the tanks (2) of the machine tools, characterized in that the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria responsible for the evil-smelling deterioration of said emulsion (3) is suppressed by the use of a plurality of oxygenation pipes (1) submersed in the cooling liquid and capable of producing air microbubbles that ensure a sufficient and uniform oxygenation of the emulsion and avoid the formation of the typical, continuous lubricating oil layer above the coolant (3). Said oxygenating microbubbles causes also a continuous displacement of the cooling emulsion (3) that reduce the risk of dissociation of the emulsion itself. Pipes (1) submersed in coolant (3) in tank (2) have holes (5) allowing internal pressurized air to escape regularly and to oxygenate cooling liquid (3).

Abstract: An aeration device for waste water (1) consists essentially of a carrier (2) with a flat, essentially rectangular surface (3) and of an air-permeable membrane (6) which is connected to the carrier (2). Between the membrane (6) and the carrier (2) there is formed an air chamber (7a, 7b). The rectangular, flat construction on the one hand permits a modular design of the aeration device (1) and further permits the manufacture of the aeration device with the coextrusion method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas diffuser constructed and arranged to disperse gas into a aeration vessel of a water treatment assembly from a blower. The gas diffuser includes main pipes, branch pipes extending between the main pipes and containing gas discharge ports, wherein the branch pipes have a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the main pipes. The gas discharge ports are further sized, constructed and arranged to reduce the possibility or likelihood of sludge from blocking the ports or entering the branch pipes. This object is achieved either by placement of the ports on the bottom sides of the branch pipes or, alternatively, by construction of the ports to include conduit members, themselves having an arrangement of openings or coverings to prevent or reduce the likelihood of sludge from blocking the ports or entering the branch pipes.

Abstract: The present invention is a oxygen generating device which comprises: a container having a mouth and a neck surrounding the mouth; a tank which has an annual flange for establishing a gas tight seal between the tank and the neck; a dome assembly which is engageable with the neck and extends upwardly to define a dome chamber above the neck; and means for permitting oxygen generated in the tank to flow into the dome chamber by bubbling through a liquid contained in the dome base; the dome base having an outlet connection through which oxygen can leave the chamber and where at least part of the dome is transparent so as to render the inside thereof visible from the outside of the dome.

Abstract: A bubble generating apparatus includes a hollow shell having a plurality of bottom inlets through and a side outlet, a screw rod longitudinally mounted in the shell, a baffle threaded onto one end of the screw rod and suspended inside the shell above the bottom inlets, the baffle having a plurality of smoothly arched bottom notches for baffling intake flows of high pressure liquid to produce bubbles, and a knob fastened to one end of the screw rod outside the shell and rotated to move the baffle along the screw rod relative to the bottom inlets.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the mixing, absorption and/or retention of carbon dioxide ‘CO2’ in hydrocarbon fuel to economically produce a safety-enhanced and/or improved-combustion fuel. The apparatus includes at least one mixing receptacle having at least one coupling with a controllable inert gas supply; at least one coupling with a controllable hydrocarbon fuel supply; and at least one coupling with a CO2-enriched fuel fuel-line. The mixing receptacle(s) is configured to retain a volume of fuel and a volume of CO2 such that CO2-enriched fuel having a controllable gas-fuel ratio is the product of the mixing receptacle(s) and the gas of the ratio(s) exceeds 0.1 volume of CO2 per volume of fuel and is less than approximately 3 volumes per volume of fuel when conveyed from the receptacle(s). The apparatus controls the exposure of hydrocarbon fuel molecules to an optimal volume of CO2 within the receptacle(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of increasing the oxygen transfer rate, residence time, and circulation pathways within waste water is provided. The process uses cyclic bursts of compressed air to establish flow patterns within waste water. The flow patterns increase the residence time of air supplied by conventional aeration sources. The increased aeration facilitates the treatment of the waste water. Additional benefits which result from the process include increased mixing of the waste water along with additional aeration brought about from the cyclic air bursts.

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.

Abstract: A diffuser for mixing and oxygenating water or other liquid with an airstrip employs a self supporting microporous tubular membrane, arranged in a spiral or grid configuration, with openings between proximate elements which, are at least equal to the diameter of the membrane. Gas, when forced through the tubular membrane, forms fine bubbles which agitate, oxygenate and entrain the surrounding liquid as it slowly passes through the openings. The tubular membrane is flexible and is to be mounted on a manifold which connects it to a source of air or gas, and which may also impart buoyancy or serve as anchor in the liquid.

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: Apparatus for use in a variety of processes especially those involving bacterial activity such as slurry digestion comprises an elongate stationary container (10) having a cardioid cross-section with an upstanding partial partition (16) projecting upwardly from a lower region and providing a linear array of outlets (15) for the introduction of gas bubbles to the interior of the container. The cardioid container wall comprises a continuous double-lobed curve from an upper region (19) having gas escape outlets (17) to a lower region where the wall curves into tangential relation with the partial partition (16) A modular array of containers in cascade or parallel connection can be interconnected by pipework with valves, pumps and flow sensors for automatic or programmed operation.

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: A bubble humidifier for humidifying gas bubbled through water contained in a container member prior to this gas being sent to a patient is provided. The bubble humidifier includes a container member having a lid, a gas inlet member connected to a gas source, a member for transporting the gas from the gas inlet member into the liquid, and a gas outlet member which feeds the humidified gas to the patient. A valve inlet member is associated with the humidifier unit and allows for the addition of liquid, which humidifies the gas, into the humidifier unit without disassembling the humidifier unit.