Fine Bubble Diffuser

Fine bubble diffusion introduces very small bubbles into a wastewater treatment process. The main principle behind using fine bubble diffusers versus coarse bubble diffusers is that smaller bubbles result in more bubble surface area per unit volume and greater oxygen transfer exchange. Fine bubble sizes range from 0 to 3 mm.

Choosing between fine bubble diffusers and coarse bubble diffusers has often been difficult because each holds distinct benefits over the other. Fine pores typically release bubbles with a diameter between 0 – 3 mm, while coarse bubble diffusers release bubbles with a diameter ranging from 3 – 50 mm.

Diffusers versus Holey Pipes

There are several reasons why you should use diffusers instead of simply drilling holes in a length of pipe:

CLOGGING ISSUES

While drilling holes in pipes seems like a simple, pragmatic option, diffusers are designed to help keep the contents of your tank from entering your air supply lines and prevent clogging when the blower is not operating. The membranes on coarse and fine bubble diffusers contract and serve as a check valve when air pressure is not applied internally.

AIR FLOW CONTROL

Diffusers help balance air flow because the airflow from an engineered diffuser is both predictable and consistent from one to the next. Calculating actual airflow from a length of pipe with drilled holes would be a wild guess at best, and equalizing air discharge over the full length cannot be assured.

OXYGEN TRANSFER

Large numbers of small bubbles will transfer far more oxygen than a small number of large bubbles due to the increase in total bubble surface area. Diffusers generate smaller bubbles than those coming from holes drilled in pipe. Therefore, when using diffusers you can achieve a desired amount of oxygen transfer with less air (less energy demand). This means lower blower operating speeds and lower energy costs. This is especially true if you incorporate smaller bubble diffusers into your system.

Advantages

• High aeration efficiency
• High oxygen transfer efficiency
• Require less energy to run (compared to coarse bubble diffusers)
• Easily adapt to existing basins (for replacements or upgrades)
• Lower volatile organic compound emissions (compared to coarse diffusers or mechanical aeration devices)
• Satisfy high oxygen demands