A diffuser membrane and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the method for manufacturing, a first material is heated and extruded to form a base layer and a second material is heated and extruded to form a coating layer. The base layer and coating layer may be extruded substantially simultaneously in a coextrusion process. Accordingly, the coating may be applied to the base layer in a manner that optimizes the bonding between the two layers and provides the ability to control the thickness of the coating layer. Alternatively, the base layer is formed initially and the coating layer is subsequently formed thereover. The first and second materials have differing properties. The first material may comprise polyurethane and the second material may comprise polyurethane and PTFE.

A water aeration system powers an air pump held in an encasement with a solar panel mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole supporting the encasement above a ground surface. An air conduit directs pumped air to one or more disc diffusers submerged in the body of water to be aerated. The disc diffuser(s) are supported by a floating platform that is suspended from a buoy or float so that the disc diffuser(s) are held at a desired depth below the water surface.

A water aeration system (10) encases an air pump (60) and a solar power controller (62) in an encasement structure (34) with one or more air permeable sidewalls (42; 44). The encasement structure is mounted at or near a top end of a mounting pole (32). A solar panel (50) is mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole at or near the top end of the mounting pole, optionally with screens (80, 82, 84, 86) connected to the backside of the solar panel. An air conduit (20) is threaded through a hollow channel in the mounting pole or structure associated therewith, and then underground and/or under water for joining to an immersed diffuser (12). The system is protected from tampering where the air pump and controller are inside the encasement structure, the solar panel and encasement structure are mounted several feet above the ground surface, the underside of the solar panel is shielded by protective screens, and the conduit between the pump and the diffuser is held inside the mounting pole or structure associated therewith.

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.

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.

A gassing device for the intermittent introduction of oxygen-containing gas or air into the waste water of a sewage treatment plant includes at least one membrane and a support body supporting the membrane and having gas-inlet openings. The membrane comprises a support membrane and a gassing membrane, wherein through-openings are arranged in the support membrane and continuous perforation slits are arranged in the gassing membrane and connected to the through-openings of the support membrane, or project into same, or are arranged inside the through-openings. The gassing membrane has a greater elasticity and is softer than the support membrane. The width of the through-openings of the support membrane decrease from the outer side and the gassing membrane projects partially or completely into the through-openings of the support membrane, and has a corresponding negative contour in relation to the through-openings of the support membrane.

A water aeration system (10) encases an air pump (60) and a solar power controller (62) in an encasement structure (34) with one or more air permeable sidewalls (42; 44). The encasement structure is mounted at or near a top end of a mounting pole (32). A solar panel (50) is mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole at or near the top end of the mounting pole, optionally with screens (80, 82, 84, 86) connected to the backside of the solar panel. An air conduit (20) is threaded through a hollow channel in the mounting pole or structure associated therewith, and then underground and/or under water for joining to an immersed diffuser (12). The system is protected from tampering where the air pump and controller are inside the encasement structure, the solar panel and encasement structure are mounted several feet above the ground surface, the underside of the solar panel is shielded by protective screens, and the conduit between the pump and the diffuser is held inside the mounting pole or structure associated therewith.

A diffuser membrane and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the method for manufacturing, a first material is heated and extruded to form a base layer and a second material is heated and extruded to form a coating layer. The base layer and coating layer may be extruded substantially simultaneously in a coextrusion process. Accordingly, the coating may be applied to the base layer in a manner that optimizes the bonding between the two layers and provides the ability to control the thickness of the coating layer. Alternatively, the base layer is formed initially and the coating layer is subsequently formed thereover. The first and second materials have differing properties. The first material may comprise polyurethane and the second material may comprise polyurethane and PTFE.

An aeration element for gasification or aeration of liquids includes an essentially flattened, rigid support element having a substantially oval cross-section and corrugated outer surfaces, the corrugated outer surfaces including ridges defining grooves therebetween; a threaded opening for receiving a cooperating fitting for connection to an air supply; and a flexible membrane of elastomeric material disposed around the support element. An assembly bracket includes upper and portions that can be cooperatingly attached to one another about the aeration element for securing the aeration element to a floor of a tank or pool. The assembly bracket includes through-going passages for enabling water to circulate around the bracket and reduce buoyancy of the assembly. Two aeration elements of shorter lengths can be positioned adjacent two one another, secured within assembly brackets, and connected at adjacent ends, so that one of the aeration elements functions as a conduit to the other aeration element when air is supplied into one of the aeration elements.

A diffuser membrane and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the method for manufacturing, a first material is heated and extruded to form a base layer and a second material is heated and extruded to form a coating layer. The base layer and coating layer may be extruded substantially simultaneously in a coextrusion process. Accordingly, the coating may be applied to the base layer in a manner that optimizes the bonding between the two layers and provides the ability to control the thickness of the coating layer. Alternatively, the base layer is formed initially and the coating layer is subsequently formed thereover. The first and second materials have differing properties. The first material may comprise polyurethane and the second material may comprise polyurethane and PTFE.