Journals Proceedings

Abstract

This paper mainly discussed the hydraulic characteristics of conical type air diffuser made of rigid plastic with opened hole structures using numerical and empirical method. The unique conical shape of air diffuser prevented fine air bubbles from merging after injection from air diffuser nozzle. Furthermore, opened holes structures made lower pressure drop compare than that of membrane shape of air diffuser made of EPDM in water, owing to elimination of force which was required to expand rubber membrane of EPDM air diffuser. Due to unique morphology of air diffuser, fine air bubbles showed long retention time and higher SOTE (standard oxygen transfer efficiency) comparing than that of EPDM membrane air diffuser with same blower conditions to inject air into aerobic bioreactor system.