Membrane Diffuser Technology Applied to Large Lagoon Aeration, 1995 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Gerald L. Shell

GSEE, Inc.

Michael R. Hicks

GSEE, Inc.

A new technology consisting of floating lateral tube diffuser systems has been developed to achieve more effective oxygen transfer and mixing in large lagoons. Two major problems have occurred in the application of vendors’ aeration systems for this application. The first problem is associated with structural failures in the installed components. The second problem involves the quality of the tube membrane. The authors were retained by one of the major pulp and paper companies to evaluate structural failures being experienced in two large aeration lagoons utilizing floating lateral membrane tube aeration and to develop a structural design to meet the rigors of the large lagoon applications. Additionally, a relatively comprehensive evaluation was completed to determine the characteristics of the tube membranes available in the market place. This evaluation provides a basis for the development of a membrane tube specification.