Context

Upgrade works at Kimnel Bay WwTW required the replacement of inlet, PST, FST bridge scrapers and ASP lane diffusers.

Aquasystems was appointed to undertake the refurbishment of ASP lane diffusers. 

AQUATUBE disc diffusers were selected for the retrofit over other options because they offer greater efficiencies, reduced whole life costs and are easy to retrofit.

Work undertaken

Scope of works covered design, manufacture, supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a fine bubble diffused aeration system, including:

  • Drawings, documentation, method statements, risk assessments and O&M.

  • Supply and installation of 8 aeration grids including droppers and diffuser headers.

  • Supply and installation of 2160 AFD270 9” diameter membrane disc diffusers with EPDM membranes.

  • Labour for strip out of existing and installation of the above.

  • Commissioning and bubble pattern testing.

Products supplied

Zones 1 and 2 of three aeration lanes required:

  • Tank floor distribution pipe with branch connections for diffuser headers.

  • Diffuser header pipe with connections for diffusers.

  • Membrane disc diffusers with EPDM rubber membranes.

Materials used

  • Stainless steel tube and fittings: metric trubore.

  • Polypropylene tube and fittings: SDR33.

  • Flanges: reduced thickness stainless steel below TWL and Scotch coated carbon steel above TWL.

  • Supports, bracketry and fixings: stainless steel below TWL and galvanised mild steel above TWL.

Peak performance summary

  • SOR (kg O²/hr): 387

  • SOTE (%/m): 7

  • Airflow (Nm3/hr): 3510

  • Backpressure (mBar): 600

AQUATUBE disc diffusers

AQUATUBE disc diffusers were selected for the retrofit over other options because they offer greater efficiencies, reduced whole life costs and are easy to retrofit. They are available in 250 (9") and 305 (12") sizes and are competitively priced.

  • Long-lasting EDPM rubber membrane

  • Polypropylene (PP) support tube

  • Robust 316L stainless steel clamps

  • 90mm diameter

  • Available in lengths up to 1150mm

  • Precise slits for high oxygen input and low headlosses

  • High O² effieciency 1.8-3.3kg 02/kW

  • Ideal solution for deep aeration tanks (>5m)

AQUATUBE tube diffusers are produced in 2 sizes.

AQUATUBE 70

  • Long-lasting EPDM rubber membrane

  • Polypropylene (PP) support tube

  • Female ¾ threaded hose for quick and easy installation

  • Robust 316L stainless steel clamps

  • Available in 70mm diameter

  • Available lengths up to 1150mm

  • Precise slits for high oxygen input and low headlosses

  • High O² efficiency 1.8–3.3kg O2/kW

  • Ideal solution for deep aeration tank (> 5-6m)

AQUATUBE 90

  • Long-lasting EPDM rubber membrane

  • Polypropylene (PP) support tube

  • Robust 316L stainless steel clamps

  • 90mm diameter

  • Available length up to 1150mm

  • Precise slits for high oxygen input and low headlosses

  • High O² efficiency 1.8–3.3kg O2/kW

  • Ideal solution for deep aeration tank (> 5m)