Exploring the Different Types of Diffuser in Aeration Tank

Mechanical Aeration: Such as the paddle wheel, brush aerator, and surface impellers, which agitate water through motor-driven paddles or brushes, introducing oxygen through surface turbulence. No blower needed, suited for shallow, large-area applications (oxidation ponds, lagoons, landscape pools).

Hybrid/Jet Aeration: Combines a water pump or submersible motor to create high-speed flow, drawing air via nozzles/Venturi for gas-water mixing. Jet aerator, Venturi diffuser, aspirating aerator, and aubmersible ejector aerator all belong to the type. They're suitable for high-load industrial wastewater or space-constrained setups.

Tube Diffusers: Typically 63 mm or 90 mm in diameter, they offer greater airflow capacity and are better suited for long tanks or oxidation ditches. Their linear form allows for flexible layout and consistent aeration across extended areas.

Plate Diffusers: Also called panel diffusers, they have a large flat surface that delivers uniform bubble release over deep or wide tanks. They're well-suited for high-efficiency aeration in municipal systems or large lagoons.

Bell Diffusers(Ceramic Microbubble Diffusers): The diffusers are made from porous sintered stone, feature a semi-spherical shape that offers stability and fine bubble generation. They're commonly used in aquaculture, hydroponics (DWC systems), and landscape ponds.

Coarse Bubble Diffusers: Can release larger bubbles, typically 4~13 mm (½ inch), which create strong turbulence and are less prone to clogging. Although they have lower oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE 10–20%, or SOTE < 1%), they are effective in mixing applications such as equalization tanks, grit chambers, and DAF systems.

Nano Bubble Generators: They produce ultra-fine bubbles smaller than 200 nm, offering deep water penetration and large surface area for oxygen contact. Often integrated into jet or turbine aeration systems, they are currently less common in municipal wastewater but popular in aquaculture, water reuse, and laboratory applications.

Membrane Diffusers: Use flexible synthetic membranes with laser-drilled slits that expand under air pressure. While more sensitive to extreme temperatures and pH levels, they are easy to maintain and cost-effective. Several membrane types are available:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Durable & cost-effective, mostly used in municipal & industrial wastewater.

Silicone: Offers high resistance to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals.

PTFE: Often used for disc diffusers in high-strength industrial wastewater and biological treatment tanks. It features a non-stick surface that resists fouling.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Resists clogging and stands up to most chemical environments, even under frequent expansion cycles.

Retrievable Diffuser Systems: Consist of diffusers mounted on removable grids or rails, allowing them to be pulled out without draining the tank. These are ideal for industrial applications or facilities where stopping operation for maintenance is not feasible.

Floating Diffuser Systems: Use fine bubble tube diffusers mounted on PE float balls or flexible supports, keeping them about one foot above the tank bottom. Their components remain easily accessible from the surface, and installation/maintenance can be done without emptying the tank. This design is especially suited for river remediation, lakes, or aquaculture ponds.