BR112022012815B1 - WASTEWATER OXYGENATION SYSTEM AND METHOD AND OXYGEN INFUSION MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

GAS INFUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT. This application relates to a wastewater treatment system and method wherein an oxygen infusion system is used to supersaturate wastewater prior to aerobic biological processes, wherein oxygen is transferred to wastewater free of oxygen bubbles and achieves a reduction in power demand for the wastewater aeration process.

Description

BACKGROUND FIELD

[001] This application relates to systems and methods for treating wastewater (e.g., industrial and/or municipal wastewater) and, more specifically, to systems and methods for reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in wastewater, optimizing energy consumption in aeration systems used in wastewater treatment systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] To protect the environment and promote public health, communities typically need municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater treatment. Discharging untreated wastewater is not appropriate as it gives rise to numerous environmental concerns such as pollution of surface and underground water resources. Untreated wastewater contains organic matter and nutrients that, if not treated and removed from the waste stream, can result in environmental pollution. Thus, when untreated wastewater is discharged into above-ground water bodies or underground drainage fields, the level of dissolved oxygen in the receiving waters begins to deplete, which puts the water bodies themselves at risk, along with resident station and aquatic life. Furthermore, in developing countries where drinking water is scarce, it is often desirable to recover as much reusable water as possible from wastewater rather than disposing of both wastewater and contaminants.

[003] To treat wastewater, communities in highly populated areas often collect wastewater and transport it through a series of underground pipes to a large centralized wastewater treatment plant. However, there are several problems associated with large centralized treatment plants. Centralized wastewater treatment plants are designed and rated to process a specific flow rate of wastewater per day, typically expressed as the plant's nominal capacity, and all treatment plants have a maximum flow rate capacity. Thus, if a centralized treatment plant receives more wastewater on a given day than the plant was designed to handle, problems will be encountered. For example, when a treatment plant receives larger than normal quantities of raw, untreated wastewater, treatment performance decreases and partially treated or untreated wastewater is discharged into a receiving body of water, such as a river, to do not exceed the amount of wastewater the plant was designed to handle. Wastewater treatment systems that can accommodate peak capacity are needed.

[004] Wastewater treatment and, in particular, municipal sewage treatment generally require aerobic steps and processes. In these stages, the microorganisms present in the effluent (organic matter) when in contact with the presence of oxygen, promote a reaction in which organic matter is converted into carbon dioxide (CO2), water and inert compounds, eliminating the undesirable load. For this to occur, large volumes of oxygen are normally required, which need to be placed in contact with the effluent, in order to guarantee an adequate and stable aerobic environment to achieve the process.

[005] In addition to agitating wastewater to create available oxygen for biological processes, many modern wastewater treatment facilities incorporate blown air systems and diffusers to bubble air under pressure through wastewater in aeration tanks or pools. All conventional bubble systems, whether large bubbles, small bubbles or microbubbles, lose up to 90% of the oxygen available to the atmosphere. Conventional aeration systems (e.g., blowers and diffusers) used in wastewater treatment facilities inject air that contains for normal pressure and temperature conditions only 23% oxygen, and much of it is lost to the atmosphere as the air bubbles. through the effluent and exits through the effluent surface in the aeration tanks. Additionally, these blower systems typically require large amounts of energy, often representing half or more of the installation's total energy consumption. The same blower systems may require blower houses to accommodate noise pollution from the fans, as well as expensive stainless steel distribution systems. The result is that while blower systems provide enhanced biological processes in a wastewater treatment facility's aeration tanks, they are also inefficient and expensive.

SUMMARY

[006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method for supplying oxygen to the aerobic portions of a wastewater treatment process. (e.g. industrial and/or municipal wastewater treatment). According to one aspect of the disclosure, an improved gas infusion system and a more efficient method for supplying oxygen to biological processes in wastewater treatment advantageously increases the amount of oxygen supplied to biological processes while simultaneously reducing the total energy consumption of the wastewater treatment process. Furthermore, the improved gas infusion system advantageously reduces system installation, operation and maintenance costs while providing applicability of facility surges and capacity fluctuations.

[007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a wastewater treatment system (e.g., industrial and/or municipal wastewater treatment) is provided comprising an oxygen infusion system for transferring oxygen to wastewater so as to that oxygenated wastewater is free of oxygen bubbles.

[008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wastewater treatment system comprises: a wastewater supply; an oxygen generator configured to supply pressurized oxygen at least 90% pure; an oxygen infusion system comprising; one or more oxygen infusion modules comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microporous hollow-core membranes or fibers; wherein each oxygen infusion module is in fluid communication with the oxygen generator, the oxygenator configured to provide a supply of pressurized oxygen to each membrane in the plurality of hydrophobic microporous hollow core membranes or fibers; wherein the oxygen infusion module is configured to receive the wastewater supply such that the wastewater surrounds each membrane in the plurality of hydrophobic microporous hollow-core membranes or fibers; wherein each membrane or fiber of the plurality of hydrophobic microporous hollow-core membranes or fibers is configured to allow transfer of the pressurized oxygen to the wastewater through a plurality of micropores, such that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs freely of oxygen bubbles in wastewater; and a discharge of oxygenated wastewater.

[009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of oxygenating wastewater for use in aerobic wastewater treatment comprises: providing a supply of wastewater; generate a pressurized oxygen supply using an oxygen generator, wherein the oxygen concentration is at least 70%; provide an oxygen infusion system comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microporous hollow-core membranes or fibers in fluid communication with the oxygen generator, wherein each membrane further comprises a plurality of micropores having a pore passage diameter between about 0, 01 μm and about 5 μm; provide direct contact between pressurized oxygen and wastewater by transferring oxygen through the plurality of micropores of the membrane so that pressurized oxygen enters wastewater free of oxygen bubbles; transfer oxygen to the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having an oxygen concentration level above 60 ppm (e.g. above 62 ppm) while the dissolved oxygen remained 2-3 ppm in the aeration tank (e.g. biological reactor ); discharge the supersaturated effluent to an aeration tank. Additionally, recirculating or using a mixed liquor stream from the aeration tank itself to be supersaturated advantageously increases process control and benefits than supersaturating the raw sewage stream.

[010] The advantages of the present invention include: (1) reduced power consumption to increase available oxygen; (2) reduction of wasted air blower power; (3) more efficient oxygenation and use of available oxygen; (4) reduction of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); (5) reduced physical footprint for blower requirements reducing station size and capital expenditure; (6) flexibility to increase oxygen to meet increased demand; (7) modular construction that facilitates expansion of station capacity; (8) reduction of sludge produced by the activated sludge process; (9) reduction of chemicals used in the activated sludge process.

[011] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a wastewater oxygenation system is provided. The system comprises an oxygen source configured to supply pressurized oxygen of at least 70% purity and an oxygen infusion system comprising one or more oxygen infusion modules. Each oxygen infusion module comprises a housing, a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole, and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole. Each oxygen infusion module is in fluid communication with the oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal bore thereof. The oxygen infusion system is configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater supply line such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more oxygen infusion modules and comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the residual waters. Oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the oxygen infusion system through a wastewater rejection connection.

[012] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wastewater oxygenation system is provided. The system comprises a tank having a lid with an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of waste water therethrough and a tank vessel disposed below the lid, the tank vessel having an outlet opening at a distal end of the tank vessel. The system also comprises a plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel below the lid. Each oxygen infusion module comprises a housing and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole. Each of the oxygen infusion modules is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater flow such that the wastewater comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers and each of the infusion modules. oxygen tank is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater. Wastewater flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in parallel and pressurized oxygen flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in parallel. The oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the tank through the outlet opening in the tank vessel.

[013] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wastewater oxygenation system is provided. The system comprises a tank having a lid with an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of waste water therethrough and a tank vessel disposed below the lid, the tank vessel having an outlet opening at a distal end of the tank vessel. The system also comprises a first array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and arranged in the tank vessel below the lid and a second array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel, the second array spaced below the first. matrix so that the second matrix is in series with the first matrix. Each oxygen infusion module in the first matrix and the second matrix comprises a housing and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around of the longitudinal hole. Each of the oxygen infusion modules is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater flow such that the wastewater comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers and each of the infusion modules. oxygen tank is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater. The waste water flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix, the pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix, and the wastewater flows through the second matrix after flowing through the first matrix. The oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the tank through the outlet opening in the tank vessel.

[014] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an oxygen infusion module is provided. The module comprises a housing, a central tube extending along an axis of the housing, an upper plug attached to a proximal end of the housing, and a bottom plug attached to a distal end of the housing. The module also comprises a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing and suspended from a disc and arranged around the central tube. The hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers have a length less than a housing length, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole. The module also comprises fluid ventilation communication with the central tube and with a space within the housing surrounding the central tube, the ventilation being configured to vent undissolved oxygen and nitrogen from the oxygen infusion module. The oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive the pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal hole thereof. The oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of wastewater such that the wastewater flows through the central tube and into the housing so that it contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of microporous fibers. hydrophobic hollows so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater. Oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the housing through one or more distal openings and through the bottom plug.

[015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an oxygen infusion module is provided. The module comprises a housing with one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which wastewater enters the housing. The module also comprises a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing and suspended from a disc, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole. The oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive the pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal hole thereof. The oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of wastewater through one or more openings in the side wall of the housing such that the wastewater contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of microporous fibers. hydrophobic hollows, so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater. Oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the housing through a distal end of the housing.

[016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of oxygenating wastewater for use in treating aerobic wastewater is provided. The method comprises the step of generating a pressurized oxygen supply using an oxygen generator, wherein the oxygen concentration is at least 70%. The method also comprises the step of supplying pressurized oxygen to a first oxygen infusion system comprising one or more oxygen infusion modules. Each oxygen infusion module comprises a housing and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing. Each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole. Each oxygen infusion module is in fluid communication with the oxygen generator so that pressurized oxygen is supplied to the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers through the longitudinal hole thereof. The method also comprises the step of supplying a flow of wastewater to one or more oxygen infusion modules, such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more oxygen infusion modules and comes into contact with the wall. circumferential of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having an oxygen concentration level above 62 ppm. The method also comprises the step of discharging the supersaturated effluent into an aeration reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[017] Various embodiments are disclosed in the following detailed description and attached drawings.

[018] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram of an example of a prior art wastewater treatment system.

[019] Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a wastewater treatment system.

[020] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a wastewater gas infusion system.

[021] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a gas infusion module.

[022] Fig. 5 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of an upper portion of a gas infusion module.

[023] Fig. 6 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a lower portion of a gas infusion module.

[024] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of the bottom end of a barrel and central tube in the gas infusion module of FIGS. 4 to 6.

[025] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of a system for infusing gas into a liquid.

[026] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a device for housing the microporous membrane for transferring a gas to a liquid.

[027] Fig. 10 is an end view of a portion of a bundle of microporous fibers used in a gas infusion module.

[028] Fig. 11 illustrates a wastewater treatment process.

[029] Fig. 12 is a performance table and graph illustrating improved efficiency and energy consumption under various capacities and operating conditions of exemplary implementations of a wastewater treatment system utilizing oxygen infusion in a bubble-free process.

[030] Fig. 13 is a side view of an array of gas infusion modules arranged in parallel.

[031] Fig. 14 is a side view of an array of gas infusion modules arranged in parallel and series.

[032] Fig. 15 is an isometric sectional view of a high-flow gas infusion module tank containing multiple internal individual gas infusion modules grouped together.

[033] Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a high-flow gas infusion module tank for use in a gas infusion system.

[034] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the high-flow gas infusion module tank of FIG. 16 with multiple gas infusion modules.

[035] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a tank lid of the high-flow gas infusion module of FIGS. 16-17.

[036] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a support used in the tank of the high-flow gas infusion module of FIGS. 16-17.

[037] Fig. 20A is a perspective view of a vessel of the high-flow gas infusion module tank of FIGS. 16-17.

[038] Fig. 20B is a schematic side view of the vessel in FIG. 20A.

[039] Fig. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a gas infusion module.

[040] Fig. 22 is a schematic of a gas infusion system used in a wastewater treatment pilot test.

[041] Fig. 23 is a more detailed schematic of the gas infusion system of FIG. 22.

[042] Fig. 24 is a graph showing the improvement in BOD removal with the gas infusion system used in the wastewater treatment pilot test of FIGS. 22-23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[043] This application relates to systems and methods for wastewater treatment (e.g., industrial and/or municipal wastewater treatment) and more specifically to improved systems and methods for facilitating biological processes in wastewater treatment. Advantageously, the systems and methods described in the present invention facilitate the infusion of wastewater with oxygen instead of air and the infusion of wastewater with oxygen in a bubble-free manner (e.g., in a bubble-free manner) to supersaturate the wastewater. with oxygen.

[044] The process of treating and recovering water from wastewater (for example, any water that has been used in households, such as flushing toilets, washing dishes or bathing, or industrial water, or water from agricultural installations, or even water from storm sewers) begins with the expectation that once treated it will be clean enough to re-enter the environment.

[045] Water quality is dictated by various laws and regulations, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Water Act, and wastewater facilities in the US operate with permits specified by the National Disposal System of Pollutant Discharges (NPDES). According to the EPA, the Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic framework for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Under the CWA, the EPA sets wastewater standards for industry. EPA has also developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) allows the program to control discharges.

[046] As an example of expected standards, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the average wastewater effluent is 300 mg/L and the effluent after treatment is expected to be >30 mg/L. If a wastewater facility fails to meet these expectations, it may be at risk of severe penalties.

[047] With reference to Figure 1, a common wastewater treatment process includes eight main steps, including: (1) screening bar; (2) sand removal; (3) primary clarification; (4) aeration; (5) secondary clarification; (6) chemical chlorination/disinfection; (7) testing and certification; and (8) effluent discharge.

[048] Sorting Bar: The physical process of wastewater treatment begins with sorting large items that have reached the sewer system and, if not removed, can damage pumps and impede water flow. A marshalling bar is generally used to remove large items from the tributary and ultimately taken to a landfill. Screening Bar involves removing large items from the influent to prevent damage to the wastewater treatment facility's pumps, valves, and other equipment.

[049] Sand Removal: Fine sand reaching the influent needs to be removed to avoid damage to downstream pumps and equipment (or impact on water flow). Too small to be screened in the bar screening step, this sand needs to be removed from the sand chamber. There are several types of sand chambers (horizontal, aerated or vortex) that control the flow of water, allowing the heavier sand to fall to the bottom of the chamber; water and organic material continue to flow to the next stage of the wastewater treatment process. The sand is physically removed from the bottom of the chamber and discarded.

[050] Primary Bleaching: After the sand removal step, initial separation of solid organic matter is often applied. Solids known as organics/sludge sink to the bottom of the primary clarification tank and are pumped to a sludge digester or sludge processing area (9), dried and entrained. Proper decantation rates are a key indicator of how well the clarifier is operating. Adjusting an influent flow rate in the clarifier can help the operator adjust sedimentation rates and efficiency.

[051] After sand removal, the influent enters large primary clarifiers that separate between 25% and 50% of the solids in the influent. These large clarifiers (e.g. tanks) allow heavy solids to sink to the bottom and cleaner influent to flow. The effectiveness of primary clarification is a matter of adequate water flow. If the water flow is too fast, the solids will not have time to sink to the bottom, resulting in a negative impact on water quality downstream. If the water flow is too slow, it will impact the upstream process.

[052] The solids that fall to the bottom of the primary clarifier are known as sludge and are pumped regularly to ensure they do not affect the separation process. The sludge is then discarded after removing any water and commonly used as fertilizer.

[053] Aeration: After primary clarification, the influent is pumped to one or more aeration tanks. Air is pumped into the aeration tank/basin to stimulate the conversion of NH3 (ammonia) to NO3 (nitrate) and provide oxygen for the bacteria to continue to propagate and grow. Once converted to NO3, the bacteria remove/remove the oxygen molecules from the nitrate molecules and the nitrogen (N) is emitted as N2Φ (nitrogen gas). Conversion of NO3 to N2 (nitrogen gas) occurs in a part of a biological reactor (e.g., an anoxic tank or anoxic zone) where there is no dissolved oxygen remaining within it.

[054] At the heart of the wastewater treatment process is the stimulation and acceleration of the natural process of bacteria decomposing organic material. This starts in the aeration tank. The main function of the aeration tank is to pump oxygen into the tank to encourage the decomposition of any organic material (and the growth of bacteria), as well as ensuring that there is enough time for the organic material to be decomposed. Aeration can be achieved by pumping and pumping air into the tank or through aggressive agitation that adds air to the water. This process is managed to provide the best conditions for bacterial growth. Aerobic bacteria will die if dissolved oxygen levels in wastewater fall below 2 ppm, reducing plant efficiency. Dissolved oxygen levels below 1 ppm result in the prevalence of anaerobic microorganisms rather than aerobic microorganisms. Anaerobic microorganisms have a lower efficiency in breaking down organic matter, also reducing the quality of the effluent. Dissolved oxygen monitoring at this stage of the season is critical. Ammonia and nitrate measurements are common to measure the efficiency of bacteria in converting NH3 to N2Φ.

[055] A key parameter to measure in wastewater treatment is biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). BOD is a proxy indicator for organic material present and is used to determine the effectiveness of organic material breakdown. BOD is defined as the amount of oxygen demanded by microorganisms in sewage for the decomposition of biodegradable matter under aerobic conditions. This is the most commonly used parameter to determine the quality strength of municipal or organic water. The standard BOD test determines the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose the biodegradable matter present in the wastewater sample in 5 days of aerobic conditions at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. It is measured in mg/L.

[056] Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is the demand for oxygen that is consumed by the inorganic and organic matter present in the wastewater sample. Chemical oxygen demand is expressed as the mass of oxygen consumed over the volume of solution. Its SI unit is milligrams per liter (mg/L). BOD measures the amount of oxygen required by aerobic organisms to decompose organic matter and COD measures the amount of oxygen required to decompose organic and inorganic constituents present in wastewater by chemical reaction. Therefore, the COD value is greater than BDO.

[057] There are several other tests used to ensure optimal breakdown of organic material (and BOD reduction), such as measuring pH, temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Hydraulic Retention Time (rate of flow), Solids Retention Time (amount of time the bacteria is in the aeration chamber) and Mixed Suspended Solids Liquid. Continuous and accurate monitoring is crucial to ensure the required final effluent BOD.

[058] Secondary Clarification: Treated wastewater is pumped from the aeration tank to a secondary clarifier to allow any remaining organic sediment to settle from the treated water stream. As the influent leaves the aeration process, it flows to a secondary clarifier where, like the primary clarifier, any very small solids (or fines) sink to the bottom of the tank. These small solids are called activated sludge and consist mainly of active bacteria. Some of this activated sludge is returned to the aeration tank to increase bacterial concentration, aid propagation and accelerate the decomposition of organic material. The excess is discarded. Water flowing from the secondary clarifier has substantially reduced organic material and should be approaching expected effluent specifications.

[059] Chemical Chlorination and Disinfection: Typically, chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria (or harmful microorganisms) in wastewater effluents after secondary clarification. With the increased concentration of bacteria as part of the aeration stage, there is a need to test the presence or absence of bacteria in the output effluent and disinfect the water. This ensures that higher than specified concentrations of bacteria are not released into the environment. Chlorination is the most common and cheapest type of disinfection, but ozone and UV disinfection are also increasing in popularity. If chlorine is used, it is important to test free chlorine levels to ensure they are acceptable levels before being released into the environment.

[060] Testing and Certification: Before effluent is released into the environment, most jurisdictions require testing and/or certification that treated wastewater meets minimum regulatory standards. Testing for proper pH, ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, and residual chlorine levels to comply with station operating permits is essential to station performance. While testing is continuous throughout the wastewater treatment process to ensure optimal water flow, clarification and aeration, final testing is done to ensure that the effluent leaving the plant meets permit specifications.

[061] Effluent Discharge: After meeting all license specifications, clean water is reintroduced into the environment.

[062] Conventional aeration systems used in wastewater treatment facilities can include expensive and inefficient air blowers, diffusers and multiple distribution pipes to create bubbles throughout the effluent in the aeration tank. Air is bubbled through the effluent, but it contains only ambient concentrations of oxygen (approximately 21%). The air bubbling through the effluent loses much of the available oxygen to the atmosphere (e.g., due to bubbles rising through the effluent and breaking the surface of the aeration tank) before the oxygen can be transferred to the water due to the small surface area of the effluent. big bubbles. In some examples, up to 90% of the oxygen available in a fine bubbler system can escape into the atmosphere.

[063] Another problem with traditional aeration systems is related to the high electrical demand and cost to operate the aeration blowers. In fact, between 25% and 50% of the operating costs of traditional wastewater treatment facilities can be attributed to the electrical demand required across the entire treatment system. And in traditional wastewater treatment facilities using activated sludge processes, the aeration system can represent between 50% and 70% of the total energy consumed in the facility.

[064] Seeking to optimize and increase the effluent treatment capacity of wastewater treatment facilities, including municipal sewage treatment facilities, an innovative technology related to the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater influent is disclosed, thus replacing the Traditional air blower systems required for aeration of aerobic processes. In this gas infusion oxygenation system and process, gases such as dissolved nitrogen and carbon dioxide are removed from the liquid medium or wastewater effluent and replaced with oxygen, thus creating a stable oxygenated effluent. By replacing dissolved nitrogen, CO2, and other gases with dissolved oxygen (O2), the effluent reaches supersaturation levels, significantly increasing the capacity and efficiency of the aeration process.

[065] A gas infusion system described herein may include an oxygen generator and a gas infusion module (e.g., multiple gas infusion modules) for introducing oxygen into the wastewater effluent. The oxygen generator concentrates oxygen from the atmosphere to levels above ambient conditions and supplies the concentrated oxygen to the gas infusion module (e.g., multiple gas infusion modules) within the gas infusion system. Each gas infusion module may include one more hollow tube microporous fiber. Concentrated oxygen is supplied under pressure to the fibers of the hollow tube or tubes in the gas infusion module and the oxygen is diffused or transferred to the wastewater influent surrounding the microporous fibers. Oxygen is transferred to the wastewater influent in a bubble-free manner (e.g., bubble-free) and at oxygen concentration levels above traditional air blower or bubbler systems as described below.

[066] Figure 2 illustrates a single-stage gas infusion unit 200 suitable for replacing a traditional aeration system in a wastewater treatment facility. The gas infusion unit 200 may be a modular system and may include: a housing 290, such as a modified standard 6.10 meter (20 foot) or 12.20 meter (40 foot) shipping container; a 291 wastewater influent supply connection; an oxygenated wastewater rejection connection 292, one or more electrical power connections 293, a system control 294 (e.g., controller); a wastewater influent supply line 205, a supply feed pump 210, a gas infusion system 220 (oxygen infusion system) having one or more oxygen infusion modules 225 (e.g., infusion modules of oxygen 225a, 225b, 225c), for example accommodation in a housing, such as a tank and an oxygen source. In one implementation, the source of oxygen is an oxygen generator 230. In another implementation, the source of oxygen is an oxygen supply tank. Advantageously, the gas infusion unit 200 is a self-contained unit that can be transported as a single unit to a wastewater treatment facility, thereby facilitating its transportation and incorporation into a wastewater treatment facility. In one implementation, system control 294 (e.g., controller) may control one or both of the flow of oxygen from the oxygen generator 230 to the oxygen infusion modules 225 and the flow of wastewater from the line from wastewater supply 205 to oxygen infusion modules 225.

[067] The wastewater influent is received as injection to the gas infusion unit 200 from a wastewater treatment facility, such as from a primary clarification tank, anaerobic tank, or directly from a bar. screening or sand removal tank (not shown). In another implementation, described later, the influent is received as an injection into the gas infusion system 200 from an aeration tank of the wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater influent enters the gas infusion system 200 through the influent supply connection 291 and flows through the wastewater supply line 205 and through the supply feed pump 210 to the gas infusion system 220 .

[068] The oxygen generator 230 supplies oxygen of 70% to 95% purity, e.g., 92% purity - significantly higher than atmospheric oxygen levels of approximately 21% in air supplied from air blower systems. traditional air used in wastewater treatment facilities - to the gas infusion system 220 via an oxygen supply line 231. Atmospheric air may be collected directly from the surrounding environment by the oxygen generator 230, or may be collected through an air intake 235 and supplied to the oxygen generator 230 through an air supply duct 236.

[069] The gas infusion system 220 may include one or more gas infusion modules 225 to saturate the wastewater influent with oxygen received by the gas infusion module(s) 225 through the supply line of oxygen 231. Each gas infusion module 225 includes a plurality of hollow microporous tubes or fibers with a plurality of micropores having a pore diameter sufficient to permit transfer of the concentrated oxygen to the wastewater influent in a bubble-free manner (e.g. no bubbles).

[070] In another implementation, the wastewater influent is supplied by the influent feed pump 210 through the influent supply line 205 and into an influent collector 215, which supports various arrangements of gas infusion modules 225 from modules unique to an array of 2 or more modules (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more gas infusion modules 225, arranged in parallel) within the gas infusion system 220. The generator oxygen supply 230 supplies concentrated oxygen through oxygen supply line 231 to a gas manifold 223, which supports the oxygen supply to each of the gas infusion modules 225 in the specific array of modules within the gas infusion system 220 .

[071] In another implementation, discussed further below, two or more gas infusion modules 225 are arranged in series, wherein the wastewater influent is supplied by the influent feed pump 210 through the influent supply line 205 and into a influent collector (not shown), which supports various arrays of gas infusion modules 225 arranged in series, as depicted 225a and 225b in FIG. 2, within the gas infusion system 220. In such an arrangement, the oxygen-saturated wastewater influent flows from the gas infusion module 225a and to the gas infusion module 225b where it is further saturated with oxygen. The oxygen generator 220 supplies concentrated oxygen through the oxygen supply line 231 to a gas manifold (not shown), which supports the oxygen supply to each of the gas infusion modules 225a and 225b in the specific array of modules within of the 220 gas infusion system.

[072] It will be appreciated that any arrangement of gas infusion modules 225 can be provided within the gas infusion system 220, from a single module usage arrangement, to multiple modules arranged in parallel (as shown in FIG. 13), for multiple modules arranged in series, and even multiple modules arranged in a combination of parallel and series (as shown in FIG. 14), depending on the oxygenation needs of the specific wastewater treatment facility.

[073] In some implementations, two stages of gas infusion can be used to supersaturate wastewater with oxygen. The first stage can saturate the wastewater influent flowing into an aeration tank with dissolved oxygen. The second stage can saturate the mixed liquor from the aeration tank with dissolved oxygen and recirculate the saturated wastewater back to the aeration tank.

[074] In the first stage, oxygen generators collect atmospheric air (with approximately 21%-23% oxygen) and concentrate oxygen from the collected air to supply the concentrated oxygen to a module(s) of gas infusion in communication with the wastewater influent. Oxygen generators concentrate oxygen to levels that include: concentrated oxygen at levels of 90% or more, 80% or more, 70% or more, 60% or more, or at levels greater than ambient atmospheric oxygen levels and up to 90% or more concentrated oxygen. Concentrated oxygen can be supplied from the oxygen generator to the gas infusion module(s) at levels of 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87% , 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% or more than 97% oxygen.

[075] Microporous hollow-core fiber membranes transfer concentrated oxygen to the wastewater influent. Each microporous hollow fiber membrane includes multiple micropores that produce a stable interface to transfer oxygen to the wastewater influent without creating bubbles in the influent. Introducing concentrated oxygen directly into the influent through microporous fiber membranes provides an oxygen supersaturated fluid without the use or need for air blowers or blower systems used in traditional aeration systems.

[076] Traditional blower systems are used to create air bubbles in wastewater to provide available oxygen to microorganisms. The gas infusion unit with one or more gas infusion modules transfers oxygen to the effluent without creating bubbles to provide a much more efficient and higher level of effluent oxygenation. This allows for longer periods of oxygen retention in the effluent and throughout the aeration tanks (or biological reactors) in the wastewater treatment plant, thus providing a longer period of oxygen exposure for microorganisms in the aeration phase (or oxygenation) of wastewater.

[077] Due to the absence of air or oxygen bubbles in oxygen-saturated wastewater, dissolved oxygen undergoes Brownian molecular motion and dissolved oxygen is not released because it does not break the surface tension of the water. Furthermore, as oxygen is dissolved, the assimilation of microorganisms is also facilitated by increasing the process capacity.

[078] When using a direct gas infusion oxygenation system as described in the present invention, where the oxygen transfer efficiency to the effluent is greater than traditional air blower systems, lower energy consumption is advantageously obtained and, consequently, lower operating costs in sewage treatment plants. Thus, it becomes possible not only to reduce the operating costs of wastewater treatment plants, but also to better allocate energy resources and provide cleaner water.

[079] Furthermore, with the increase in the efficiency of gas transfer processes for the consumption of organic matter from sewage, the expansion of treatment capacity is advantageously possible without increasing the physical size of the wastewater treatment facility. Achieving the ability to treat an increase in flow within this physical dimension of the wastewater facility also reduces capital expenditures associated with adding wastewater treatment tanks and blower systems to treat more flow into a wastewater facility due to to the increase in population. In this way, capacity expansion can also facilitate the handling of surge or irregular sewage treatment needs without increasing the physical structure of the plant.

[080] In one implementation, a gas infusion system with a wastewater flow capacity of 1 l/s (one liter per second) was installed as a side flow to an existing wastewater treatment facility. The results of the test installation demonstrate that:

[081] (1) gas infusion systems consistent with the embodiments described in the present invention eliminate the need for expensive, inefficient and bulky blower aeration systems;

[082] (2) with the elimination of blower systems, blower houses and other acoustic accommodations for blower equipment are not required;

[083] (3) CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes can replace the typical stainless steel pipes required by blower systems; It is

[084] (4) high-cost and intensive-maintenance air diffusers are not necessary, used to form small or microbubbles in the air supplied by the blower.

[085] In fact, using high-efficiency gas infusion technology as disclosed in the present invention, high-efficiency removal of carbonaceous organic matter and nitrification can be achieved with energy reductions that can reach between 30% and 90% of that observed in conventional systems. In some implementations, high-efficiency gas infusion devices used as an alternative to traditional blower systems in wastewater treatment facilities achieve an energy reduction over the traditional system of 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, or more than 70% (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%).

[086] Figure 3 illustrates an implementation, where two gas infusion systems are installed in the effluent flow, the first promoting oxygenation of the influent effluent at the inlet of the effluent treatment facility (for example, after primary clarification) and the other promoting the oxygenation of the mixed liquor from the aeration tank, which recirculates back to the aeration tank. In such an arrangement, levels between 30 mg/L of oxygen and 55 mg/L of oxygen in the inlet influent can advantageously be obtained. In some embodiments, the use of a gas infusion unit disclosed in the present invention in the incoming effluent can achieve oxygen levels of: 30 mg/L to 35 mg/L oxygen; 35 mg/L to 40 mg/L oxygen; 40 mg/L to 45 mg/L oxygen; 45 mg/L to 50 mg/L oxygen; and 50 mg/L oxygen or above (e.g. 55 mg/L oxygen). Additionally, using a second oxygen infusion unit to infuse mixed liquor from the aeration tank and recirculated to the aeration tank can produce oxygen levels in excess of 55 mg/L oxygen in the recirculated effluent stream. In some embodiments, the use of a gas infusion unit disclosed herein in the mixed liquor stream from the aeration tank can produce oxygen levels in the recirculated effluent stream of 30 ppm to 45 ppm.

[087] Oxygen saturation levels above the wastewater in the aeration stage of treatment were achieved using a system that includes: an effluent recirculation pump, a 60-liter gas infusion pressure chamber with a matrix of six Gas infusion modules, each with microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes were supplied with 85% to 95% pure oxygen gas (e.g., 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% pure oxygen gas) generated by an external oxygen generator operating at a pressure of 151.69 KPa (22 Psi). The oxygen supply from the oxygen generator is the gas source for the oxygen infusion process that occurs within the gas infusion pressure chamber. It will be appreciated that other sources of oxygen may be used in place of an oxygen generator (in the implementations described in the present invention), including pressurized oxygen from a tank or other pressure vessel.

[088] As illustrated in Figure 3, a wastewater treatment system 300 utilizes embodiments of the gas infusion system described in the present invention and, for example, may include a first metering feed pump or influent feed pump 310 to direct a portion of the wastewater plant's primary influent from the anaerobic treatment tank or Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) 303 through the influent supply line 305. The influent stream is pumped to the first system of gas 320 infusion at a rate of, for example, 25-35 liters per minute (L/min or LPM). The first gas infusion system 320 may have a gas infusion pressure chamber or housing 321. The influent circulates within the housing 321 through an eductor (not shown) positioned in the center of the array of six gas infusion unit modules. gas. The eductor directs the influent through the microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane in a concomitant or alternatively countercurrent manner, allowing mass transfer of oxygen from a gas phase to an aqueous phase and saturation to the influent at the same time. wherein it achieves a mass transfer of nitrogen from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase where the nitrogen gas is vented out of the pressure vessel through a pressure release valve in the gas infusion pressure chamber 321.

[089] The level of dissolved oxygen achieved within the influent in gas infusion pressure chamber 321 is greater than 100 ppm (e.g., between 100 ppm and 330 ppm inclusive), greater than 200 ppm, greater than 300 ppm, and in some embodiments, in excess of 330 ppm. This highly oxygenated influent level is achieved by dissolving oxygen molecules in a substantially bubble-free gas transfer process. As used in the present invention, "bubble-free gas transfer" or "oxygen bubble-free" means that 70% or more (e.g., 90% or more) of the dissolved oxygen in the influent is transferred without the creation of bubbles.

[090] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, a total gas pressure between 103.42 KPa (15 psi) to 151.69 KPa (22 psi) is maintained within the gas infusion pressure chamber 321 by restricting the flow of wastewater exiting from the gas infusion pressure chamber 321 at a flow rate of at least 25 LPM, (e.g., 25 LPM, 26, LPM, 27 LPM, 28 LPM, 29 LPM, 30 LPM, 31 LPM, 32 LPM, 33 LPM, 34 LPM or 35 LPM or more). In some embodiments, restriction of outflow can be achieved by providing an outlet pipe (not shown) from the gas infusion pressure chamber 321 with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inlet pipe 305 of the feed pump. influent 310. Alternatively, the total gas pressure within the gas infusion pressure chamber 321 may be maintained between 103.42 KPa (15 psi) and 151.69 KPa (22 psi), or at levels greater than 151.69 KPa (22 psi) using a small compressor in series with the oxygen generator (not shown) or using a high pressure capacity or oxygen generator. The exit flow rate of the gas infusion pressure chamber 321 can be restricted by adjusting one or more metering valves 328 in the exit stream.

[091] The first gas infusion system 320 pumps the highly oxygenated influent from the first gas infusion system 320 in a bubble-free manner through a supply pipe 307 that contains an in-line dissolved oxygen meter 341, a in-line flow meter 342, an in-line pH meter 343, and other sensors such as pressure and temperature sensors. Data measuring dissolved oxygen, flow rate, pH, and other operating conditions of the highly oxygenated wastewater from the first gas infusion unit 320 can be fed to a control unit (not shown) and used to adjust and maintain oxygen levels. target or desired oxygen and flow rates of the highly oxygenated effluent. Excessive oxygenation of incoming wastewater helps in wastewater treatment as it facilitates the breakdown of some long-chain organic compounds and also refractory organic compounds. Data from the various sensors can be collected by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that provides real-time data accessible by an automated control module, personal monitoring on-site or remotely over a network.

[092] In the example embodiment represented in Figure 3, the highly oxygenated influent flows continuously at a flow rate between 25 LPM and 35 LPM (inclusive), for example 30 LPM, at the inlet of the aeration tank 350. The aeration tank 350 in the present example may have a volume of approximately 26 cubic meters of wastewater with an operational retention time of 7.2 hours (assuming an inlet flow of 30 LPM on average plus recirculation of activated sludge or RAS from the bottom of the clarifier to the aeration tank). The incoming highly oxygenated wastewater is pumped to the aeration tank 350 through an open-end supply pipe 307 whereby the highly oxygenated wastewater is released below the surface of the wastewater in the aeration tank 350, e.g., below the surface up to two-thirds of the tank depth (e.g. in a 3 meter high tank, highly oxygenated wastewater is released into the aeration tank 350 at a depth of 2 meters below the surface). Introducing the highly oxygenated effluent well below the surface of the aeration tank promotes continuous agitation and suspension of organic matter in the aeration tank and maintains oxygen saturation in the effluent. Highly oxygenated levels of dissolved oxygen are maintained in the aeration tank in the range of 2 ppm to 3 ppm (inclusive) for the purpose of being used by microorganisms in an aerobic activated sludge treatment process where aerobic bacteria, in the presence of oxygen, oxidize carbonaceous matter, ammonia nitrogen matter, expel entrained gases, generate a biological floc that facilitates the sedimentation of suspended solids and generates a mixed liquor with 100-200 ml/L of sludge after a 30-minute decantation test.

[093] Simultaneously, the effluent from the aeration tank 350 is recirculated through the effluent recirculation supply line 361 by the recirculation pump 360 in a closed loop from the flow end 351 of the aeration tank 350 and recirculated to a second gas infusion system 370 for the purpose of further dissolving additional kilograms of oxygen into the wastewater effluent stream within the aeration tank 350. The recirculated stream uses the recirculation pump 360 to recirculate wastewater effluent to the second gas infusion system 370 wherein the effluent is re-oxygenated in the manner described with the first gas infusion system 320.

[094] In this secondary oxygenation process, the effluent can reach a dissolved oxygen saturation level in the range of 30 ppm to 45 ppm.

[095] FIGS. 4 to 6 show an implementation of a gas infusion module 400. The gas infusion module 400 includes a thin-walled tubular housing 401 (e.g., of stainless steel or other suitable material, such as other metal) with a plug input plug 402 at the upper end 403 and an output plug 404 at the bottom end 405 thereof. Flanges 406 and 407 are provided at the top and bottom ends 403 and 405, respectively, of housing 401. Plugs 402 and 404 are sealed in housing 401 by rings 408. Plugs 402 and 404 are identical, each including a pair of spaced flanges 409 and 410 with an annular groove 411 between them. Flanges 410 act as seats for two-piece clamps 412, which secure plugs 402 and 404 in housing 401. It will be appreciated that various materials can be used for the gas infusion module components, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), or other suitable materials.

[096] Concentrated oxygen from an oxygen generator or an oxygen supply tank is introduced into the upper end 403 of the housing through an elbow 413 and an inlet passage 414 in plug 402. Wastewater is introduced into the housing 401 via a T-coupling 415 and an inlet passage 416 in the center of the plug 402. A pressure indicator 417 that is mounted on the T-coupling 415 monitors the pressure of wastewater entering the housing 401.

[097] Waste water entering the inlet passage 416 flows through a short coupler 419 to a central tube 420 or core that extends substantially the entire length of the housing 401.

[098] The upper end of the coupler 419 is sealed to the plug 402 by rings 421. Waste water is discharged from the pipe 420 through four ports 423 in the housing 401. A plug 424 on the pipe 420 below the ports 423 prevents the waste water from go through the doors. The upper end of the tube 420 extends from and is connected to an epoxy resin disk 425, which is mounted to the upper end of a CPVC sleeve 426. The sleeve 426 is sealed in the housing 401 by an O-ring 428.

[099] A plurality of hollow microporous fibers 429 of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,200, which was issued to Craig L. Glassford on May 26, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes, extends and is suspended from disk 425. The illustration of fibers 429 in FIG. 5 is merely schematic. In an exemplary implementation, an approximately 101.60 centimeters (40 inches) long housing 401 may include up to 5,600 fibers 429, each having a length of 35.56 centimeters (14 inches) and an outer diameter of 0.54 mm. . 429 fibers have a liquid-repellent (e.g., hydrophobic) outer surface. A CPVC barrel 431 is mounted and extends below the sleeve 426. The barrel 431 is spaced from the housing 401. Openings 432 in the barrel 431 allow waste water to enter the space between the housing 401 and the barrel 431.

[100] The bottom end of the central tube 420 extends and is supported by a trefoil base 434 (see FIG. 6), the arms 435 of which are connected to the open bottom end 436 of the barrel 431. The gaps 437 between the arms 435 provide outlets from barrel 431 for waste water. Waste water discharged from the barrel 431 passes through an outlet passage 438 in the bottom plug 404, a coupling 439 and a pipe 440 (e.g., of polyethylene or other suitable material) to a T-coupling 441. The water saturated residual gas is discharged through an arm 442 of the coupling 441. The undissolved gas from the waste water entering the coupling 441 passes through another tee coupling 443 to a tank 444 for discharge through a gas vent valve 445. Opening and closing of valve 45 is controlled by a lever 446 in tank 444 operated by a float 447.

[101] Undissolved gas in a deposit area 452 below the fibers 429 passes through a small orifice 453 (see FIG. 6) in the central tube 420 below the area in the barrel 431 containing the microporous tubes 429. The orifice 453 acts to control the level of undissolved gas and the level of waste water in barrel 431. Orifice 453 also prevents gas from exiting the waste water outlet passage 439 with the waste water by venting a controlled amount of gas while simultaneously controlling the level of the gas/liquid interface in the device. The density of the gas is lower than that of the wastewater and preferentially passes through orifice 453. In testing, it was observed that the wastewater may not be able to contain all of the gas in solution at this point, and the excess gas that is not completely dissolved in the wastewater will exit through orifice 453.

[102] Gas entering the center tube 420 through orifice 453 is discharged through a short coupling 456, which connects the tube 420 to an outlet passage 457 in the bottom plug 404. The gas flows through the passage 457 and elbow 458 and a pipe 459 for the third arm 461 of the T-coupling 443.

[103] In operation, wastewater from a source thereof enters the gas infusion module 400 through tee-coupling 415, inlet passage 416, coupler 419, and center pipe 420. Wastewater is discharged from the pipe through the four ports 423 and is distributed over the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers 429. At the same time, gas enters the apparatus through the elbow 413 and the inlet passage 414. The gas flows to the open upper ends of the microporous hollow fibers 429 while the wastewater is being distributed over the outer surface of the fibers 429 in a direction concomitant with the gas. The waste water remains in contact with the gas that escapes through the pores (not shown) in the microporous fibers 429, whereby the waste water collects gas in solution as it travels down the barrel 431. When the waste water exits from the barrel area 431 containing the fibers 429, it enters the reservoir area 452 (see FIG. 6) where the excess gas that is not completely dissolved coalesces and accumulates in the center of the barrel 431. The gas-saturated residual water is discharged through outlet passage 439 into plug 404, tube 440 and T-coupling 441.

[104] When wastewater is initially introduced into the gas infusion module 400, the gas infusion module 400 is completely filled with ambient air. Air is vented through tank 444 and valve 445 by introducing wastewater into the system. Wastewater rises in tank 444 to close valve 445 preventing wastewater from escaping. Orifice 453 in central tube 420 maintains gas/liquid balance in the area of microporous fibers 429 and in the bottom area of the barrel 431 which contains higher levels of gas saturation than the top of the barrel.

[105] The gas that enters the orifice 453 and the valve 445 after the apparatus reaches an equilibrium state leaves the wastewater which may contain less gas which allows more soluble gas to be infused into the wastewater. The gas outlet tee coupling 443 allows wastewater collected by orifice 453 to re-enter the main outlet water stream passing through the coupling 441 and releases the gas that comes out of solution due to turbulence in the wastewater outlet. Additionally, the T-coupling 443 prevents hydraulic locks in the tank 444 when connecting the tank 444 to the wastewater stream flowing through the coupling 441. The pipe 440 through which the wastewater is discharged from the apparatus is sized to allow a specific amount of pressure is maintained in the gas infusion apparatus at a specific flow rate. The tube 440 facilitates laminar flow to minimize (e.g., eliminate) any shear caused by any restriction caused by the outlet passage 438 and its associated coupling 439. The shear causes dissolved gases to come out of solution, which is undesirable.

[106] It should be noted that the center tube 420, sleeve 426, barrel 431 and barrel contents can be formed as a module, which can be removed from housing 401 by removing clips 412 for quick disassembly (e.g. , to facilitate maintenance of the gas infusion module 400).

[107] It will be further noted that in some implementations one or more gases may be introduced into the apparatus (gas infusion module 400) sequentially or as a mixed gas. For example, oxygen may be introduced into the apparatus (gas infusion module 400) followed by the introduction of nitrogen into the apparatus (gas infusion module 400). In such a manner, a fluid or waste water can be supersaturated with oxygen, maintained for a desirable period of time, and the oxygen can then be displaced by subsequent supersaturation of the oxygenated fluid with nitrogen.

[108] The microporous structure within each gas infusion module (e.g., the microporous hollow fibers 429) may include a microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane with a pore passage diameter of about 0.01 μm to about 5 μm ("micromembrane"). The micromembrane may have a plurality of pores, wherein the passage diameter of the pores is equal to or less than 0.05 μm, equal to or less than 0.10 μm, equal to or less than 0.15 μm, equal to or less than 0 .20 μm, or equal to or less than 0.25 μm. Microporous structures and micromembranes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,209,855 and 7,537,200, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[109] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a gas/liquid mixing apparatus, including: a) a casing 802 having a gas inlet 804, a liquid inlet 806 and a gas/liquid mixing outlet 808, b) a microporous membrane 810 in the coating 802, the microporous membrane 810 having, i) effective, gas/liquid contact, pore passage diameters generally in the range of 0.01 μm to 5 μm, and ii) a liquid-repellent side 812 to be mixed, the microporous membrane 810 dividing the interior of the liner 814 into a liquid passage, on the water-repellent side 812, between the liquid inlet 806 and the gas/liquid mixing outlet 808 and a gas chamber of the inlet gas 804, c) a fluid pressure regulator connected to the casing 802, comprising a liquid backpressure indicator and gauge 818 and a gas pressure regulator and gauge 820, for regulating the gas/liquid pressure ratio in the casing 802 of so that, i) the gas pressure does not exceed the liquid pressure, and ii) the pressurized liquid does not pass through the micropores of the membrane, and d) a gas/liquid mixture conduction and distribution device with low liquid turbulence, in the shaped like a pipe 829, having a rounded corner and connected to the gas/liquid mixture outlet 808 and terminating below a liquid level 823 of a tank 824 to smoothly distribute the gas/liquid mixture thereto.

[110] The apparatus may also include gas outlets 805 to remove any liquid that may collect in the gas chamber 802. The gas outlet 805 is also useful for connecting two or more liners 802 in series flow.

[111] In the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 may further include a gas valve 821, a high pressure oxygen cylinder 822, the open top gas/liquid mixing tank 824 forming a receiving vessel for gas/liquid mixing, a high speed liquid pump variable 826, a liquid pressure regulator and indicator 828, and a dissolved oxygen analyzer 830. Gas flow meters 852 and 854 may be provided in conjunction with a gas valve 856. Liquid feed may be supplied from the tank 858 and precisely controlled by return line 860 and valve 862. In the context of wastewater treatment, tank 858 may be the aeration tank of a wastewater system or the UASB

[112] In FIG. 9, parts similar to those shown in FIG. 8 are designated by the same reference numbers and the previous description is invoked to describe them.

[113] In FIG. 9, the microporous membrane 810 comprises one of a bundle of hollow microporous fibers 827, each with a liquid-repellent outer side 812 and sealed in epoxy resin discs 831 and 832, which, in turn, are sealed in the casing 802 by “O” rings 834 and 836 respectively. The assembly, comprising the microporous fiber bundle 827 and the discs 831 and 832, is supported by a central support tube 838 that is sealed to the housing and spaced the discs 831 and 832 to provide plenum chambers 840 and 841. The plenum chamber 840 receives gas from inlet 804, while plenum chamber 841 passes gas to outlet 805 to flow meter 854.

[114] The upper ends of the microporous fibers 827 have open ends exposed above the disc 831, to the plenum chamber 840.

[115] The lower ends of the microporous fibers 827 have open ends exposed below the disc 832 to the plenum chamber 841.

[116] The central support tube 838 provides the liquid inlet 806 and has liquid outlet ports 842 for the interior portion of the liner 802 between the discs 831 and 832.

[117] Gas/liquid mixture outlet 808 is one of two similar outlets, the other being designated by reference number 809. Both outlets 808 and 809 are connected to pipe 829 (FIG. 9).

[118] In other embodiments, outlet 808 or 809 is used to recirculate the gas/liquid mixture for additional gas enrichment.

[119] In FIG. 10, parts similar to those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are designated by the same reference numbers and the previous description is invoked to describe them.

[120] FIG. 10 shows a portion 844 of the hollow microporous fibers 827 (FIG. 9) before they are wound onto the microporous fiber bundle 827. The microporous fibers 827 form the warp of an open mesh structure woven, with solid fibers 846, of heat-repellent substance. liquids similar to microporous fibers, forming the weave.

[121] In operation using the example embodiment of Figures 810, oxygen gas was mixed with liquid water, the open top tank 824 (FIG. 8) had a capacity of 240 L and was ~90 cmx45 cmx60 cm high.

[122] The hollow microporous fibers 827 (FIGS. 9 and 10) each had an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and were made of polyethylene or polypropylene, both of which are water repellent. The size range of the micropores was controlled in the microporous fiber manufacturing process to produce predetermined and effective passage diameters through the walls of the hollow microporous fibers. The pressure at which the gas passes into the liquid of the microporous membranes was in the order of 275.79 KPa (40 psi) (2.8 kg per cm2). The specific surface area of the hollow microporous fiber bundle was about 3,000 square meters per cubic meter of volume.

[123] More specifically, Table I below provides details of two different polyethylene fibers used in the tests.

[124] εp is the average porosity of the fibers, Do is the external diameter of the fibers in microns, and Di is the internal diameter of the fibers in microns.

[125] Table II below provides details of bundled fibers used in modules that form the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 for different tests.

[126] TABLE II L is the length of the fibers in cm, N° is the number of fibers in the bundle, Dc is the internal diameter of the bundle in cm, and Dg is the external diameter of the bundle in cm.

[127] Figure 11 illustrates an example embodiment of a process 1000 for using oxygen infusion in wastewater treatment including the steps of: (1) providing 1110 an oxygen infusion system comprising: an oxygen generator and an or more gas infusion modules having a plurality of microporous membranes; (2) receiving influent wastewater and supplying 1115 the influent wastewater to one or more gas infusion modules at a specified flow rate; (4) concentrate oxygen 1120 from atmospheric air to levels above ambient conditions; (5) supplying 1125 the concentrated oxygen to one or more gas infusion modules at a pressure to facilitate the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater influent; (6) infusing 1130 the influent wastewater with concentrated oxygen through the microporous membrane in a bubble-free gas transfer manner that inhibits the formation of oxygen bubbles in the influent wastewater; (7) discharge 1135 the influent wastewater from the oxygen infusion system to an aeration tank of a wastewater treatment facility, wherein the discharged wastewater has an oxygen saturation of 20 ppm to 30 ppm (inclusive) or higher (for example, equal to or greater than 30 ppm, between 30 ppm and 60 ppm (inclusive), between 50 ppm and 100 ppm (inclusive), between 75 ppm and 150 ppm (inclusive), and equal to or greater than 150 ppm) ; and (8) maintaining 1140 the wastewater in the aeration tank at dissolved oxygen levels of 1.5 ppm to 3 ppm, wherein the process of maintaining the desired oxygen levels can be accomplished by a constant feed of oxygenated wastewater or recirculation of oxygenated wastewater through a second-stage gas infusion unit.

[128] Examples:

[129] Embodiments of the present invention have been tested at various flow rates and pressure conditions to achieve the following results listed in Table III:

[130] The “Industry Numbers” for O2 consumption requirements using conventional aeration techniques are typically about 1.5 kg O2 per kg BOD consumed. This is much higher than the numbers observed in Table III tests (~0.30) with oxygen-infused water. Subsequent tests analyzed the reduction of nitrogen (compounds). Based on the ammonia reduction observed in these later tests and the known O2 (4.57 kgO2 per kg N), it is estimated that approximately 100 mg/min of dissolved oxygen was used in each of the above runs shown in Table III. This further reduces O2 consumption to approximately 0.15 kg per kg BOD, and makes an even stronger case for the use of an oxygen infused process.

[131] Efficiency over traditional air blower systems:

[132] It has been found that significant efficiencies can be obtained using the bubble-free oxygen infusion system and the process of the present invention to replace traditional aeration systems using air blowing devices. For example, a conventional wastewater treatment system using blown air can achieve 1.0 KgO2/KgBOD, maintaining 0.5 ppm to 2.0 ppm of residual dissolved Oxygen in the aeration tank, while consuming between 12 and 13 Kilowatts of power per day. A similar system that replaces the air blowers in the aeration tank with the oxygen infusion system in accordance with some embodiments described in the present invention can achieve approximately 0.3 KgO2/KgBOD while maintaining 10 ppm to 20 ppm residual dissolved oxygen in the tank of aeration, consuming between 3 and 4 Kilowatts of power per day. This represents a tenfold increase in dissolved oxygen while decreasing power consumption by up to 60% or more.

[133] In one implementation, a test wastewater treatment system having a capacity of 300 L/min using the oxygen infusion system for sewage aeration provided the desired biological efficiency factor of approximately 0.3 KgO2/KgBOD , with the following parameters: the BOD of the influent before oxygenation can be approximately 475 ppm; the BOD of the effluent from the aeration tank can be approximately 20 ppm; using a total of 9 gas infusion modules with an influent flow rate for each unit of 150 L/min and an oxygen flow rate for each unit of 4 L/min at a pressure of 137.90 KPa (20 psi ) resulted in approximately 91% dissolution of the supplied Oxygen, total power use of approximately 7.75 KW, having a total oxygen supply rate of approximately 36 L/min, treating approximately 18 m3/h, which additionally resulted in a power consumption rate of 0.43 KWH/m3 of treated sewage. Oxygen can be supplied, for example, using an Airsep Oxygen Concentrator (Model AS-D100) having a capacity of approximately 40 L/min.

[134] In another implementation, a test wastewater treatment system with a capacity of 500 L/min using the oxygen infusion system for sewage aeration provided the desired biological efficiency factor of approximately 0.3 KgO2/KgBOD , with the following parameters: the BOD of the influent before oxygenation can be approximately 475 ppm; the BOD of the effluent from the aeration tank can be approximately 20 ppm; using a total of 15 gas infusion modules with an influent flow rate for each unit of 150 L/min and an oxygen flow rate for each unit of 4 L/min at a pressure of 137.90 KPa (20 psi) resulted in a total power usage of approximately 13 KW, having a total oxygen supply rate of approximately 60 L/min, treating approximately 30 m3/h, which additionally resulted in a power consumption rate of 0. 43 KWH/m3 of treated sewage. Oxygen can be supplied, for example, using an Airsep Oxygen Concentrator (Model AS-E160) with a capacity of approximately 40 L/min.

[135] Figure 12 includes a table showing performance parameters and efficiency measurements for systems of various sizes incorporating exemplary embodiments of the gas infusion system described in the present invention. It will be appreciated that the oxygen available during wastewater aeration is increased and power consumption is reduced relative to traditional aeration systems.

[136] In other example embodiments, various arrangements of the gas infusion modules within the gas infusion unit can be modified to maximize flow through the microporous membranes while minimizing the power required to pump the wastewater effluent through the unit. of gas infusion. Gas infusion modules can be arranged in series, in parallel, a combination of series and parallel, or grouped into specific groups with common housings to provide optimized efficiency.

[137] Figure 13 illustrates an example of an array of multiple units 1310 of gas infusion modules arranged in parallel. As depicted, the multi-unit array 1310 includes multiple gas infusion modules 1315, each comprising a housing, connections for inflow and outflow of wastewater and concentrated oxygen, and an array of microporous hollow-core fibers. as described in Figures 4 through 7, and elsewhere in this disclosure. The matrix 1310 further comprises a wastewater inlet 1320 for supplying wastewater to the matrix. Inlet 1320 is in communication with supply pipe 1332 that feeds wastewater to each infusion module 1315. Supply pipe 1332 may be in direct connection between any two or more infusion modules 1315, connecting each infusion module 1315 in series. Alternatively, the supply pipe 1332 can be replaced with a manifold connecting each infusion module 1315 in series. The array 1310 further comprises the discharge pipe 1324 for carrying oxygen-infused wastewater from the infusion modules 1315 and away from the array 1310 through the wastewater outlet 1326. The discharge pipe 1324 may be in direct connection between any two or more infusion modules 1315, connecting each infusion module 1315 in series. Alternatively, the discharge pipe 1324 can be replaced with a manifold connecting each infusion module 1315 in series. The oxygen connection or gas discharge as described previously in this disclosure is not shown in Figure 13. The exemplary embodiment of the array 1310 includes fifteen infusion modules in parallel. It will be appreciated that any number of modules 1315 in a single array 1310 arranged in parallel are contemplated in the present invention, from two modules to fifty or more. The number of modules depends on the required oxygen infusion levels and the pumping applicability of the targeted wastewater treatment facility.

[138] Figure 14 illustrates an example of an array of multiple units 1410 of gas infusion modules comprising a first array 1440 with individual modules arranged in parallel as described with respect to the array in Figure 13 and a second array 1445 also with modules 13. The first array 1440 and the second array 1445 are arranged together in series with the output 1426 of the first array 1440 leading to the input 1421 of the second array 1445. The multi-unit array 1410 of gas infusion modules represents a two-stage infusion process in which wastewater is infused with oxygen in a first stage through the first matrix 1440 and then infused again with additional oxygen in a second stage 1445, from so that before the wastewater was discharged from the multi-unit array 1410 it flowed through two sets of infusion modules 1415a and 1415b. The illustrated implementation provides multiple infusion module units arranged in parallel to provide processing volume with a second array in series with the first, wherein the second array also has multiple infusion modules arranged in parallel to provide processing volume. As depicted, the multi-unit array 1410 includes multiple gas infusion modules 1315, each comprising a housing, connections for the inflow and outflow of wastewater and concentrated oxygen, and an array of microporous hollow-core fibers, as described in FIGS. 4 to 7, and elsewhere in this disclosure. The first array 1440 further comprises a wastewater inlet 1420 for supplying wastewater to the array. Inlet 1420 is in communication with supply pipe 1422 that feeds wastewater to each infusion module 1415a. The first array 1440 further comprises the discharge pipe 1424 for carrying the oxygen-infused wastewater from the infusion modules 1415a and away from the first array 1440 via the wastewater outlet 1426. The first array 1440 provides a first stage for gas infusion. Oxygenated wastewater from outlet 1426 flows through transfer pipe 1427 and into inlet 1421 of second array 1445.

[139] The second array 1445 further comprises a wastewater inlet 1421 for supplying wastewater to the second array. Inlet 1421 is in communication with supply pipe 1423 that feeds wastewater to each second stage infusion module 1415b. The second array 1445 further comprises the discharge pipe 1425 for carrying the oxygen-infused wastewater from the infusion modules 1415b and away from the multi-unit array 1410 via the wastewater outlet 1427. The second array 1445 provides a second stage for gas infusion. Oxygenated wastewater from outlet 1427 flows out of the multi-unit array 1410 and typically into an aeration retention pond, tank, or pool.

[140] The exemplary embodiment of array 1410 includes twelve infusion modules with the first six infusion modules arranged in parallel and the second six also arranged in parallel, wherein the first six modules are in series with the second six modules, so that wastewater flows through at least one module in the first module grouping and at least one module in the second module grouping. It will be appreciated that any number of modules 1415 in a single array 1440 or 1445 are contemplated in the present invention, from one or two modules to fifty or more. It will be further appreciated that more than two arrays may be arranged in series, such as 3, 4, 5 or more arrays, each containing any number of modules arranged in parallel. The number of modules depends on the required oxygen infusion levels and the pumping applicability of the targeted wastewater treatment facility to achieve the desired objective of oxygen supersaturated wastewater while minimizing the electrical demand to pump the water and aerate the effluent.

[141] The oxygen connection or gas discharge as described earlier in this disclosure is not shown in Figure 14.

[142] Figure 15 shows a gas infusion tank 1515 (e.g., high-flow module tank) with a lid 1510 and a housing 1517 (a tank vessel) that can contain multiple gas infusion modules 1550, each one having an arrangement of microporous hollow core fiber bundles as described in Figures 4 to 7 and elsewhere in this disclosure (e.g., the gas infusion module 1700 described below). Each gas infusion module 1550 may contain between one and forty or more fiber bundles such that wastewater is supplied to the gas infusion tank 1515 to wrap the multiple gas infusion modules 1150 within the housing 1517, reducing advantageously the number of connections and piping losses (e.g., compared to the gas infusion module 400 in FIGS. 4-7, due to the absence of components such as elbows 413 and 458, inlet plug 402, outlet plug 404, etc.). Although not shown in FIG. 15, oxygen may be supplied through the fiber bundles concomitantly with the wastewater introduced into the infusion tank 1515, so that the oxygen is transferred through the fiber bundles in the form of bubbles to the wastewater to supersaturate the fiber bundles. wastewater with oxygen. Wastewater can enter the brew tank 1515 through the opening 1512 (inlet opening) in the upper part of the brew tank 1515 and can exit the brew tank 1515 through the opening 1522 (outlet opening) in the bottom part of the tank 1515. In one implementation, wastewater may flow from opening 1522 to an opening 1512 of another gas infusion tank 1515, thereby providing a gas infusion system where gas infusion tanks 1515 are arranged in series and the waters waste flows through the gas infusion tanks 1515 in series, and flows through each of the gas infusion modules 1550 in each gas infusion tank 1515 in parallel.

[143] Figures 16-17 show a gas infusion tank 1600 (e.g., an in-line saturator or ILS, a high-flow module tank) with a plurality of gas infusion modules 1700 arranged in parallel. For clarity and to show certain structure of the gas infusion tank 1600, some of the gas infusion modules 1700 are not shown in the infusion tank 1600 of FIG. 17. The gas infusion tank 1600 (e.g., several gas infusion tanks 1600, e.g. connected in parallel) may be incorporated into a gas infusion unit (e.g., such as a stand-alone gas infusion unit similar to the gas infusion unit 200 described above in connection with FIG. 2). For example, the gas infusion tank 1600 (e.g., multiple gas infusion tanks 1600 connected in parallel) may replace the gas infusion system 220 in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the above components and description for the gas infusion unit 200 are understood to apply to a system incorporating the gas infusion tank 1600 (e.g., multiple gas infusion tanks 1600 connected in parallel) in a stand-alone unit.

[144] The gas infusion tank 1600 has a lid 1610 and a tank vessel 1620 to which the lid 1610 can be coupled (e.g., via flanges F on both the lid 1610 and the tank vessel 1620). The lid 1610 has an opening 1612 through which wastewater can enter the gas infusion tank 1600, a pressure indicator 1614 attached to a port 1613 (see FIG. 18), and a coupling 1615 (see FIG. 18). whereby oxygen (e.g., from an oxygen generator or oxygen tank) may be introduced into gas infusion tank 1600. In one implementation, port 1613 may be a 0.635 centimeter indicator port (% of inch). In one implementation, coupling 1615 may be a 1.905 centimeter (% inch) coupling (e.g., stainless steel coupling). In one implementation, the tank vessel 1620 may have a height of approximately 132.08 centimeters (52 inches).

[145] With reference to FIG. 17, the gas infusion tank 1600 has (in order) an upper plenum chamber 1602, a first array 1605 of gas infusion modules 1700, an intermediate chamber 1603, a second array 1606 of gas infusion modules 1700, and a lower plenum chamber 1604. As discussed above, wastewater enters the gas infusion tank 1600 through opening 1612 and wastewater exits the gas infusion tank 1600 through siphon breaker or tube 1670 and opening 1622. In In one implementation, the opening 1622 may be approximately 96.52 centimeters (38 inches) from the flange F of the tank vessel 1620. The tank vessel 1620 has a drain 1624 through which the tank vessel 1620 may be drained of liquid. Drain 1624 may be located at a distance H1 from flange F of tank vessel 1620, as shown in FIG. 20B. In one implementation, the H1 distance might be about 121.92 centimeters (48 inches). In one implementation, the tank vessel 1620 has an internal diameter of 91.44 centimeters (36 inches) (e.g., about 1 m), but may have a different diameter in other implementations. In one implementation, the first array 1605 and the second array 1606 may each have 150 gas infusion modules 1700. However, in other implementations, the first array 1605 and the second array 1606 may have a different number of modules. of gas infusion 1700 (e.g. greater than 150 modules or less than 150 modules). In another implementation, the gas infusion tank 1600 has only the first array 1605 of gas infusion modules 1700 and excludes the second array 1606 of gas infusion modules 1700.

[146] With reference to the first array 1605 of gas infusion modules 1700, the gas infusion modules 1700 are disposed between a first plate 1635 and a second plate 1637, the first plate 1635 having openings 1636 and the second plate 1637 having 1638 openings that line up with each other. Each of the gas infusion modules 1700 is disposed between and aligned with one of the openings 1636 in the first plate 1635 and one of the openings 1638 in the second plate 1637. One plate 1630 is spaced above the first plate 1635 (e.g., by spacers between the plate 1630 and the first plate 1635, such as protrusions on a lower portion of the plate 1630) to define a gap G1 between the plate 1630 and the first plate 1635. A cross strut 1650 (see FIG. 19) is located under the second plate 1637 and supports the first array 1605 of gas infusion modules 1700. The cross strut 1650 has a pair of intersecting arms 1652 and a recess 1654 (e.g., pair of recesses 1654) in a lower edge of the cross strut 1650 .

[147] With reference to the second array 1606 of gas infusion modules 1700, the gas infusion modules 1700 are disposed between a third plate 1645 and a fourth plate 1647, the third plate 1645 having openings 1646 and the fourth plate 1647 having 1648 openings that line up with each other. Each of the gas infusion modules 1700 is disposed between and aligned with one of the openings 1646 in the third plate 1645 and one of the openings 1648 in the fourth plate 1647. One plate 1640 is spaced above the third plate 1645 (e.g., by spacers between plate 1640 and third plate 1645, such as protrusions on a lower portion of plate 1640) to define a gap G2 between plate 1640 and third plate 1645. A cross strut 1650 (see FIG. 19) is located under the fourth plate 1647 and supports the second array 1606 of gas infusion modules 1700. The recess 1654 has a contour that generally coincides with the contour of the tube 1670 upon which the cross strut 1650 is positioned.

[148] With continued reference to FIG. 17, the plate 1640 is spaced from the second plate 1637 to define the intermediate chamber 1603 between them. The intermediate chamber 1603 is sized to inhibit (e.g., prevent) flow turbulence to minimize (e.g., prevent) oxygen from coming out of solution in the infused wastewater. Plate 1630 has a central opening O1 and plate 1640 has a central opening O2. A socket 1680 is coupled to the plate 1630 to provide fluid communication with the G1 gap. A tube, hose, or pipe (not shown) may couple to fitting 1680 and a lower side of coupling 1615 to provide a flow passage through which oxygen (e.g., from an oxygen generator or oxygen tank) can be introduced into the gap G1 and thus the gas infusion modules 1700 of the first array 1605. Advantageously, the gap G1 allows pressure equalization for the oxygen injected into the gap G1 so that the gas infusion modules 1700 of the first array 1605 are supplied with oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate. Additionally, the delivery of oxygen through the gap G1 (e.g., compared to the structure, e.g., elbow 413 and plug in the gas infusion module 400 of FIGS. 4-7) simplifies the delivery of oxygen to the plurality of gas infusion modules 1700 and reduces the number of connections and losses (e.g., due to piping that is excluded using gap G1 to distribute oxygen delivery to the gas infusion modules 1700).

[149] Although not shown, a socket (similar to socket 1680) is coupled to plate 1640 to provide fluid communication with gap G2. A tube, hose or pipe (not shown) may couple to the fitting and coupling 1628 on a side wall of the tank vessel 1620 (see FIGS. 20A-20B) to provide a flow passage through which oxygen (e.g., from an oxygen generator or oxygen tank) can be introduced into the gap G2 and thus into the gas infusion modules 1700 of the second array 1606. Advantageously, the gap G2 allows pressure equalization for the oxygen injected into the gap G2 so that the gas infusion modules 1700 of the second array 1606 are supplied with oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate. Additionally, the delivery of oxygen through the gap G2 (e.g., compared to the structure, e.g., elbow 413 and plug in the gas infusion module 400 of FIGS. 4-7) simplifies the delivery of oxygen to the plurality of gas infusion modules 1700 and reduces the number of connections and losses (e.g., due to piping that is excluded using gap G1 to distribute oxygen delivery to the gas infusion modules 1700).

[150] Oxygen may be supplied to coupling 1615 and coupling 1628 from the same source (e.g., oxygen generator or oxygen tank). In one implementation, a flow meter may be in fluid communication with the coupling 1615 and the coupling 1628 to independently regulate the flow of oxygen through the couplings 1615, 1628 (e.g., so that oxygen injected through the coupling 1628 is at a pressure of about 6.89 KPa (1 psi) greater than the oxygen injected through coupling 1615). Flow meters can optionally be controlled by a controller (e.g. a microcontroller unit or MCU, a computer processor, etc.),

[151] In operation, wastewater enters the upper plenum chamber 1602 of the gas infusion tank 1600 through opening 1612 and passes through opening O1 in plate 1630 and along a flow passage F1 to a space above the second plate 1637. The wastewater liquid level increases in said space above the second plate 1637, as wastewater flows around all of the gas infusion modules 1700 in the first array 1605, until it reaches the openings of the modules. of gas infusion modules 1700, as discussed below, and the wastewater flows to the gas infusion modules 1700. As the wastewater flows through the gas infusion modules 1700 of the first array 1605, the wastewater is infused with oxygen, which is introduced into the top of the gas infusion modules 1700 through gap G1. The structure of the gas infusion module 1700 is further described below. Oxygen-infused wastewater exits the gas infusion modules 1700 of the first die 1605 through openings 1638 in the second plate 1637 and the intermediate chamber 1603.

[152] Once in the intermediate chamber 1603, the waste water passes through opening O2 in the plate 1640 and along a flow passage F2 to a space above the fourth plate 1647. The waste water liquid level increases in said space above the fourth plate 1647, as the wastewater flows around all of the gas infusion modules 1700 in the second array 1606, until it reaches the openings of the gas infusion modules 1700, and the wastewater flows into the gas infusion modules 1700. gas infusion 1700. As wastewater flows through the gas infusion modules 1700 of the second array 1606, the wastewater is infused with oxygen, which is introduced into the top of the gas infusion modules 1700 through gap G2. The oxygen-saturated wastewater exits the gas infusion modules 1700 of the second array 1606 through openings 1648 in the fourth plate 1647 and the lower plenum chamber 1604. The wastewater (saturated with oxygen via the first array 1605 and second array 1606 of gas infusion modules 1700) exits the lower plenum chamber 1604 via tube 1670 and opening 1622.

[153] With continued reference to FIGS. 16-17 and 20A, undissolved gas from saturated wastewater (e.g., undissolved oxygen, excess nitrogen removed from wastewater due to infusion of oxygen into wastewater) may pass through a T coupling 1674 to a vent 1676 Said gas may pass through hose 1672 as saturated wastewater exits opening 1622 and/or may pass through fitting 1626 in tank vessel 1620 (see FIG. 20A) to which T-coupling 1674 couples. The fitting 1626 may, in one implementation, be located in the tank vessel 1620, such that it is a vertical location that coincides with a location just below the openings of the gas infusion modules 1700. The location of the fitting 1626 provides the liquid level for wastewater in tank vessel 1620. In one implementation, fitting 1626 may have a diameter of 5.08 centimeters (2 inches) and be approximately 59.69 centimeters (23 percent inches) from flange F of tank vessel 1620.

[154] The gas infusion tank 1600 provides a series-parallel arrangement for gas infusion (e.g., oxygen infusion) of wastewater. Wastewater flows in parallel through gas infusion modules 1700 from each of the first array 1605 and second array 1606. Additionally, wastewater flows in series from the first array 1605 to the second array 1606. The parallel arrangement in series advantageously improves the performance of the gas infusion tank 1600 because additional infusion of the wastewater with oxygen is performed, compared to a gas infusion tank that had only one array of gas infusion modules 1700. Additionally, the tank gas infusion module 1600, compared to the gas infusion module 400 in FIGS. 4-7, has a simplified architecture for delivering oxygen to the gas infusion modules 1700 of the first array 1605 and the second array 1606 that avoids having to feed oxygen individually to each of the gas infusion modules 1700 via fittings and tubes. separate, thereby reducing time and materials required to assemble the system, as well as reducing (e.g. eliminating) possible points of failure due to the use of multiple fittings and hoses, which are not required on the 1600 gas infusion tank. Additionally, because wastewater passes in series through the first array 1605 and the second array 1606 of the gas infusion modules 1700 (e.g., two passes through gas infusion modules), the gas infusion tank 1600 precludes the use of a recirculation pump, since it is not necessary to recirculate wastewater through an array of gas infusion modules to achieve multiple passes through the gas infusion modules (e.g. two passes are already achieved by flowing wastewater through the first array 1605 and the second matrix 1606).

[155] In one implementation, the gas infusion tank 1600 may be operated at a maximum wastewater flow rate of approximately 1700 LPM at 137.90 KPa (20 psi) and a maximum oxygen flow rate of 315 LPM (e.g. to supersaturate wastewater with oxygen). The oxygen would be delivered at substantially the same pressure (e.g., about 3.45 KPa (0.5 psi) greater than liquid pressure) to facilitate the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater within the gas infusion modules 1700 ( for example, to inhibit or prevent wastewater from breaking the surface tension of the pores in the fibers of the gas infusion module 1700 and flooding the fibers). In another implementation, the gas infusion tank 1600 may be operated at a maximum wastewater flow rate of approximately 1700 LPM at 206.84 KPa (30 psi) and a maximum oxygen flow rate of 400 LPM (e.g. , to supersaturate wastewater with oxygen).

[156] FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of one of the gas infusion modules 1700, which has a housing 1710 with one or more openings 1712 (e.g., a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing 1710). The gas infusion module 1700 has a height H2 and houses multiple fibers 1720. The fibers 1720 may be similar (e.g., identical) to the fibers 429 of the gas infusion module 400 in FIGS. 4-7. The fibers 1720 may in one implementation be a 540 micron microporous hollow fiber (polyethylene) with an outer diameter of about 0.5 mm, a wall thickness of 95 microns that defines a central hole (e.g., channel, passage ) of each of the fibers 1720 and about 75% porosity with a nominal pore size of about 0.1 microns. The fibers 1720 may be woven together with solid hydrophobic fibers or rods in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 10, to form a warp of a woven open mesh structure or a mat (e.g., to facilitate or improve contact between wastewater and fibers 1720). The mat can then be rolled up and inserted into the housing 1710. In one implementation, eight fibers 1720 are woven together to make the mat. In one implementation, the belt may have a length of about 76.2 centimeters (30 inches) (in the 1720 fiber direction) and a width of about 62.23 centimeters (24% inches). In another implementation, the fibers 1720 may be a 270 micron microporous hollow fiber with an outer diameter of about 0.25 mm. In one implementation, the length of the fibers 1720 in the gas infusion modules 1700 is between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters (13 inches), such as about 25.40 centimeters (10 inches). The fibers 1720 may be held in the housing 1710 by a disc (e.g., an epoxy resin disc similar to the resin disc 425 in the gas infusion module 400 in FIGS. 4-7).

[157] In one implementation, the housing 1710 has an internal diameter of about 5.08 centimeters (2 inches) and the number of fibers 1720 in the housing 1710 is 3200, the fibers 1720 (and the housing 1710) having a length of 25.40 centimeters (10 inches). The fibers 1720 have a packing factor in the housing 1710 of about 38% (e.g., 38% of the space in the housing 1710 is occupied by the fibers 1720). The 1700 Gas Infusion Module can be operated with a wastewater liquid flow of 18 LPM at 137.90 KPa (20 psi) and an oxygen flow of 1.2 LPM at 92% purity.

[158] The gas infusion tank 1600 (e.g., in-line saturator) with the gas infusion modules 1700 as described above may be used in a gas infusion system to infuse wastewater with oxygen in a manner that improves advantageously the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant by approximately 50%. Below are example calculations for the operation of a gas infusion system utilizing the gas infusion tank 1600 incorporating the gas infusion modules 1700 as described above.

[159] Table IV below shows the design parameters for a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Table IV. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operating Parameters WWTP Entry

[160] Table V below shows the design parameters for one of the 1700 gas infusion modules. Table V. Design parameters for 1 Gas Infusion Module

[161] Table VI below shows the output performance for one of the 1700 gas infusion modules. Table VI. Output Performance for 1 Gas Infusion Module

[162] Table VII below shows the output performance for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Table VII. Output Performance for Water Treatment Plant

[163] Table VIII below shows the design parameters for the gas infusion system using the 1600 gas infusion tank (in-line saturator or ILS) with the 1700 gas infusion modules as described above to meet the performance of rejection to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Table VIII. In-line Saturator Design Multi-module ILS Design

[164] As shown in Tables IV to VIII, in order to meet the rejection performance of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), the gas infusion system needs at least 4.4 units of ILS or infusion tanks of gas 1600, or five gas infusion tanks 1600. The five gas infusion tanks 1600 may be part of an independent gas infusion unit or system, similar to the gas infusion unit 200 in FIG. 2, where the five gas infusion tanks 1600 can be operated in parallel. Calculations show that such a gas infusion unit or system using the gas infusion tanks 1600 and the gas infusion modules 1700 described in the present invention would advantageously achieve a reduction in power usage or improvement in efficiency of at least 50% ( e.g. 0.16 kWh/m3 for the gas infusion system versus 0.33 kWh/m2 for the conventional air blower system). Higher efficiencies can be achieved where the biological efficiency factor is less than 1.00 KgO2/KgBOD.

[165] Figures 22-23 show a schematic diagram of a pilot test of the wastewater treatment system 1800 using gas infusion modules and gas infusion units or systems in accordance with one or more embodiments described above (e.g. , gas infusion unit 200 in FIG. 2, gas infusion modules 400 in FIGS. FIG. 22 shows a more simplified schematic diagram and FIG. 23 shows a more detailed schematic diagram. Figure 24 shows a graph showing the improvement in BOD removal with the gas infusion system used in the wastewater treatment pilot test of FIGS. 22-23.

[166] The system 1800 includes a first gas infusion unit or first in-line saturator 1810 and a second gas infusion unit or second in-line saturator 1820. The first in-line saturator 1810 and the second in-line saturator 1820 may be similar to the gas infusion units or in-line saturators described above (e.g., the gas infusion unit 200 in FIG. 2) that utilize gas infusion modules described above (e.g., the gas infusion modules 400 in the FIGS. 4-7).

[167] The first in-line saturator 1810 receives wastewater from a pipe between an anaerobic treatment tank or Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) and a wastewater treatment plant aeration tank, as shown in FIG. 23. The first in-line saturator 1810 infuses the wastewater with oxygen (e.g., in the manner described above, transferring oxygen to the wastewater using the fibers in the gas infusion module(s)) and distributes the wastewater saturated with oxygen to a biological reactor 1830 (e.g., also referred to as an aeration tank in wastewater treatment plants). Wastewater is recirculated from the biological reactor 1830 via a pump 1840 to the second in-line saturator 1820. The second in-line saturator 1820 infuses the recirculated wastewater with oxygen (e.g., in this manner as the first in-line saturator 1810). and distributes the oxygen-saturated wastewater to the biological reactor 1830. The wastewater is transferred from the biological reactor 1830 to a clarifier tank 1850. A portion of the wastewater stream is recirculated from the clarifier tank 1850 to the biological reactor 1830 through a recirculation pump 1860 and the effluent is discharged from the clarifier tank 1850 (e.g., to the aeration tank of the existing wastewater treatment plant, as shown in FIG. 23).

[168] During pilot testing of the 1800 system, the first 1810 in-line saturator supplied oxygen-saturated wastewater at a flow rate between 20 LPM and 60 LPM, such as 30 LPM (on average), and with dissolved oxygen between 30 ppm and 70 ppm, such as 62 ppm for the biological reactor 1830. The pump 1840 recirculated wastewater from the biological reactor 1830 to the second in-line saturator 1820 at a flow rate between 90 LPM and 150 LPM, such as 150 LPM (or an average of 120 LPM), and the second in-line saturator 1820 supplied oxygen-saturated wastewater at a flow rate of 90 LPM and 150 LPM, such as 150 LPM (or an average of 120 LPM) and with dissolved oxygen between 30 ppm and 70 ppm, such as 62 ppm, for the biological reactor 1830. The biological reactor 1830 operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7.2 hours (e.g., the amount of time that wastewater remained in the biological reactor 1830 before being downloaded from this). Wastewater flowed between the second in-line saturator 1820 and the clarifier tank 1850 at a flow rate of 60 LPM, a flow of 30 LPM was recirculated by the recirculation pump 1860 from the clarifier tank 1850 to the second in-line saturator 1820 and a flow of 30 LPM of final effluent was discharged from the clarifier tank 1850 (e.g., to the aeration tank of the existing wastewater treatment plant). The 1850 clarifier tank also operated with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7.2 hours. The first in-line saturator 1810 and the second in-line saturator 1820 operated at pressures between 137.90 KPa (20 psi) and 206.84 KPa (30 psi) (e.g., an average of 172.37 KPa (25 psi)) .

[169] As shown in FIG. 24, the 1800 system advantageously achieved a 95% reduction in BOD in the effluent stream, exceeding the required 80% removal target. Once the 1800 system reached steady state operation, it achieved an 87% reduction in BOD in the effluent stream (exceeding the required 80% removal target), up from an initial 44% reduction when the 1800 system was initially put into operation. The improved 95% reduction in BOD in the effluent stream was achieved after, among other modifications, an increase in HRT to that shown in FIG. 22, and the increase in recirculation flow rate for the second in-line saturator 1820 shown in FIG. 22. In another implementation, the first in-line saturator 1810 may be deleted and only the second in-line saturator 1820 may be operated in the system 1800 to supply oxygen-saturated wastewater to the biological reactor 1830. It will be appreciated that a gas infusion system Optimized for a wastewater aeration system using a balanced arrangement of gas infusion modules can achieve the oxygen levels per kilowatt-hour obtained in the disclosure of the present invention. The gas infusion modules and gas infusion systems (e.g., gas infusion units) described in the present invention provide several advantages in wastewater treatment. For example, because the infusion of wastewater with oxygen occurs in a bubble-free gas transfer manner, less oxygen is lost to the environment from bubbles that break the surface tension of the aeration tank, allowing wastewater saturation. with oxygen to improve the biological process in the aeration tank (e.g. biological reactor), such as by more efficient oxygenation and use of available oxygen. As a result, a significant reduction in power (e.g. by up to 50%, 60% or more) is achieved, as air blowers and other equipment normally used in wastewater treatment plants for the aeration process can be replaced and/or augmented with gas infusion systems described in the present invention. Additionally, the gas infusion modules and systems described in the present invention advantageously achieve a reduced biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (e.g., up to 95%, as shown in FIG. 24), allow for a reduced physical size to the requirements of the blower, thus reducing station size and capital expenditure. Additionally, the gas infusion modules and systems described in the present invention advantageously provide a wastewater treatment plan with the flexibility to increase oxygen to meet increased demand. Additionally, the modular construction of gas infusion systems (e.g., ability to use multiple gas infusion units, e.g., in parallel) facilitates expansion of station capacity.

Additional Modalities

[170] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an augmentation system for an acetabular cup may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

[171] Clause 1. A wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: an oxygen source configured to supply pressurized oxygen of at least 70% purity; and an oxygen infusion system comprising one or more oxygen infusion modules, each oxygen infusion module comprising a housing, a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, each oxygen infusion module being in fluid communication with the oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through of the longitudinal bore thereof, wherein the oxygen infusion system is configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater supply line, such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more wastewater modules. infusion of oxygen and come into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the oxygen infusion system through a wastewater rejection connection.

[172] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the source of oxygen is an oxygen generator configured to receive atmospheric air through an air intake.

[173] Clause 3. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[174] Clause 4. The system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters (13 inches).

[175] Clause 5. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the oxygen infusion module housing of no more than approximately 38%.

[176] Clause 6. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the one or more oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[177] Clause 7. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module.

[178] Clause 8. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a housing housing the oxygen source and the oxygen infusion system to provide a self-contained gas infusion unit.

[179] Clause 9. The system of clause 8, wherein the housing housing the oxygen source and the oxygen infusion system is a shipping container with a length of 6.10 meters (20 feet) to 12.20 meters (40 feet).

[180] Clause 10. The system of any previous clause, in which wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the one or more oxygen infusion modules in a concomitant manner.

[181] Clause 11. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the oxygen infusion system includes housing that houses the one or more oxygen infusion modules.

[182] Clause 12. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more oxygen infusion modules are a plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel so that wastewater flows through the plurality of infusion modules of oxygen in parallel and so that pressurized oxygen flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in parallel.

[183] Clause 13. The system of Clause 12, wherein the plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel are housed in a gas infusion tank.

[184] Clause 14. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more oxygen infusion modules include a first array of a plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and a second array of a plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel. oxygen infusion arranged in parallel, the second array arranged in series with the first array, so that the wastewater flows in parallel through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules of each of the first array and the second array, so that pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix and so that wastewater flows through the second matrix after flowing through the first matrix.

[185] Clause 15. The system of clause 14, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is vertically spaced above the second array of oxygen infusion modules.

[186] Clause 16. The system of any of clauses 14-15, wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules through a gap between a pair of plates disposed above the plurality of infusion modules of oxygen, said gap facilitating the distribution of pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules.

[187] Clause 17. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of wastewater and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more gas infusion modules.

[188] Clause 18. The system of clause 1, wherein the one or more oxygen infusion modules include a first oxygen infusion module and a second oxygen infusion module, the second oxygen infusion module arranged in series with the first oxygen infusion module so that wastewater flows through the first oxygen infusion module and then flows through the second oxygen infusion module.

[189] Clause 19. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a gas vent configured to vent oxygen and undissolved nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system.

[190] Clause 20. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which waste water enters the oxygen infusion module.

[191] Clause 21. The system of clause 20, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing.

[192] Clause 22. A wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: a tank having a lid with an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of wastewater therethrough and a tank vessel disposed below the lid, the tank vessel having a outlet opening at a distal end of the tank vessel; and a plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel below the lid, each oxygen infusion module comprising a housing, and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, wherein each of the oxygen infusion modules is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater flow so that the wastewater comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers and wherein each of the oxygen infusion modules is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen such that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater and in which the wastewater flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in parallel and so that pressurized oxygen flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in parallel, oxygenated wastewater discharged from the tank through the outlet opening in the tank vessel.

[193] Clause 23. The system of clause 22, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter of between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[194] Clause 24. The system of any one of clauses 22-23, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters ( 13 inches).

[195] Clause 25. The system of any one of clauses 22-24, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the oxygen infusion module housing of no more than approximately 38%.

[196] Clause 26. The system of any one of clauses 22-25, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[197] Clause 27. The system of any of clauses 22-26, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the infusion module of oxygen.

[198] Clause 28. The system of any of clauses 22-27, wherein wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the gas infusion modules in a concomitant manner.

[199] Clause 29. The system of any one of clauses 22-28, wherein the plurality of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel includes a first array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and a second array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel. oxygen infusion arranged in parallel, the second array arranged in series with the first array, so that the wastewater flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first array and the second array, so that the oxygen pressurized flow in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix and so that wastewater flows through the second matrix after flowing through the first matrix.

[200] Clause 30. The system of clause 29, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is spaced vertically above the second array of oxygen infusion modules.

[201] Clause 31. The system of any of clauses 29-30, wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules through a gap between a pair of plates disposed above the plurality of infusion modules of oxygen, said gap facilitating the distribution of pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules.

[202] Clause 32. The system of any one of clauses 22-31, further comprising a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of wastewater and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more gas infusion modules.

[203] Clause 33. The system of any of clauses 22-32, further comprising a gas vent configured to vent oxygen and undissolved nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system.

[204] Clause 34. The system of any of clauses 22-33, wherein the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which waste water enters the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion.

[205] Clause 35. The system of clause 34, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing.

[206] Clause 36. A wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: a tank having a lid with an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of wastewater therethrough and a tank vessel disposed below the lid, the tank vessel having a outlet opening at a distal end of the tank vessel; a first array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel below the lid; and a second array of oxygen infusion modules arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel, the second array spaced below the first array so that the second array is in series with the first array, each oxygen infusion module in the first array and the second matrix comprising a housing, and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole, wherein each of the oxygen infusion modules is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater stream such that the wastewater comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers and wherein each of the infusion modules oxygen tank is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater and wherein the wastewater flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix, the pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules of each of the first matrix and the second matrix, and The wastewater flows through the second matrix after flowing through the first matrix, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the tank through the outlet opening in the tank vessel.

[207] Clause 37. The system of clause 36, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter of between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[208] Clause 38. The system of any one of clauses 36-37, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters ( 13 inches).

[209] Clause 39. The system of any one of clauses 36-38, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the oxygen infusion module housing of no more than approximately 38%.

[210] Clause 40. The system of any of clauses 36-39, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[211] Clause 41. The system of any one of clauses 36-40, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the infusion module of oxygen.

[212] Clause 42. The system of any clauses 36-41, in which wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the gas infusion modules in a concomitant manner.

[213] Clause 43. The system of any of clauses 36-42, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is spaced vertically above the second array of oxygen infusion modules.

[214] Clause 44. The system of any of clauses 36-43, wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules in the first array and the second array through a gap between a pair of plates arranged above the plurality of oxygen infusion modules, said gap facilitating delivery of the pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules.

[215] Clause 45. The system of any one of clauses 36-44, further comprising a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of wastewater and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more gas infusion modules.

[216] Clause 46. The system of any of clauses 36-45, further comprising a gas vent configured to vent oxygen and undissolved nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system, the gas vent in fluid communication with a fitting on a side wall of the tank and with a siphon breaker tube coupled to the outlet opening.

[217] Clause 47. The system of any of clauses 36-46, wherein the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which waste water enters the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion.

[218] Clause 48. The system of clause 47, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing.

[219] Clause 49. An oxygen infusion module, comprising: a housing; a central tube extending along an axis of the housing; a butt plug secured to a proximal end of the housing; a butt plug secured to a distal end of the housing; a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers arranged in the housing and suspended from a disk and arranged around the central tube, the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a length less than a length of the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a hole longitudinal and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole; and a vent in fluid communication with the central tube and with a space within the housing surrounding the central tube, the vent being configured to vent oxygen and undissolved nitrogen from the oxygen infusion module, wherein the oxygen infusion module oxygen is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive the pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal hole thereof, in which the oxygen infusion module oxygen is configured to receive a flow of wastewater so that the wastewater flows through the central tube and into the housing so that it comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the housing through one or more distal openings and through the butt plug.

[220] Clause 50. The module of clause 49, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[221] Clause 51. The modulus of any one of clauses 49-50, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters ( 13 inches).

[222] Clause 52. The module of any one of clauses 49-51, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than approximately 38%.

[223] Clause 53. The module of any one of clauses 49-52, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[224] Clause 54. The module of any one of clauses 49-53, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the infusion module of oxygen.

[225] Clause 55. The module of any of clauses 49-54, wherein wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the gas infusion modules in a concomitant manner.

[226] Clause 56. An oxygen infusion module, comprising: a housing with one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which wastewater enters the housing; and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, and suspended from a disk, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole, wherein the module oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers receive the pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal hole thereof, in which the module oxygen infusion pump is configured to receive a flow of wastewater through one or more openings in the side wall of the housing such that the wastewater comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the housing through from a distal end of the housing.

[227] Clause 57. The module of clause 56, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[228] Clause 58. The modulus of any one of clauses 56-57, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters ( 13 inches).

[229] Clause 59. The module of any one of clauses 56-58, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than approximately 38%.

[230] Clause 60. The module of any of clauses 56-59, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[231] Clause 61. The module of any one of clauses 56-60, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the infusion module of oxygen.

[232] Clause 62. The module of any of clauses 56-61, wherein wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the gas infusion modules in a concomitant manner.

[233] Clause 63. The module of any of clauses 56-62, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing.

[234] Clause 64. A method of oxygenating wastewater for aerobic wastewater treatment use, comprising: generating a supply of pressurized oxygen using an oxygen generator, wherein the oxygen concentration is at least 70%; supply pressurized oxygen to a first gas infusion system comprising one or more gas infusion modules, each gas infusion module comprising a housing, a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, each gas infusion module being in fluid communication with the oxygen generator so that pressurized oxygen is supplied to the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers through of the longitudinal hole thereof; supply a flow of wastewater to one or more gas infusion modules such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more gas infusion modules and comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having a level oxygen concentration above 62 ppm; and discharge the supersaturated effluent to an aeration reservoir.

[235] Clause 65. The module of clause 64, wherein the micropores have a pore passage diameter of between about 0.01 μm and about 5 μm.

[236] Clause 66. The modulus of any one of clauses 64-65, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between about 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and about 33.02 centimeters ( 13 inches).

[237] Clause 67. The method of any one of clauses 64-66, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the oxygen infusion module housing of no more than approximately 38%.

[238] Clause 68. The method of any one of clauses 64-67, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the one or more gas infusion modules has a porosity of 75%.

[239] Clause 69. The method of any one of clauses 64-68, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each gas infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the infusion module of gas.

[240] Clause 70. The method of any of clauses 64-69, further comprising: supplying pressurized oxygen to a second gas infusion system wherein the second gas infusion system comprises one or more gas infusion modules , each gas infusion module comprising a housing, a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole, each module of gas infusion being in fluid communication with the oxygen generator so that pressurized oxygen is supplied to the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers through the longitudinal hole thereof; supply effluent from the aeration reservoir to one or more gas infusion modules of the second gas infusion system so that the effluent flows through each of the one or more gas infusion modules and comes into contact with the wall circumferential of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the effluent through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having an oxygen concentration level above 62 ppm; and discharge the supersaturated effluent into the aeration tank.

[241] Clause 71. The method of Clause 70, further comprising: discharging waste water from the aeration reservoir where a biological process in the aeration reservoir has reached a level of approximately 0.9 KgO2/KgBOD.

[242] Clause 72. The method of Clause 70 wherein wastewater is discharged into the aeration reservoir such that a power demand of a wastewater treatment process is between 0.16 KWH/m3 of treated wastewater and 0.75 KWH/m3 of treated sewage.

[243] Clause 73. The method of Clause 70 wherein wastewater is discharged into the aeration reservoir so that a power demand of a wastewater treatment process is approximately 0.35 KWH/m3 of treated wastewater.

[244] Clause 74. The method of any of Clauses 64-73, further comprising supplying one or more gases to the first gas infusion system after supplying pressurized oxygen to the first gas infusion system, the one or more configured gases to flow through the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers in the housing and contact the wastewater flowing through the one or more gas infusion modules through the plurality of micropores in order to replace the oxygen in the wastewater with the one or more gases , the one or more gases transferred to bubble-free wastewater.

[245] Clause 75. The method of Clause 74, wherein the one or more gases is a mixed gas.

[246] Although certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described in the present invention can be incorporated in a variety of other forms. Additionally, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described in the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[247] Features, materials, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example should be understood as applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, unless it is incompatible with this. All features disclosed in this specification (including any attached claims, abstracts and drawings) and/or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection is not restricted to the details of any previous arrangements. Protection extends to any new, or any new combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any attached claims, abstract and drawings), or to any new, or any new combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. .

[248] Additionally, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. On the other hand, multiple features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features of a claimed combination may, in some cases, be excised from the combination and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[249] Furthermore, although operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. . Other operations that are not depicted or described may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any of the described operations. Additionally, operations can be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the illustrated and/or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Additionally, features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the components and systems described can generally be integrated together into a single product or packaged into multiple products. .

[250] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and new features are described in the present invention. Not necessarily all such advantages can be realized according to any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves an advantage or group of advantages as taught in the present invention without necessarily achieving other advantages as taught or suggested in the present invention.

[251] Conditional language, such as “may,” “could,” “could,” or “might,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way necessary for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user injection or request, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or required to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[252] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of , etc., may be X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[253] The degree language used in the present invention, such as the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally” and “substantially”, as used in the present invention, represent a value, quantity or characteristic proximate to the value, quantity or stated characteristic that further performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally” and “substantially” can refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1 % of, within less than 0.1% and within less than 0.01% of the declared value. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree or 0.1 degree.

[254] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by the claims as set forth in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as per presented in the future. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the application process, which examples should be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[255] It is clear that the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the devices described in the present invention do not need to have all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves an advantage or group of advantages as taught in the present invention without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested in the present invention. Furthermore, while several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and are still within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted for one another to form varying modes of the discussed devices.

Claims (65)

1. Wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: an oxygen source configured to supply pressurized oxygen of at least 85% purity; and an oxygen infusion system (1600) comprising one or more oxygen infusion modules (1700), each oxygen infusion module (1700) comprising a housing (1710), a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) disposed in the housing (1710), each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, each oxygen infusion module (1700) being in fluid communication with the oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) receive pressurized oxygen from the oxygen source through the longitudinal hole thereof, wherein the oxygen infusion system (1600) is configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater supply line such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more oxygen infusion modules (1700) and contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the oxygen infusion system (1600) through a wastewater reject connection; characterized in that the one or more oxygen infusion modules (1700) include a first array (1605) of a plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel and a second array (1606) of a plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel, the second array (1606) arranged in series with the first array (1605), so that wastewater flows in parallel through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first array (1605) and the second array (1606), such that pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first array (1605) and the second matrix (1606) and such that wastewater flows through the second matrix (1606) after flowing through the first matrix (1605); wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in either the first array (1605) and the second array (1606) through a gap (G1, G2) between a pair of plates ( 1630, 1635, 1640, 1645) disposed above the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in either of the first matrix (1605) and the second matrix (1606), said gap (G1, G2) facilitating oxygen delivery pressurized at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the oxygen source is an oxygen generator configured to receive atmospheric air through an air intake. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches) . 5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than 38%. 6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the one or more oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a housing that houses the oxygen source and the oxygen infusion system to provide a self-contained gas infusion unit. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the housing housing the oxygen source and the oxygen infusion system is a shipping container with a length of 6.10 meters (20 feet) to 12 .19 meters (40 feet). 10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the one or more oxygen infusion modules concomitantly. 11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that the oxygen infusion system includes housing that houses the one or more oxygen infusion modules. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is vertically spaced above the second array of oxygen infusion modules. 13. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of waste water and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more infusion modules of oxygen. 14. System according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a gas vent configured to vent undissolved oxygen and nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system. 15. System according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which waste water enters the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 16. System according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing. 17. Wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: a tank (1600) having a lid (1610) with an inlet opening (1612) configured to receive a flow of wastewater therethrough, and a tank vessel (1620) disposed below of the lid (1610), the tank vessel (1620) having an outlet opening (1622) at a distal end of the tank vessel (1620); and a plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel below the lid, each oxygen infusion module (1700) comprising a housing (1710), and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720 ) arranged in the housing (1710), each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, wherein each of the oxygen infusion modules (1700) is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater flow such that the wastewater contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) and in which each of the oxygen infusion modules ( 1700) is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores such that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater and wherein wastewater flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in parallel and such that pressurized oxygen flows through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in parallel, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from from the tank through the outlet opening (1622) in the tank vessel (1620); characterized in that the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel include a first array (1605) of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel and a second array (1606) of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel. oxygen (1700) arranged in parallel, the second array (1606) arranged in series with the first array (1605), so that wastewater flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first array (1605) and the second matrix (1606), so that pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first matrix (1605) and the second matrix (1606) and so that the wastewater flows through the second matrix (1606) after flowing through the first matrix (1605); wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in either of the first array (1605) and the second array (1606) through a gap (G1, G2) between a pair of plates (1630 , 1635, 1640, 1645) arranged above the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700), said gap (G1, G2) facilitating the distribution of pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of infusion modules oxygen (1700); wherein the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which wastewater enters each oxygen infusion module. 18. System according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 19. System according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches). 20. System according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than 38%. 21. System according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 22. System according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 23. System according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized by the fact that wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the oxygen infusion modules concomitantly. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is vertically spaced above the second array of oxygen infusion modules. 25. System according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of waste water and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more infusion modules of oxygen. 26. System according to any one of claims 17 to 25, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a gas vent configured to vent undissolved oxygen and nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system. 27. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing. 28. Wastewater oxygenation system, comprising: a tank (1600) having a lid (1610) with an inlet opening (1612) configured to receive a flow of wastewater therethrough and a tank vessel (1620) disposed below the cover (1610), the tank vessel (1620) having an outlet opening (1622) at a distal end of the tank vessel (1620), characterized by the fact that: a first array (1605) of oxygen infusion modules (1700 ) arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel (1620) below the lid (1610); and a second array (1606) of oxygen infusion modules (1700) arranged in parallel and disposed in the tank vessel (1620), the second array spaced below the first array (1605) such that the second array (1606) is in series with the first matrix (1605), each oxygen infusion module (1700) in the first matrix (1605) and the second matrix (1606) comprising a housing (1710), and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) disposed in the housing (1710), each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, in which each of the oxygen infusion modules (1700) is configured to receive a portion of the wastewater stream such that the wastewater contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) and wherein each of the oxygen infusion modules (1700) is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen so that the pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater and in which wastewater flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first matrix (1605) and the second matrix (1606), the pressurized oxygen flows in parallel through the oxygen infusion modules (1700) of each of the first matrix (1605) and the second matrix (1606) and the wastewater flows through the second matrix (1606) after flowing through the first matrix (1605), the oxygenated wastewater discharged from the tank (1600) by middle of the outlet opening (1622) in the tank vessel (1620); wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced into the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700) in either the first array (1605) and the second array (1606) through a gap (G1, G2) between a pair of plates ( 1630, 1635, 1640, 1645) arranged above the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1700), said gap (G1, G2) facilitating the distribution of pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the plurality of oxygen infusion modules (1630, 1635, 1640, 1645) oxygen infusion (1700). 29. System according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 30. System according to claim 28 or 29, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches). 31. System according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than 38%. 32. System according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 33. System according to any one of claims 28 to 32, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 34. System according to any one of claims 28 to 33, characterized by the fact that wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the oxygen infusion modules concomitantly. 35. The system of any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the first array of oxygen infusion modules is spaced vertically above the second array of oxygen infusion modules. 36. System according to any one of claims 28 to 35, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a controller configured to control one or both of the flow of waste water and the flow of pressurized oxygen through the one or more infusion modules of oxygen. 37. System according to any one of claims 28 to 36, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a gas vent configured to vent undissolved oxygen and nitrogen from the oxygen infusion system, the gas vent in fluid communication with a fitting in a side wall of the tank vessel and with a siphon break tube coupled to the outlet opening. 38. System according to any one of claims 28 to 37, characterized by the fact that the housing of each oxygen infusion module includes one or more openings in a side wall of the housing through which waste water enters the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing. 40. Oxygen infusion module characterized by the fact that it comprises: a housing (401); a barrel (431) comprising an opening (432) and extending along an axis of the housing (401), wherein the barrel (431) is spaced from the housing (401); a central tube (420) extending along an axis of the housing (401); a butt plug (402) secured to a proximal end of the housing; a bottom plug (404) secured to a distal end of the housing; a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (429) disposed in the housing (401) and suspended from a disc (425) and arranged around the central tube (420), the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (429) having a length of less than a length of housing (401), each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (429) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole; and a deposit area (452) positioned below the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (429); a vent (445) in fluid communication with the central tube (420) and with a space within the housing surrounding the central tube (420), the vent (445) being configured to vent undissolved oxygen and nitrogen from the oxygen infusion, wherein the oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (429) receive the pressurized oxygen from the source of oxygen through the longitudinal hole thereof, in which undissolved oxygen in the deposit area (452) enters the central tube (420) through an orifice (453) of the central tube (420), in which the oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of wastewater such that the wastewater flows through the central tube (420) and into the housing (401) so that it contacts the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hollow microporous fibers hydrophobic (429) so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater discharged from of the housing (401) through one or more distal openings and through the bottom plug (404); and wherein the opening (432) of the barrel (431) is configured to allow waste water to enter a space between the housing (401) and the barrel (431). 41. Module according to claim 40, characterized by the fact that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 42. Module according to claim 40 or 41, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches). 43. Module according to any one of claims 40 to 42, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than 38%. 44. Module according to any one of claims 40 to 43, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 45. Module according to any one of claims 40 to 44, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 46. Module according to any one of claims 40 to 45, characterized by the fact that wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the oxygen infusion modules concomitantly. 47. An oxygen infusion module, comprising: a housing (1710) with one or more openings (1712) in a side wall of the housing through which wastewater enters the housing (1710); and a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) disposed in the housing (1710), and suspended from a disk, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall at around the longitudinal hole, wherein the oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of pressurized oxygen from an oxygen source such that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) receive the pressurized oxygen from the source of oxygen through the longitudinal hole thereof, wherein the oxygen infusion module is configured to receive a flow of waste water through the one or more openings (1720) in the side wall of the housing (1710), so that the waste water contact the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater, the oxygenated wastewater is discharged from the housing (1710) through a distal end of the housing characterized by the fact that the oxygen infusion module receives the flow of wastewater at a level of wastewater external to the housing (1710) and surrounding the housing (1710) increases and reaches one or more openings (1712) in the side wall of the housing (1710), allowing the wastewater flow to be poured into the housing (1710) through the one or more openings (1712). 48. Module according to claim 47, characterized by the fact that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 49. Module according to claim 47 or 48, characterized by the fact that each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches). 50. Module according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the housing of the oxygen infusion module of no more than 38%. 51. Module according to any one of claims 47 to 50, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the oxygen infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 52. Module according to any one of claims 47 to 51, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each oxygen infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the oxygen infusion module. oxygen infusion. 53. Module according to any one of claims 47 to 52, characterized by the fact that wastewater and pressurized oxygen flow through the oxygen infusion modules concomitantly. 54. Module according to any one of claims 47 to 53, characterized in that the one or more openings are a pair of openings on opposite sides of the housing. 55. A method of oxygenating wastewater for aerobic wastewater treatment use, comprising: generating a supply of pressurized oxygen using an oxygen generator, wherein the pressurized oxygen has a concentration of at least 85%; supply pressurized oxygen to a first gas infusion system (1600) comprising one or more gas infusion modules (1700), each gas infusion module (1700) comprising a housing (1710), a plurality of hollow microporous fibers hydrophobic modules (1720) disposed in the housing (1710), each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall surrounding the longitudinal hole, each gas infusion module (1700) being in fluid communication with the oxygen generator so that pressurized oxygen is supplied to the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) through the longitudinal hole thereof; supply a flow of wastewater to the one or more gas infusion modules (1700) such that the wastewater flows through each of the one or more gas infusion modules (1700) and comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers (1720) such that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the wastewater through the plurality of micropores, such that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having an oxygen concentration level above 62 ppm; and discharging the supersaturated effluent into an aeration reservoir; characterized by the fact that supplying the pressurized oxygen to the first gas infusion system (1600) further comprises introducing the pressurized oxygen through a gap (G1, G2) between a pair of plates (1630, 1635, 1640, 1645) arranged above the one or more oxygen infusion modules (1700), said gap (G1, G2) facilitating the distribution of pressurized oxygen at the same pressure and flow rate through the one or more oxygen infusion modules (1700) . 56. Method according to claim 55, characterized by the fact that the micropores have a pore passage diameter between 0.01 μm and 5 μm. 57. The method of claim 55 or 56, wherein each of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a length between 22.86 centimeters (9 inches) and 33.02 centimeters (13 inches). 58. Method according to any one of claims 55 to 57, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers has a packing factor within the gas infusion module housing of no more than 38%. 59. Method according to any one of claims 55 to 58, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers for each of the one or more gas infusion modules has a porosity of 75%. 60. Method according to any one of claims 55 to 59, characterized by the fact that the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers of each gas infusion module are woven into a mat configured to be coiled and disposed in the housing of the gas infusion module. gas infusion. 61. Method according to any one of claims 55 to 60, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: supplying pressurized oxygen to a second gas infusion system wherein the second gas infusion system comprises one or more gas infusion modules gas infusion, each gas infusion module comprising a housing, a plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers disposed in the housing, each of the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of micropores in a circumferential wall around the longitudinal hole , each gas infusion module being in fluid communication with the oxygen generator so that pressurized oxygen is supplied to the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers through the longitudinal bore thereof; supply effluent from the aeration reservoir to the one or more gas infusion modules of the second gas infusion system so that the effluent flows through each of the one or more gas infusion modules and comes into contact with the circumferential wall of one or more of the plurality of hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers so that pressurized oxygen is transferred to the effluent through the plurality of micropores, so that the transfer of oxygen to the wastewater occurs free of oxygen bubbles in the wastewater to form a supersaturated effluent having an oxygen concentration level above 62 ppm; and discharge the supersaturated effluent into the aeration reservoir. 62. Method according to claim 61, characterized by the fact that wastewater is discharged into the aeration reservoir so that a power demand of a wastewater treatment process is between 0.16 KWH/m3 of water treated wastewater and 0.75 KWH/m3 of treated sewage. 63. Method according to claim 61, characterized by the fact that wastewater is discharged into the aeration reservoir so that a power demand of a wastewater treatment process is 0.35 KWH/m3 of wastewater treated or less. 64. Method according to any one of claims 55 to 63, characterized by the fact that it further comprises supplying one or more gases to the first gas infusion system after supplying pressurized oxygen to the first gas infusion system, the one or more more gases configured to flow through the hydrophobic hollow microporous fibers in the housing and contact the wastewater flowing through the one or more gas infusion modules through the plurality of micropores in order to replace the oxygen in the wastewater with the one or more gases, the one or more gases transferred to bubble-free wastewater. 65. Method according to claim 64, characterized by the fact that the one or more gases is a mixed gas.