JP2012166196A - Flexible aeration panel and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aeration panel which is easily installed.SOLUTION: A flexible aeration panel 101 comprises an upper portion (sheet) 102 and a lower portion (sheet) 104. The upper portion 102 comprises a flexible, elastic material harboring holes, slits, cut shapes, or otherwise perforated. The lower portion 104 also comprises a flexible elastic material, which may be the same as or different from the flexible elastic material of the upper portion 102. As to the perforations in the upper portion (sheet) 102, the perforations are configured in such a manner that a substantially uniform, unbroken pattern of gas bubbles are provided over a substantial area of the upper portion 102 when gas flows through the aeration panel 101. Also, the perforations are formed in a variety of sizes and shapes including, holes, slits, cuts, or combinations thereof.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an aeration panel that introduces gas (eg, air) bubbles into a liquid body such as a water tank, water basin, reservoir, or lake.

  As a conventional aeration panel structure, for example, US Pat. No. 5,192,467 discloses a structure in which an upper part made of a membrane member is provided on a lower part made of a flat rigid plate. Such a structure includes a peripheral pressing strip for fixing the membrane member to the rigid plate. Further, an intermediate pressing strip is provided for preventing the membrane member from wobbling. The aeration panel structure is held at the bottom of the liquid container by an anchor bolt configured to be adjustable. If such a panel is large, it is heavy, difficult to handle, and difficult to move and install. In this rigid plate approach, different materials, such as stainless steel or inflexible plastic plates, are connected to the flexible top membrane sheet by screws, clamps or adhesives. U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,467 describes another example of an aeration panel structure according to the prior art. As other aeration structures, for example, aeration panels described in German Patent Publication No. 2942697 and European Patent Publication No. 0229386 are known. Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,781, which discloses a panel air diffuser having an upper flexible membrane member secured to a lower rigid support plate. Yet another example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,421 which discloses a flexible membrane member secured to a rigid support by a persistent securing arrangement rather than a point attachment such as screws or rivets.

  In addition, other aeration panels are known. For example, US Pat. No. 6,406,005 discloses a rigid base plate and a perforated elastic membrane member. Here, the perforated elastic membrane member is fixed to the rigid base plate by a sealing strip pressed into a corresponding groove on the rigid base plate along its edge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,391 describes a gas diffusion device including a base plate. At this time, a perforated diaphragm is stretched on the base plate, and excessive expansion of the diaphragm is prevented by the upper lattice in the base plate. Furthermore, European Publication No. 0761294 describes an aerator panel provided with a perforated membrane member fixed to a support plate at the peripheral edge and center point of the panel, and European Publication No. 0747031 An anatomically shaped bubble suitable for use in a bathtub is described.

  U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,558,549 and 6,645,374 teach a gas supply membrane module comprising a flexible oxygen permeable membrane that does not allow liquid water to permeate. Since this device does not include macroscopic perforations (alternatively the replacement membrane is composed of a microporous hydrophobic material), this device does not generate bubbles when activated. The device is also described as having a non-rigid detention system and is relatively flat.

  Known aeration panels, especially the various rigid support plates, are all heavy, expensive and difficult to install and maintain.

  The present invention provides a flexible aeration panel that eliminates excessive weight, volume, cost, and installation difficulties without using a rigid support plate. The flexible aeration panel according to one aspect of the present invention can supply air, oxygen, or other gases to biological wastewater treatment plants and lakes that are depleted or poor in certain gaseous nutrients, such as oxygen. .

  In one aspect of the present invention, the flexible aeration panel may include an upper portion and a lower portion. Here, the upper part is configured to include a flexible elastic material including holes, slits, notches, or other perforations, and the lower part is configured to be a flexible elastic material (same or different from the upper flexible elastic material). May be included). The upper part is sealed to the lower part by welding, chemical bonding, vulcanization, stitching, adhesive, or the like, and can be configured to be fractionated into one or more, preferably two or more cavities. An anchor or the like may be used to fix the flexible aeration panel at a predetermined position.

  In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the flexible aeration panel is formed in a variety of external shapes, which are not intended to be limiting, but are limited to squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, ellipses, Included are donuts, cylinders, crescents, cubes, pyramids, cones, and prisms. The inner shape of the aeration panel may be configured to match the outer shape, and a single cavity or a plurality of cavities that circulate and diffuse air over the entire expanded volume may be formed.

  The gas is routed through a single or multiple inlets using a supply tube to a flexible aeration panel. The inlet may be located at the periphery of the flexible aeration panel or may be located inside the flexible aeration panel. The plurality of aeration panels can be arranged in a dispersed state. At this time, each of the plurality of panels may have a supply pipe, or the plurality of panels may be connected to each other so as to share the gas diffused to the end of the continuous panel.

  Further, the aeration panel may be held near the bottom of the liquid main body or the container by using one or more fixing devices such as anchor rods, bolts, cables, chains, and the like. These securing means can be attached directly to a predetermined part of the flexible aeration panel or to any structural frame arranged at the periphery of the flexible aeration panel.

  The aeration panel may be restrained by a horizontal array by tensioning the cable. For example, the restraining cable is anchored to the basin or the concrete wall or bottom of the container. Cable tension is obtained by turnbuckles acting on the cables and anchors. Two ends of the aeration panel can be supported by one cable by fixing the end of the cable to the wall, for example, by folding it with an eyebolt fixed to the opposite wall.

  The plurality of aeration panels can be arranged in various configurations. For example, the aeration panels may be arranged in a row configuration or an alternating configuration depending on the required surface coverage.

  Flexible aeration panels are used in a variety of applications, including water tank, basin or sludge aeration, for example. The aeration panel can also be used for various aerobic water treatments.

  In another aspect of the invention, a method for diffusing a gas into a liquid body is provided. The method comprises (i) placing one or more aeration panels in the liquid body. Here, the aeration panel is flexible and has at least one inlet and at least an upper part and a lower part, respectively. The upper part and the lower part define at least one cavity, and the at least one cavity is The aeration panel is configured to flow into each of the aeration panels and into the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet; The upper portions of the panels are respectively perforated, and the pressurized gas is formed as bubbles to be discharged from the upper portions of the aeration panel. The method further includes: (ii) providing a source of the pressurized gas; and (iii) allowing the pressurized gas to flow into each of the aeration panels, and the at least one cavity into the at least one cavity. Inflowing through the inlet is configured. The at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are each composed of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials.

  Here, a “liquid body” can include a liquid body having a substantially larger volume than a bathtub, hot tub or recreational swimming pool. Also, the preferred flexible non-rigid elastic material has a density of less than about 1.0 gm / mL. More preferably, the aeration panel according to an aspect of the present invention further includes a structural frame disposed at or around the periphery of the aeration panel.

  Another aspect of the method according to the invention comprises diffusing a gas in the liquid body, which comprises (i) placing one or more aeration panels in the liquid body, wherein The aeration panel is flexible and has at least one inlet and at least an upper portion and a lower portion, respectively, the upper portion and the lower portion defining at least one cavity, and the at least one or more cavities Can be filled with pressurized gas, which flows into each of the aeration panels and into the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet, The upper portions are each perforated so as to provide a substantially uniform and unbroken pattern of bubbles over the area of the upper portion. The pressurized gas is respectively discharged from the upper part of each diffusion device, and (ii) providing a supply source of the pressurized gas; and (iii) supplying the pressurized gas to each of the aeration panels. And flowing into the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet. The at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are each composed of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a flexible aeration panel for diffusing gas into the liquid body includes (i) at least one inlet, and (ii) at least an upper portion and a lower portion, and the at least upper portion and the lower portion. Defines at least one cavity in communication with the at least one inlet and capable of being filled with pressurized gas. The upper part is perforated, from which the pressurized gas is discharged as bubbles. The at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are made of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials.

  More preferably, the flexible aeration panel for diffusing a gas in the liquid body includes (i) at least one inlet, and (ii) at least an upper part and a lower part, and the at least upper part and the lower part include Defining at least one cavity in communication with at least one inlet and capable of being filled with pressurized gas, wherein the upper portion is perforated and substantially uniformly unbroken pattern of bubbles covering the area of the upper portion The pressurized gas is discharged from the upper part so as to be provided. The at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are composed of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials having a density of less than about 1.0 gm / mL. The aeration panel includes a structural frame disposed at or around the periphery of the aeration panel, and is configured without the rigid support plate in contact with the lower portion or the lower portion of the aeration panel.

  The perforations can be of various sizes and shapes, including but not limited to holes, slits, notches, or combinations thereof. Various sizes of perforations can be employed, but preferably within a range of about 1.0 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably within a range of about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, and most preferably about 0.00. It is in the range of 5 mm to about 3.0 mm. The perforations can be arranged in various configurations, including irregular arrangements or symmetrical geometric arrangements such as, for example, triangles, stars or rectangles. Further, the density of the perforations is not uniform and is determined by the area ratio of the opening (perforated) to the non-opening (non-porous). This ratio ranges from about 5% to about 95% open area, preferably from about 15% to about 75% open area, more preferably from about 30% to about 50% open area.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least the upper part and the lower part are formed of a flexible non-rigid elastic sheet having a sealed edge. The seal may be made by any method known in the art, including but not limited to welding, chemical bonding, vulcanization, stitching, gluing, or combinations thereof. Is included.

  Further, the flexible aeration panel of the present invention can be formed into a variety of shapes, including but not limited to a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, a donut, a cylinder. Shapes, crescents, cubes, pyramids, cones, prisms, etc. are included. Also, the flexible aeration panel can be directly or at the periphery of the flexible aeration panel via an anchor rod, cable, chain, spike, nail or combination thereof at or near the bottom of the liquid body. It is moored through a structural frame that is preferably arranged in the part. Similarly, the circumscribing frame is attached to the flexible aeration panel by various attachment means that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, an anchor point can be used advantageously to provide a spacing between the panel and the bottom of the liquid body.

In one aspect of the invention, the upper and lower portions are sealed in one or more internal sections of the aeration panel, thereby defining two or more cavities that communicate with the at least one inlet. These two or more cavities may be formed according to the shape of the peripheral edge of the aeration panel. Gas is introduced in a suitable gas flow rate, for example, from about 5 to about 74cm ³ / min / upper ^{m 2,} preferably about 15~54cm ³ / min / upper ^{m 2,} and more preferably from about 25 to about 44cm ³ / Min / upper m ² . Of course, any gas may be selected as long as it is suitable for a specific application. This gas is, for example, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or simply air.

  Various flexible non-rigid elastic materials can be used as the material constituting at least one of the upper part and the lower part of the panel. These materials include, but are not intended to be limited, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acetal and polyacetal, nylon, and the like.

  The foregoing general disclosure and the following detailed disclosure are both for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the invention.

  The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, claims, and exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

  Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 having a rectangular aeration panel 101, a frame 108 and an anchoring device 112. The flexible aeration panel 101 may include an upper part (sheet) 102 and a lower part (sheet) 104. The upper portion 102 is configured to include a flexible elastic material including holes, slits, notches, or other perforations, and the lower portion 104 is also a flexible elastic material (which may be the same as or different from the flexible elastic material of the upper portion 102). May be included).

  With respect to the top perforations, the perforations are configured such that as the gas flows through the aeration panel 101, the bubbles are provided in a substantially uniform and unbroken pattern over the area equivalent of the top 102. . The perforations may also be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes, including but not limited to holes, slits, cuts or combinations thereof. The dimensions of the perforations are formed in various sizes, but are preferably in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, and most preferably about 0.5 mm to It is in the range of about 3.0 mm. The perforations can be arranged in various configurations, including irregular arrangements or symmetrical geometric arrangements such as, for example, triangles, stars or rectangles. Further, the density of the perforations is not uniform and is determined by the area ratio of the opening (perforated) to the non-opening (non-porous). This ratio ranges from about 5% to about 95% open area, preferably from about 15% to about 75% open area, more preferably from about 30% to about 50% open area.

  The material of the perforated upper part 102 and the non-perforated lower part 104 is composed of various flexible non-rigid elastic materials. For example, these materials are not intended to be limiting, but include polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acetal and polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, vinyl acetate, and other plastics, etc. , And those capable of forming flexible and gas-impermeable sheets. In practice, any flexible non-rigid elastic material having a density less than about 1.0 gm / mL can be used. Natural and synthetic fabrics may also be used. Further examples of suitable materials for use in the upper and lower portions are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,846,534, 6,797,215, and 6,764,629, which are incorporated herein by reference. To be included in this disclosure. By using such a sheeting, a panel is provided which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the apparatus as found in the prior art, for example the disadvantages associated with the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the rigid support plate and the flexible elastic panel. be able to. This difference in coefficient of thermal expansion can cause stress at one or more attachment points. In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom of the panel are formed of the same (or different types) flexible non-rigid elastic material. In another embodiment of the invention, the lower part is formed of a woven fabric consisting of at least one layer absorbed or attached to two or more layers of elastic material such as polyurethane or polyester. At this time, the fabric includes nylon, polyester, rayon, kevlar and the like. In other embodiments, the lower portion is configured to include at least one layer of fabric disposed between two layers of elastic material, although other configurations may be employed. For example, a structure in which a layer of elastic material and a layer of fabric are alternately arranged with a two-layer fabric and a three-layer elastic material may be formed.

  The aeration panel 101 is formed by sealing the upper part 102 to the lower part 104, and one or more seals 110 define one or more cavities 106. The seal 110 can include one or more of welding, chemical bonding, vulcanization, stitching, or adhesive. In one embodiment, the flexible aeration panel may be formed by a seal between the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 at one or both ends or peripheral edges 114 of the upper and lower portions.

  A seal 110 is added to the central portion 118 to pass the central portion 118 (or inner section) toward the vicinity of the edge of the peripheral edge portion 114, so that the plurality of cavities 106 can be longitudinally, laterally or within the aeration panel 101. For example, a floating device with a rib is formed along a conical line. A plurality of cavities 106 defined by longitudinal, lateral or conical seal lines 110 between the upper and lower portions prevent panel lifting when air is introduced, and the peripheral structural frame 108 and flexible There is an advantage that the possibility that excessive tension is applied to the attachment portion between the conductive aeration panels 101 is reduced, or that bubbles generated by the panels 101 are prevented from spreading unevenly. The seal 110 in the central portion 118 is formed by attaching the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 along selected lines using an adhesive, melting method, stitching or other physical attachment method. Such a structure by a plurality of cavities gives some rigidity to the entire structure of the aeration panel 101. In addition, the multi-cavity structure, along with the perforations in the upper portion 102, provides large, relatively non-occlusive passages for a large amount of flowing gas over the entire area of the aeration panel 101 and uses a uniform diffusion pattern of bubbles. Therefore, effective aeration can be performed on the liquid body. In one embodiment, two or more cavities are formed along the shape of the peripheral edge of the panel.

  Furthermore, the aeration panel 101 is configured to include a gas inlet 120, thereby allowing gas to be introduced into the flexible aeration panel 101 using a supply pipe 123, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. The supply pipe 123 is connected to a gas source (not shown) that supplies gas to the aeration panel 101. Further, any gas can be used as long as it is an appropriate gas. For example, the flexible aeration panel 101 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be a biological wastewater treatment plant that is depleted or depleted of at least one of air, oxygen, and other gases, eg, certain gaseous nutrients such as oxygen. Can be supplied to lakes.

  The inlet 120 may be single as shown in FIG. 1 or plural as shown in FIG. 11, and may be arranged at the peripheral portion of the flexible aeration panel 101 as shown in FIG. It may be placed inside a flexible aeration panel near 108. The gas from the gas source is introduced into the cavity 106 through the supply pipe 123 and the gas inlet 120 under pressure.

  When the gas fills one or more formed cavities 106, the aeration panel 101 expands and the gas is exhausted through the perforations in the upper portion 102. Further, the gas outlet 122 is connected to an area in which the gas is more uniformly diffused in the panel as shown in FIG. 3, for example, or two or more aeration units are continuously connected as will be described later. As such, it can be selectively provided.

The flow rate of gas flowing through the aeration panel 101 depends on the size and shape of the panel 101 as well as the type and structure of the perforations in the upper portion 102 and the presence or absence of a gas outlet 122 that is optionally included. Examples of gas flow rates include about 5 to about 74 cm ³ / min / upper m ² , preferably about 15 to about 54 cm ³ / min / upper m ² , more preferably about 25 to about 44 cm ³ / min / upper m 2. ² ranges are included.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible aeration panel 100 may be configured to include a structural frame 108 that is removable and preferably capable of counteracting the buoyancy of the aeration panel 101. In a preferred embodiment, the structural frame 108 is attached along the edge of the aeration panel 101 along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101. This ensures that the perforated upper part 102 is securely sealed around the peripheral edge 114 to the lower part 104 that supports the upper part 102. Therefore, the aeration panel 101 can be held in water without localizing high stress points that weaken the upper and lower portions of the central portion 118 and hinder gas flow to the rivets and screws of the central portion 118. The structural frame 108 in FIG. 1 typically circumscribes the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101.

  The structural frame 108 is composed of various suitable materials, such as, for example, metal, plastic (eg, PVC). In addition, the frame can adopt any structure as long as it has an appropriate structure. For example, the structural frame 108 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can have a width W of about 0.1 to about 3 meters and a length L of about 1 to about 5 meters. In addition, the structural frame 108 may have a plurality of successive attachment points 124, such as openings, along each side of the frame 108. Through this attachment point 124, for example, an anchoring device 112 such as a bolt, anchor rod or cable is inserted.

  The anchoring device 112 can be used to anchor, fix or restrain the aeration panel assembly 100 at a predetermined location where the aeration panel assembly 100 is installed, for example, at or near the bottom of a tank, basin or container. The anchor device 112 may be any type of fixing device known in the art, and for example, an anchor rod, a bolt, a cable, or a combination thereof may be used. These anchor devices 112 can be directly attached to a predetermined portion of the flexible aeration panel 101 or to a predetermined portion of any structural frame 108 located at the peripheral edge 114 of the flexible aeration panel 101. Typically, a plurality of anchor devices are used to form an anchor array. This anchor array has individually adjustable anchor devices. The anchor array allows the flexible panel to be horizontal with respect to the surface of the liquid body, thereby allowing the flexible panel to be placed within the liquid body. In other words, the anchor device of the anchor array can adjust the height of the attachment point of the aeration point relative to the length of the anchor device, so that the top plane and the bottom plane of the aeration panel can be adjusted to the liquid body. It can arrange | position in parallel with respect to.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, by using anchor rods inserted into a plurality of attachment points 124 (ie, openings) that are widely spaced on the structural frame 108, a plurality of anchor devices 112 are anchor arrays. Form. The frame structure 108 is secured to the anchor rod by nuts along the anchor rod. Furthermore, the nut that fixes the frame structure to the anchor rod can be adjusted in the length direction of the anchor rod so that each attachment point 124 can be raised and lowered. By adjusting these attachment points in this way, the entire aeration panel 101 can be leveled with respect to the top surface of the liquid body, that is, the top and bottom planes of the aeration panel 101 are relative to the top surface of the liquid body. Can be placed horizontally. By using such a configuration, the aeration panel 101 and the structural frame 108 are securely fixed, and thus the aeration panel can be prevented from floating without requiring a large-scale structure or ballast.

  Also, one or more anchor devices 112 may use anchor bolts with appropriate spacers or adjustment hardware. This spacer defines the distance between the aeration and the bottom of the aeration tank, basin, container, etc. or allows it to be placed horizontally, while the adjustment hardware allows the panel to be attached to the aeration tank, basin, container, etc. When installing, the panel is leveled. For example, each anchor point may be configured to include at least one of a spacer and an adjustment fitting, and the aeration panel may be configured to be horizontal with respect to the surface of the liquid body.

  Additionally or alternatively, the aeration panel 101 can be restrained by a horizontal array of anchor arrays, as shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the flexible aeration panel assembly 100 is a rectangular aeration panel 101 having a perforated upper portion 102 that couples to a non-perforated lower portion 104 along a seam 110 to form a plurality of cavities 106. It is comprised including. In one embodiment, one or more cavities 106 can be included. In other embodiments, the one or more cavities 106 may preferably be two or more cavities 106. In the case of FIG. 1, the rectangular aeration panel 101 includes 11 elongated cavities. In addition, one gas inlet 120 is included. However, the aeration panel 101 may employ other embodiments. For example, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the flexible aeration panel can employ various shapes, the shapes of which are not intended to be limiting, but are square, rectangular, triangular. , Circular, oval, donut, cylindrical, or crescent shapes are included, and this flexible aeration panel adopts three-dimensional shapes such as cube shape, pyramid shape, cone shape and prism shape You can also In addition, the inner shape of the aeration panel may be configured to match the outer shape, thereby forming a single or multiple cavities that circulate and diffuse air throughout the expanded volume.

  FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 including an aeration panel 101 formed in a square shape. The aeration panel assembly includes two gas inlets 120 and two gas outlets 122, which are arranged on both sides of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 is connected to a supply pipe 123 connected to another set of gas inlets of another aeration panel assembly that is continuously connected to the illustrated aeration panel assembly 100. By connecting various aeration panel assemblies in series, aeration of larger volumes of liquid is possible without increasing the size of the individual aeration panel assemblies. In one embodiment, two or more aeration panel assemblies can be connected in series, for example, three, four, or five units can be connected in series.

  The perforated upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are provided with a seal 110 formed along the peripheral edge 114 of the upper and lower portions and a seal formed along the longitudinal direction of the gas flow in the central portion 118 of the aeration panel 101. By using 110, one or more cavities 106 are formed.

  The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. The anchor device 112 is disposed along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101, for example, at an attachment point 124 in an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the peripheral edge 114. It is attached to. Alternatively, a structural frame with an opening functioning as an attachment point that allows the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame is mounted along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel be able to.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 configured to include an aeration panel 101 formed in a rectangular shape. The aeration panel assembly 100 includes three gas inlets 120. For the sake of explanation, a supply pipe 123 is attached to one of the inlets. The upper and lower perforated portions of the aeration panel 101 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the gas flow in the seal 110 formed along the upper and lower peripheral edges 114 and the central portion 118 of the aeration panel 101. By using the seal 110, one or more cavities 106 are formed. The gas outlet 122 is connected to an area in the aeration panel 101 that promotes uniform gas diffusion across the panel.

  In FIG. 3, the structural frame 108 is attached along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101. The structural frame 108 is configured to include openings along the sides of the frame. This opening serves as the attachment point 124 of the anchor device 112, whereby the anchor device 112 forming the anchor array is inserted or attached to the structural frame 108. The anchor device 112 may be an anchor rod that can be adjusted to cause the aeration panel to be level with respect to the surface of the liquid body. Alternatively, the structural frame 108 can be omitted, and the anchoring device 112 can be provided, for example, in an opening located within the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the peripheral edge 114. It can also be attached to the attachment point along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101.

  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 configured to include an aeration panel 101 formed in a triangular shape. The aeration panel assembly includes a single gas inlet 120. The perforated upper and lower portions of the aeration panel have a gas flow in the central portion 118 of the aeration panel 101 reflecting the shape of the seal 110 and the triangular aeration panel 101 formed along the peripheral edge 114 of the upper and lower portions. One or more cavities 106 are formed using a seal 110 formed along the length of the. The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. For example, the anchor device 112 is attached to the attachment point along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101 at an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the peripheral edge 114. 124. Alternatively, a triangular structural frame with openings that function as attachment points, allowing the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame, along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel. Can be attached.

  FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 that includes an aeration panel 101 formed in a circular shape. The aeration panel assembly includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122, which are disposed on both sides of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 is connected to a supply pipe connected to another gas inlet of another aeration panel assembly that is continuously connected to the illustrated aeration panel assembly 100. One or more cavities 106 are formed on the perforated upper and lower portions of the aeration panel using a seal 110 formed along the peripheral edge 114 and the central portion 118 of the aeration panel 101.

  The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, a container, a basin or the like using an anchor device such as an anchor rod. The anchor device is connected to either the aeration panel 101, a structural frame attached to the peripheral portion of the aeration panel, or a gas inlet or a gas outlet. The anchor device 112 can be, for example, an anchor rod, a clamp, or the like. For example, FIG. 5 shows that a gas inlet 120 and a gas outlet 122 are attached to an anchor device 112 (eg, an anchor rod) via a pipe clamp 126. The pipe clamp is attached to the anchor device by a nut. Thereby, the position of each pipe clamp 126 can be adjusted along each anchor rod, and the upper plane of the aeration panel 101 can be made horizontal with respect to the upper surface of the liquid body.

  FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 that includes an aeration panel 101 formed in an elliptical shape. The aeration panel assembly includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122, which are disposed on both sides of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 is connected to a supply pipe connected to another gas inlet of another aeration panel assembly that is continuously connected to the illustrated aeration panel assembly 100. A single cavity 106 is formed in the upper and lower perforated portions of the aeration panel using seals 110 formed along the upper and lower outer peripheral portions 130 and the inner peripheral portion 132. The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. The anchor device 112 is, for example, an attachment point along the outer peripheral portion 130 of the aeration panel 101 at an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the outer peripheral portion 130. 124. Alternatively, a structural frame with an opening that functions as an attachment point and allows the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame is mounted along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel be able to.

  FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 including an aeration panel 101 formed in a donut shape. The aeration panel assembly includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122, which are disposed on both sides of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 is connected to a supply pipe connected to another gas inlet of another aeration panel assembly that is continuously connected to the illustrated aeration panel assembly 100. A single cavity 106 is formed in the upper and lower perforated portions of the aeration panel using seals 110 formed along the upper and lower outer peripheral portions 130 and the inner peripheral portion 132. The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. The anchor device 112 is, for example, an attachment point along the outer peripheral portion 130 of the aeration panel 101 at an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the outer peripheral portion 130. 124. Alternatively, a structural frame with an opening that functions as an attachment point and allows the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame is mounted along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel be able to.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 including an aeration panel 101 formed in a cylindrical shape. The aeration panel assembly includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122. A single cavity 106 is formed on the perforated upper part 102 and lower part of the aeration panel using seals 110 formed along the upper and lower outer peripheral parts 114. The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. For example, the anchor device 112 is attached to the attachment point along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel 101 at an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the peripheral edge 114. 124. Alternatively, a structural frame with an opening functioning as an attachment point that allows the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame is mounted along the peripheral edge 114 of the aeration panel be able to.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of an aeration panel assembly 100 configured to include an aeration panel 101 formed in a crescent shape. The aeration panel assembly includes one gas inlet 120. Two cavities 106 are formed on the perforated upper portion 102 and lower portion of the aeration panel using the seal 110 and the intermediate seal 134 formed along the outer peripheral portion 130 and the inner peripheral portion 132 of the upper and lower portions. The aeration panel 101 can be fixed to the bottom of an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like using an anchor device 112 such as an anchor rod. The anchor device 112 is, for example, in an opening disposed inside the outer edge of the aeration panel 101 and outside the seal 110 provided along the outer peripheral portion 130 and the inner peripheral portion 132. Attached to the attachment point 124 along the inner periphery 132. Alternatively, a structural frame with an opening that functions as an attachment point and allows the anchor device to be inserted or attached to the structural frame is mounted along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel be able to.

  A method for manufacturing a flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The upper part (or sheet) is punched in the width direction of the sheet, and then cut into a desired shape as shown in FIGS. At this time, a non-porous part is left along the peripheral part of the upper sheet. Thereafter, the lower non-porous portion (or sheet) is cut according to the size of the upper sheet. And an upper sheet | seat and a lower sheet | seat are piled up and down, and it fixes or seals mutually. As described above, various methods can be used for the sealing process, but preferably, high-frequency welding or mechanical processing that applies clamping pressure and heat to both sheets is performed. In this way, the upper and lower sheets are fused into a strong, continuous and integral seam. Thereafter, the fused sheets may be further cut or trimmed according to necessity or demand. Preferably, the attachment frame pocket is configured as an attachment point that can accommodate the protrusion of the anchor. The assembled aeration panel is then tested for leaks, air distribution, pressure loss, etc.

  As described above, the aeration panel assembly can be used individually within the liquid body or in combination with other aeration panels. For example, in one embodiment, two or more aeration panel assemblies are connected and assembled. In other embodiments, preferably three, four or five units are assembled together. Needless to say, any number of panels can be employed in the configuration of a single or a plurality of panel assemblies. With more than one aeration panel assembly, a larger volume of liquid body can be aerated at a particular time. The plurality of aeration panel assemblies can be arranged, for example, in a distributed configuration as shown in FIG. 10 or in a connected configuration as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, a plurality of flexible aeration panel assemblies 100 are arranged in a distributed configuration having supply pipes 123 individually. In FIG. 10, one supply pipe 123 is shown per one aeration panel assembly. The supply pipe 123 is connected to one gas inlet 120A and the other gas inlet 120B is sealed and not used. However, if more than one gas inlet is used in a particular aeration panel 101, the gas inlets for that particular aeration panel may each have a separate supply tube, or multiple gas inlets for that particular aeration panel Are all connected to one supply pipe. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the aeration panel assembly is configured without including a gas outlet.

  In FIG. 11, a plurality of flexible aeration panel assemblies 100 are arranged in a coupled configuration. In this configuration, the aeration panel assemblies are connected to each other, and one or more supply pipes 123 are connected to one or more gas inlets 120 of the first aeration panel 100A. The gas flow through the aeration panel of the first aeration panel assembly 100A is exhausted from one or more gas outlets connected to one or more gas inlets of the second aeration panel assembly 100B. Further, the gas flow through the aeration panel of the second aeration panel assembly 100B is exhausted from one or more gas outlets connected to one or more gas inlets of the third aeration panel assembly 100C. As before, the gas flow through the aeration panel of the aeration panel assembly 100C is exhausted from one or more gas outlets connected to one or more gas inlets of the other aeration panel assembly 100D. The gas flow through the aeration panel of the aeration panel assembly 100 </ b> D is discharged from one or more gas outlets connected to the one or more exhaust pipes 136. The exhaust pipe 136 may be connected to another aeration panel assembly. Although four assemblies 100A to 100D are shown in FIG. 11, any number of assemblies may be provided, for example, two, three, four, five, or more.

  10 and 11 show a plurality of aeration panels configured in one row. However, other configurations as shown in FIGS. FIGS. 12 and 14 show a two-row aeration panel assembly 100 that includes four assemblies per row. In FIG. 12, eight assemblies are arranged in a distributed configuration, each having a supply pipe 123 individually. As in FIG. 10, one supply pipe 123 per aeration panel assembly is connected to one gas inlet 120A, and the other gas inlets 120B are sealed and not used. The aeration panel assembly may be configured with or without the gas outlet.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14 shows an arrangement in which each aeration panel assembly row is in a connected configuration. Similar to FIG. 11, the aeration panel assemblies are connected together, and one or more supply tubes 123 are connected to one or more gas inlets 120 of the first aeration panel assembly 100A. The gas flow through the aeration panel of the first aeration panel assembly 100A exits the assembly 100A and flows into and through the aeration panel assembly 100B, exits the assembly 100B and flows into and through the aeration panel assembly 100C. , Exits the assembly 100C, flows into and through the aeration panel assembly 100D, exits the assembly 100D, and flows into one or more exhaust pipes 136. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the two rows of gas flows are independent of each other, but can be connected to each other as required.

  FIGS. 13 and 15 show an alternate configuration of four aeration panel assemblies 100. In FIG. 13, four assemblies 100 are arranged in a distributed configuration, each having a supply pipe 123 individually. As in FIGS. 10 and 12, one supply pipe 123 per aeration panel assembly is connected to one gas inlet 120A, and the other gas inlets 120B are sealed and not used. The aeration panel assembly is configured without including a gas outlet.

  On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows an arrangement in which a plurality of aeration panel assemblies are in a connected alternating configuration. Similar to FIGS. 11 and 14, two rows of aeration panel assemblies are illustrated having at least two interconnected aeration panel assemblies per row. For example, one or more supply pipes 123 are connected to one or more gas inlets 120 of the first aeration panel assembly 100A. The flow of gas through the aeration panel of the first aeration panel assembly 100A exits the assembly 100A, flows into the supply pipe connected to the gas inlet of the assembly 100C, flows into the assembly 100C, passes through it, exits the assembly 100C, It flows into one or more exhaust pipes (not shown). On the other hand, one or more supply pipes (not shown) are connected to one or more gas inlets of the aeration panel assembly 100B. The gas flow through the aeration panel of the aeration panel assembly 100B exits the assembly 100B, flows into a supply tube connected to the gas inlet of the assembly 100D, flows into and through the assembly 100D, exits the assembly 100D, and exits one or more. Into the supply pipe 136. As described above, any number of panels can be employed in the configuration using a plurality of panel assemblies.

  Refer again to FIGS. These figures show a series of aeration panel assemblies each including a structural frame 108 that connects the aeration panel 101 to the anchoring device 112. For example, the anchor device can be embedded in concrete to secure the aeration panel assembly to the bottom of an aeration tank, basin, container or the like. However, other types of anchor devices can be used as shown in FIGS.

  FIGS. 12-15 illustrate that the aeration panel 101 is restrained by an anchor array that is formed into a substantially planar array of tensioned cables 150. For example, the restraint cable 150 is moored to at least one of the wall and floor of an aeration tank, basin, container, or the like. When anchoring a restraint cable to a wall, the anchor device is configured to include an anchor base (for example, an eyebolt) embedded in a wall of a tank, a basin, a container, or the like. For example, the anchor base is embedded in concrete. A turnbuckle is connected between the anchor base and one end of the cable, and tension is applied to the cable attached to or inserted into the attachment point (for example, opening) of the aeration panel assembly provided in the structural frame or the aeration panel itself. Cause it to occur. The cable 150 may have any shape known to those skilled in the art, such as a wire, a chain, and a rope.

  12 and 14 show several embodiments of the anchor device. In one embodiment, one side of each of the two aeration panel assemblies is held in place by one cable 150A, two anchor bases 152A, 152A ′ and turnbuckle 154A embedded in opposing concrete walls, respectively. ing. Cable 150A is attached to one anchor base 152A via a turnbuckle 154A and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. The other end of the cable 150A is attached to the other anchor base 150A '. By using the turnbuckle 154A, tension is generated in the cable 150A.

  In the second embodiment, one side of each of the four aeration panel assemblies is put in place by one cable 150B, two anchor bases 152B, 150B ′ and turnbuckles 154B embedded in opposing concrete walls, respectively. Is retained. Cable 150B is attached to one anchor base 152B via a turnbuckle 154B and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the four aeration panel assemblies. The other end of the cable 150B is attached to the other anchor base 150B '. By using the turnbuckle 154B, tension is generated in the cable 150B.

  In the third embodiment of the anchor device, each of the four aeration panel assemblies has four anchor bases 152C, 152C ′, 152C ″, each of which is embedded in one cable 150C and two opposing concrete walls. , 152C ′ ″ and the turnbuckle 154C. The cable 150C is attached to the anchor base 152C via a turnbuckle 154C and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. Next, the cable 150C is inserted into the anchor bases 152C 'and 125C' 'attached to the opposing walls and inserted or attached to the attachment points of the structural frames of the remaining two aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150C is finally attached to the anchor base 150C "". By using the turnbuckle 154C, tension is generated in the cable 150C. In other embodiments, the anchor bases 152C 'and 152C "may be replaced with a single anchor base.

  In the fourth embodiment of the anchor device, each of the eight aeration panel assemblies has four anchor bases 152D, 152D ′, 152D ″, each embedded in one cable 150D and two opposing concrete walls. , 152D ′ ″ and the turnbuckle 154D are held in place. Cable 150D is attached to anchor base 152D via turnbuckle 154D and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the four aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150D is then inserted into anchor bases 152D 'and 125D "mounted on opposing walls and inserted or attached to the structural frame attachment points of the remaining four aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150D is finally attached to the anchor base 150D '' '. By using the turnbuckle 154D, tension is generated in the cable 150D. In other embodiments, the anchor devices 152D 'and 152D "may be replaced with a single anchor base.

  13 and 15 show other embodiments of the anchor device. In the fifth embodiment, one side of one aeration panel assembly is held in place by one cable 150E, two anchor bases 152E, 152E ′ and turnbuckle 154E embedded in opposing concrete walls, respectively. ing. The cable 150E is attached to one anchor base 152E via a turnbuckle 154E, and is inserted or attached to a structural frame attachment point of the aeration panel assembly. The other end of the cable 150E is attached to the other anchor base 150E '. By using the turnbuckle 154E, tension is generated in the cable 150E.

  In the sixth embodiment, one side of each of the two aeration panel assemblies is put in place by one cable 150F, two anchor bases 152F, 152F ′ and turnbuckle 154F embedded in opposing concrete walls, respectively. Is retained. The cable 150F is attached to one anchor base 152F via a turnbuckle 154F and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. The other end of the cable 150F is attached to the other anchor base 150F '. By using the turnbuckle 154F, tension is generated in the cable 150F.

  In the seventh embodiment of the anchor device, four anchor bases 152G, 152G ′, 152G ″ each side of two aeration panel assemblies is embedded in one cable 150G and two opposing concrete walls, respectively. , 152G ′ ″ and the turnbuckle 154G. The cable 150G is attached to the anchor base 152G via a turnbuckle 154G and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of one aeration panel assembly. Next, cable 150G is inserted into anchor bases 152G 'and 125G "mounted on opposing walls and inserted or attached to the structural frame attachment points of the remaining aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150G is finally attached to the anchor base 150G "". By using the turnbuckle 154G, tension is generated in the cable 150G. In other embodiments, the anchor devices 152G 'and 152G "may be replaced with a single anchor base.

  In the eighth embodiment of the anchor device, each of the four aeration panel assemblies has four anchor bases 152H, 152H ′, 152H ″ in which one side of each is embedded in one cable 150H and two opposing concrete walls, respectively. , 152H ′ ″ and the turnbuckle 154H. The cable 150H is attached to the anchor base 152H via a turnbuckle 154H and is inserted or attached to the attachment point of the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150H is then inserted into anchor bases 152H 'and 125H "attached to the opposing walls and inserted or attached to the structural frame attachment points of the remaining two aeration panel assemblies. Thereafter, the cable 150H is finally attached to the anchor base 150H '' '. By using the turnbuckle 154H, tension is generated in the cable 150D. In other embodiments, anchor devices 152H 'and 152H "may be replaced with a single anchor base.

  When anchoring a restraint cable to the floor, a floor anchor retainer 156 (eg, a turnbuckle or eyebolt) is used with the anchor base 152 to restrain the cable 150 in a direction perpendicular to the substantially planar array. Stop. In one embodiment, the floor anchor retainer 156 creates a tensile force on the cable by pulling or pushing the cable out of the plane of the substantially planar array. This deflects the cable and allows it to traverse over long distances. Since the distance is long and there is no change in the cable length, slack is removed from the cable. 12 to 13 include a plurality of floor anchor holding devices 156 arranged along the length direction of the cable 150, and fix the plurality of aeration panel assemblies 100 along the bottom of an aeration tank or the like. Indicates. Also, by pulling out or pushing the cable out of the plane of the planar array, the height of the attachment point changes relatively, that is, the direction of the top and bottom planes of the aeration panel relative to the surface of the liquid body changes. To do so, the anchor retention device 156 can also be used to help level one or more aeration panels. By adjusting the height of the various attachment points, one or more panel assemblies can be level with respect to the surface of the liquid body.

  FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, which shows another configuration of anchor device 112 used in an anchor array for an adjustable structural frame 108 around aeration panel 101. The anchor device is configured to include two strut channels 302A and 302B. The strut channel 302A is fixed to the liquid body floor by an anchor rod 304, a flat washer 305, and a nut 306 (shown only in the right view of FIG. 17), so that the strut channel 302A is immobile with respect to the floor. The support channel 302B is disposed on the support channel 302A, and is disposed at a desired position by sliding on the support channel 302A along the support channel 302A in the Z direction. Thus, the strut channel 302B is movable relative to the anchor rod 304. Once the desired position in the Z direction is determined, the strut channel 302B uses a bolt 317 (with a washer) that is screwed into a spring leaf nut 316 (shown only in the left view of FIG. 17) located within the strut channel 302A. As a result, when the bolt 317 is tightened toward the spring plate nut 316, the columns are fixed to each other.

  Further, the structural frame 108 is attached to the anchor device 112 so as to be movable in the X and Y directions. This is accomplished by an anchor rod 308 that is inserted into the structural frame, guided through the nut 311 and fender washer 314 to the channel of the strut channel 302B and loosely screwed into the spring plate nut 312. The anchor rod 308, the structural frame 108, and the spring plate nut 312 are movable in the X direction along the support channel 302B as an integrated unit, and can be arranged at a desired position. Once the desired position in the X direction is determined, the nut 311 is screwed in the direction of the spring leaf nut 312 and the anchor rod 308 is fixed in place relative to the strut channel 302B.

  In the Y direction, the structural frame 108 is sandwiched between two nuts 310 on the anchor rod 308 and washers corresponding to the nuts 310. The structural frame 108 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the anchor rod 308 by turning the lower nut 310 up and down with respect to the rod. Once the desired position along the anchor rod is determined, the upper nut 310 is turned in the direction of the lower nut 310 to secure the structural frame 108 in a fixed position relative to the anchor rod. Thus, in the configuration of FIG. 17, the structural frame 108 can be moved in the X, Y, and Z directions, which facilitates adjustment of the adjustable and expandable frame anchor array.

  As such, the aeration panel may be configured to include an array such as the anchor device 112 described in FIG. 17 such that the aeration panel arrangement is adjustable and the adjustable or expandable frame 108 can be used. . Examples of expandable frames 108 according to embodiments of the present invention include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frames that can be adjusted by using one or more compression joints on one or more sides of the frame. For example, if the structural frame 108 is rectangular as shown in FIG. 1, one compression joint, or four compression joints, is used on each side of the frame. This joint is installed at the center of each side. With such a configuration, if it is necessary to maintain the aeration panel in an extended state, the structural frame 108 can be extended, thereby preventing a large warp or sagging in the aeration panel. During installation, all PVC tubing of the structural frame 108 can be fully inserted into the fitting. To expand the frame, simply twist and loosen the end of the compression joint, pull out the PVC tubing slightly enough to keep the aeration panel in the stretched condition, and retighten the joint.

  FIG. 16 shows one application example of the aeration panel assembly according to one example of the embodiment of the present invention. The waste water treatment system 200 includes a basin treatment tank 202, a waste water suction pipe 204, a discharge water discharge pipe 206, and a gas source 208. A series of aeration panel assemblies 100 in a distributed configuration are mounted and installed on the bottom 210 of the tank 202 by use of the anchor device 112. In one embodiment, as can be seen from the detailed drawings, the aeration panel assembly 100 is about 0.1 m to about 0.5 m from the bottom 210 of the tank 202, preferably about 0.15 m to about 0.15 m from the bottom 210 of the tank 202. They are arranged with a distance S of 0.2 m. Drainage is introduced from the drainage suction line 204 to the tank 202 so as to completely cover the aeration assembly 100. Gas (for example, air) is supplied from the gas source 208 to the aeration panel assembly 210 via the supply pipe 123. The gas source is, for example, a blower or compressed gas. The gas that has passed through the aeration panel assembly 100 forms bubbles on the upper surface of the aeration panel and aerates the drainage. The treated waste water is discharged using the discharge pipe 206.

  In addition to the aeration panel assembly described above, a method for diffusing gas into the liquid body will be described below. In one embodiment of the present invention, gas diffusion into the liquid body is achieved by placing one or more flexible aeration panels 101 in the liquid body. Each aeration panel can include at least one inlet 120 and at least an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 that define at least one cavity 106 filled with pressurized gas. Pressurized gas flows through each panel 100 and enters at least one cavity 106 via at least one inlet 120. The upper part 102 of each panel 100 is perforated so that pressurized gas can be discharged from the upper part 102 of each panel 102 as bubbles. Next, a source of pressurized gas is provided so that the pressurized gas flows into each panel 100 and flows into at least one cavity 106 via at least one inlet 120.

  Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for diffusing a gas into a liquid body. Here, one or more flexible aeration panels 101 are arranged in the liquid body. Each aeration panel 101 has at least one inlet 120 and at least an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 that define at least one cavity 106 that is filled with pressurized gas. Pressurized gas flows into each aeration panel 101 and into at least one cavity 106 via at least one inlet 120. The upper portion 102 of each aeration panel 102 is perforated so that pressurized gas is discharged from the upper portion 102 of each aeration panel 102 so as to provide a substantially uniform, unbroken pattern of bubbles covering the area of the upper portion. It becomes possible. Further, a pressurized gas supply source is provided, and the pressurized gas flows into each aeration panel 101 and flows into at least one cavity 106 via at least one inlet 120.

  From the above disclosure, the various embodiments of the present invention are highly reliable, relatively economical during manufacture, cost-effective to install, and enable relatively high gas flow rates in treated wastewater. By providing systems and methods that do so, the limitations of the prior art can be overcome.

  Various embodiments of the present invention provide one or more flexible aeration panels and associated assemblies that are simple and convenient to manufacture, transport and install. Large flexible aeration panel with relatively thin and light material that can be stacked and rolled for easy transport, while relatively in use (without relying on the use of rigid support panels) A flexible aeration panel that has a rigid overall structure and substantially prevents undulations of the panel and can ensure uniform gas diffusion over the entire panel at a large flow rate can be provided. The flexible aeration panel can be applied in various ways and can be used, for example, for aeration of water tanks, basins, or sludge. Furthermore, the aeration panel can be used for various aerobic water treatments.

  Perforations at the top of the aeration panel can provide bubbles formed by holes, slits, notches or combinations thereof. The entire aeration panel is formed in the desired shape, for example, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, ellipse, donut shape, cylindrical shape, arc shape, half moon shape, cube shape, pyramid shape, cone shape, or prism shape Also good. Furthermore, the position of the aeration panel can be arranged in various configurations. For example, the aeration panels can be arranged in a row or alternately as required by the surface coverage. Furthermore, the aeration panel assembly may be anchored at or near the bottom of the liquid body via anchor rods, cables, spikes or nails. The anchor point may be configured to include an adjustment fitting for leveling the assembly.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments and modifications can be made based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art to the present disclosure are included in the embodiments of the present invention within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view showing an exemplary rectangular flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a square flexible aeration panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows in more detail the aeration panel containing several inlets, an air supply pipe | tube, and a structure frame. 1 is a perspective view of a triangular flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a circular flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elliptical flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a donut-shaped flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cylindrical flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a crescent-shaped flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing four aeration panels arranged in a distributed configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing four aeration panels arranged in a connected configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing eight aeration panels arranged in a single row configuration and a distributed configuration with anchor cables according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing four aeration panels arranged in an alternating distributed configuration with anchor cables, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing eight aeration panels arranged in a two-row configuration and a connected configuration by an anchor cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing four aeration panels arranged in an alternating configuration and a distributed configuration with anchor cables according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view, a side view, and a detailed view of a distributed configuration of an aeration panel assembly used in a wastewater treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view and side view of an anchor apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention.

Claims (16)

An aeration panel assembly that diffuses gas into the liquid body,
Comprising at least two flexible aeration panels;
Each of the at least two flexible aeration panels is
(I) at least one inlet;
(Ii) comprising at least an upper part and a lower part,
The at least upper and lower portions define at least one cavity in communication with the at least one inlet and capable of being filled with pressurized gas;
The upper part is perforated and the pressurized gas is discharged as bubbles from the upper part,
The at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are made of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials;
The at least two aeration panels are connected to each other so that gas from one aeration panel flows into the other aeration panel.   The aeration panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the perforations are selected from holes, slits, notches, or combinations thereof. The at least upper and lower parts are made of a flexible non-rigid elastic sheet with a sealed edge,
The aeration panel assembly according to claim 1.   The anchor array is mounted around a periphery of one of the at least two aeration panels, and the flexible aeration panel is level with respect to the surface of the liquid body. Aeration panel assembly.   The aeration panel assembly according to claim 4, wherein the anchor array includes at least one cable, at least two anchor bases, and a turnbuckle.   The aeration panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein one of the cables is attached to each side of at least two aeration panels.   The aeration panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cable is one of a wire, a chain, and a rope.   The aeration panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least upper and lower portions of the aeration panel are comprised of one or more flexible non-rigid elastic materials having a density less than about 1.0 gm / mL. Each of the at least two aeration panels is
(I) comprising a structural frame disposed at or around the periphery of the aeration panel;
(Ii) does not include a rigid support plate in contact with or in contact with the lower portion of the aeration panel;
The aeration panel assembly according to claim 1. A method for diffusing gas into a liquid body using the aeration panel assembly according to claim 1,
(I) the liquid body by an anchor array attached around the periphery of one of the at least two aeration panels and leveling the flexible aeration panel with respect to the surface of the liquid body Placing the aeration panel assembly in the interior;
(Ii) comprising a supply source of the pressurized gas; and (iii) allowing the pressurized gas to flow into each of the aeration panels and flowing into the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet. ,
Including methods.   The method of claim 10, wherein the volume of the liquid body is substantially larger than a bathtub, a hot tub, or a recreational swimming pool.   The method of claim 10, wherein each of the at least two aeration panels further comprises a structural frame disposed at or around the periphery thereof.   The method of claim 10, wherein a horizontal plane of the one or more aeration panels is substantially parallel to a surface of the liquid body.   The method of claim 10, wherein the anchor array is configured to include a plurality of cables, the plurality of cables being arranged in a substantially planar configuration.   The method of claim 10, wherein the at least two aeration panels are at least four aeration panels.   The top of the aeration panel is each perforated and the pressurization from each of the top of the aeration panel so as to provide a substantially uniform and unbroken pattern of air bubbles over the area of the top. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is configured to vent gas.

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