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Fine Bubble Diffused Aeration Systems ( FBDA)

F.L.I. Brightwater is acknowledged as a leader in developing innovative new treatment processes and quality products which have been extensively developed and tested. The F.L.I. Brightwater B220 range of high efficiency fine bubble diffusers include rubber membrane and ceramic, which along with coarse bubble ceramic diffusers can be fitted into the same universal holder.

As well as supplying products such as holders, diffusers and supports to other OEMs, F.L.I. Brightwater also supplies complete floorgear assemblies that include manifolds, laterals, lateral and manifold supports, fixings and condensate removal assemblies, plus lift out aeration grid assemblies. F.L.I. Brightwater’s wider activities enable the company to offer a complete service including process design, installation and commissioning, operator training, full turnkey contracting, and the supply of ancillary equipment, process control systems and software.

F.L.I. Brightwater B220 fine bubble diffuser holders are bonded to PVC-u laterals in accordance with ISO9001:2000 accredited procedures and an integral non return valve prevent flooding of laterals when air is switched off. The B220 diffuser lids are fully lugged to prevent flexing or fracturing of the lids. In addition, unique lateral supports are designed as single fixing with infinite adjustment for uneven or sloped floors to reduce installation by up to 40%. All submerged fixings and clips are supplied as grade 316 stainless steel and the PVC-u pipe and fittings are a minimum of 6 bar pressure rated, to ensure mechanical integrity of the system for over 20 years. No lightweight drainage / sanitary pipe and fittings are used - as is the case with some other equipment suppliers.

The F.L.I. Brightwater air distribution system incorporates a flexible PVC-u coupling complete with 316 stainless steel clips which offer the following benefits over PVC-u compression fittings:

- large sealing area
- higher mechanical torque fastening
- accepts higher tolerance of out-of-roundness on pipe
- allows lateral thermal expansion / contraction in elastomer instead of allowing pipe to move in sealing ring which results in leaks
- clips are suitable for over 20 years operation even in high chloride environments
- coupling does not rely on high positive pressure for seal, so can be used on low pressure systems and intermittent operation without leakage.

Cut-away showing the F.L.I. Brightwater B220 diffuser holder with diffuser disc, bonded to a PVC-u pipe lateral and adjustable support

F.L.I. Brightwater air distribution system showing flexible PVC-u coupling

B220 Membrane Diffuser

These diffusers have a 220mm diameter working area (9” diameter) and are manufactured with a special Peroxide cured compound for municipal wastewater applications, providing the membrane with a high modulus of elasticity – allowing it to easily withstand varying system air flows and pressures without taking a permanent deformation.

The manufacturing procedure that is followed ensures that the material thickness is blended for maximum strength of the final product. The base material used for the diffuser membrane has inherent material properties that display high resistance to permanent set and ageing, as well as a resistance to oils and UV degradation.

 

After moulding, the membrane diffuser is punched with a regular, predetermined punch pattern. The punch tool itself is manufactured in such a way that each of the punchings exhibits an advanced slit geometry for greater resistance to elongation and tearing.

The B220 is a self sealing membrane – when the air supply is switched off the membrane seals onto the air port inside the diffuser holder. This unique air port seal is designed to allow easy lifting of the membrane on resumption of air, preventing sticking diffusers. The membrane backing plate is fully ribbed to prevent reverse flexing of membrane and an integral ‘C’ section design prevents seal deformation during installation, thus ensuring leak free operation. The central section of the membrane has a material section of double the thickness of the rest of the membrane to stop it ballooning.

F.L.I. Brightwater has a technical performance information data sheet for the membrane diffuser – this is available on request.

B220 Ceramic Diffuser

These diffusers have a 220mm diameter working area (9” dia) and are manufactured from a diffuser material composed of a crystalline fused alumina grit bonded by a glass ceramic matrix. This composition produces a uniform distribution of pores.

A fine pore structure and surface finish provides even air distribution and bubble release. The integral non return diaphragm prevents flooding of laterals and advanced engineering of the ‘C’ section gasket, unique trapezoidal thread and fully lugged lid provide perfect parallel sealing at all airflows.
 

Download the B220 product literature

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