Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLEXIBLE AERATION PANEL AND METHODS OF USE
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention generally relates to aeration panets for introducing
bubbles of gas, such
as air, into a liquid body, including a tank of water, water basin, reservoir,
or lake.
[0002] Conventional aeration panel structures having an upper portion
consisting of a
membrane mounted on a lower portion consisting of a flat, rigid plate are
known, for
example U. S. Patent No. 5,192,467. Such structures have peripheral hold-down
strips, which secure the membrane to the rigid plate. Middle hold-down strips
are
also provided to prevent billowing of the membrane. Adjustable anchor bolts
hold the
aeration panel structure to the bottom of a liquid container. Such panels are
heavy,
unwieldy when large, and difficult to transport and install. For this rigid
pla'te
approach, different materials, such as stainless steel or non-flexible plastic
plates, are
joined to flexible upper membrane sheets using screws, clamps or adhesives.
Examples of other conventional aeration panel structures are also discussed in
U. S.
Patent No. 5,192,467. Other aeration panel structures arc also known, such as
aeration panels described in German Patent Publication No. 29 42 697 and EP
Patent
Publication'No. 0 229 386. Another example is U. S. Patent Nos. 4,624,781,
which
describes a panel-type air diffusion device having an upper flexible membrane
that is
clamped to a lower rigid support plate. A furthcr example is U.S. Patent
5,015,421,
which discloses a flexible membrane clamped to a rigid. support with
continuous
clamping arrangements rather than point attachments, such as screws or rivets.
[0003] Still other aeration panels are known. For example, U. S. Patent No.
6,406,005
discloses a rigid base plate and a perforated elastomeric membrane secured to
the
rigid base plate by sealing strips pressed along the edges of the membrane
into
corresponding grooves in the rigid base plate. Additionally, U.S. Patent No.
5,532,391 describes a gas distributor including a base plate over which a
perforated
diaphragm is stretched and in which excessive expansion of the diaphragm is
prevented by an upper grating. Furthermore, EP Publication No. 0 761 294
discloses
an aerator panel with a perforated 'membrane secured to a support plate at the
periphery and at central points on the panel while EP Publication No. 0 747
031
describes an anatomically shaped air bubble mat for use in a bathtub.
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[0004] U. S. Patent Nos. 6,558,549 and 6,645,374 teach a membrane module for
gas transfer
composed of a flexible oxygen-permeable membrane that is impenneable to liquid
water. Because of the apparent absence of macroscopic perforations (instead
alternative membranes are permissibly constructed of microporous hydrophobic
materials), this apparatus does not produce bubbles in opcration. Also, the
apparatus
is described as having a non-rigid. restraint system and, appears relatively
flat.
[0005] All of the known aeration panels, especially the rigid support plate
varieties, are
heavy, expensive and difficult or unwieldy to install and maintain.
SUMMARY
[0006] A flexible aeration panel is provided, which does not make use of a
rigid support
plate, thus eliminating excessive weight, bulk, cost, and problematic
installation. The
flexible aeration panel according to an embodiment of the present invention
can
supply air, oxygcn, or othcr gases to biological wastcwatcr treatment plants
and lakes
d.epleted., or in need, of certain gaseous nutrients, such as oxygen.
[0007] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible aeration
panel may
comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can comprise
a
flexible, clastomeric material harboring holes, slits, cut shapes, or
otherwise
perforated. The lower portion can comprise a flexible elastorneric material,
which
may be the same as or different from the flexible elastomeric material of the
upper
portion. The upper portion can be sealed via a weld, chemical bonding,
vulcanization,
stitching, or an adhesive and the like to the lower portion, thus defining one
or more,
preferably two or more, cavities. Anchors and the like may be used to secure
the
flexible aeration panel to a certain location.
[0008] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the flexible
aeration
panel can take the form of many perimeter shapes, including, but not limited
to, a
square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, a doughnut, a cylinder,
a crescent, a
cube, pyramid, a cone, and a prism. The internal geometry of the aeration
panel may
follow the perimeter shape, thus creating a single cavity or multiple cavities
that allow
the circulation and distribution of air to the entire inflated volume.
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[0009] The gas can be delivered to the flexible aeration panel using a feed
pipe' through a
single inlet or multiple inlets, which may be positioned about the perimeter
of the
flexible aeration panel or at an interior portion of the flexible aeration
panel. Multiple
flexible aeration panels can be arranged in a discrete fashion, with each
having its
own feed pipc or with thc panels bcing fitted together to share gas being
distributed at
the ends of the series of panels.
[0010] The aeration panels can be restrained near the bottom of a body of
liquid or container
by use of one or more fixing devices, such as anchor rods, bolts, cable,
chains and the
like. Thcsc fixing means can bc attached directly to certain portions of the
flcxiblc
aeration panel or to an optional structural frame, which may be positioned
about the
periphery of the flexible aeration panel.
[0011] The aeration panels can be restrained also by a level array of cables
in tension. For
example, the restraining cables can be anchored to the concrctc walls and/or
to the
floor of the basin or container. Cable tension can be obtained by tumbuckles
acting
on the cable and the anchors. One cable can support two or more aeration
panels by
having the ends of the cable fixed at orie wall and providing turns pivoted
by, for
example, eyebolts fixed at an opposite wall.
[0012] The position of the aeration panels can be arranged in a variety of
configurations. For
example, aeration panels could be arranged in rows or in a staggered
configuration as
required by the surface coverage.
[0013] The flexible aeration panel can used in a variety of applications, for
example, for the
aeration of water tanks, water basins, or sludge. The aeration panel can also
be
utilized in various aerobic water processes.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of
distributing a
gas through a liquid body is provided. The method may comprise: (i)
positioning
within the liquid body one or more flexible aeration panels, each panel having
at least
one inlet and at least an upper portion and a lower portion, which portions
define at
least one cavity that can be filled with a gas under pressure, which
pressurized gas
flows to each panel and into the at least one cavity via the at least one
inlet, the upper
portion of each panel being perforated to allow the pressurized gas to escape
in the
form of bubbles from the upper portion of each panel; (ii) providing a source
of the
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pressurized gas; and (iii) pennitting the pressurized gas to flow to each
panel and into
the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet. The at least upper portion
and lower
portion of each panel can be constructed of one or more flexible, non-rigid
elastomeric materials.
[0015] The term "liquid body" can include a liquid body having a volume
substantially
greater than that of a bathtub, a hot tub, or a recreational swirnrning pool.
Also,
preferred flexible, non-rigid elastomeric materials may have a density of less
than
about 1.0 grn/mL. More preferably, the panel according to one embodiment of
the
present invention can further comprisc a structural framc positioned at or
about the
periphery of the aeration panel.
[0016] Still other embodiments of the present invention can include
distributing a gas
through a liquid body comprising the steps of (i) positioning within the
liquid body
one or more flexible aeration panels, each panel having at least one inlet and
at least
an upper portion and. a lower portion, which portions define at least one
cavity that
can be filled with a gas under pressure, which pressurized gas flows to each
panel and
into the at least one cavity via the at least one inlet, the upper portion of
each panel
being perforated to allow the pressurized gas to escape from the upper portion
of each
diffuser in a manner that provides a substantially uniform, unbroken pattern
of gas
bubbles over a substantial area thereof; (ii) providing a source of the
pressurized gas;
and (iii) permitting the pressurized gas to flow to each panel and into the at
least one
cavity via the at least one inlet. The at least upper portion and lower
portion of each
panel can be constructed of one or more flexible, non-rigid elastomeric
materials.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flexible aeration
panel for
distributing a gas through a liquid body is described which can comprise: (i)
at least
one inlet; and (ii) at least an upper portion and a lower portion, which
portions define
at least one cavity in fluid communication with the at least one inlet and
capable of
being filled with a gas under pressure. The upper portion can be perforated to
allow
pressurized gas to escape therefrom in the form of bubbles. Also, the at least
upper
portion and lower portion of the panel can be constructed of one or more
flexible,
non-rigid clastomcric materials.
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[00181 More preferably, a flexible aeration panel for distributing a gas
through a liquid body
is contemplated which can comprise: (i) at least one inlet; (ii) at least an
upper portion
and a lower portion, which portions define at least one cavity in fluid
comrnunication
with the at least one inlet and capable of being filled with a gas under
pressure, the
upper portion bcing perforated to allow pressurized gas to escape therefrom in
a
manner that provides a substantially u.niform, unbroken pattern of gas bubbles
over a
substantial area thereof. The at least upper portion and lower portion of the
panel can
be constructed of one or more flexible, non-rigid elastomeric materials having
a
density of less than about 1.0 gmlmL. Also, the panel can be equipped with a
structural frame positioned at or about the periphery of the panel and does
not include
a rigid support plate positioned at or against the lower portion of the panel.
[0019] The perforations can come in a variety of sizes and shapes including,
but not limited
to, holes, slits, cuts, or combinations thereof. The dimensions of the
perforations can
come in many 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
in
the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. The perforations can be arranged in
many different ways, including randomly or in symmetrical geometric forms,
such as
triangles, stars or in a rectangular fashion. The density of the perforations
can also
vary widely and is determined by a ratio of open (perforated) to solid (non-
perforated)
areas. Such a ratio can range from about 5% to about 95% open area, preferably
from
about 15% to about 75% open area, and more preferably from about 30% to about
50% open area.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least upper
portion and
lower portion can be comprised of flexible, non-rigid elastomeric sheets whose
edges
are sealed. Sealing is accomplished in any number of ways known in the art
including, but not limited to, welding, chemical bonding, vulcanization,
stitching,
gluing, or combinations thereof.
[0021] Moreover, the flexible aeration panel of the invention can take the
form of many
shapes including, but not limited to, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a
circle, an
ellipse, a doughnut, a cylindcr, a cresccnt, a cube, a pyramid, a cone, and a
prism, and
the like. The flexible aeration panel can also be anchored at or near the
bottom of the
liquid body via anchor rods, cable, chains, spikes, pegs, or combinations
thereof either
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directly or through a structural frame which is preferably positioned at the
perimeter
of the flexible aeration panel. The circumscribed structural frame can, in
turn, be
attached to the flexible aeration panel by a variety of attachment means,
which are
evident to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, a spacer
associated with the
anchor points for spacing the panel from the bottom of the liquid body can be
utilized
to advantage.
[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the upper portion and
lower portion
can also be sealed at one or more interior sections of the panel, thereby
defining two
or more cavities, which are in fluid communication with the at lcast one
inlct. Thcsc
two or more cavities may follow the shape of the perimeter of the panel. The
introduction of gas can be accomplished using a suitable gas flow rate, for
example, at
a rate of about 5 to about 74 cm3/rnin/m2 of the upper portion, preferably at
a rate of
about 15 to about 54 cm3/min/m2 of the upper portion, and more preferably at a
rate of
about 25 to about 44 cm3/min/m2 of the upper portion. Of course, the gas can
be
chosen to be any gas suitable for the particular application. The gas might be
oxygen,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide or simply air, for instance.
[0023] A variety of flexible, non-rigid elastomeric materials can be used with
which to
construct the panel's upper and/or lower portions. These materials include,
but are
not limited to, polyurethanes, poly(vinyl chloride), polycarbonates, acetals
and
poly(acetals), nylons and the like.
[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and
the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not
restrictive of the
invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
10025] The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent
from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying
exemplary
embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.
[0026] FIG. 1 are top and side views showing a representative rectangular
flexible aeration
panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a square flexible aeration panel according to
another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an aeration panel in greater
detail, including
multiple inlets, an air feed pipe, and a structural frame.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a triangular, flexible aeration
panel according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a circular, flexible aeration
panel according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an elliptical, flexible aeration
panel according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a doughnut-shaped, flexible
aeration panel
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cylindrical, flexible aeration
panel according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a crescent-shaped, flexible
aeration panel
according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FTG. 10 is perspective view showing four aeration panels assembled in a
discrete
configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 11 is perspective view showing four aeration panels assembled in a
series
configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 12 is perspective view showing eight aeration panels assembled in
a row and in a
discrete configuration with anchoring cables according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 13 is perspective view showing four aeration panels assembled in a
staggered,
discrete coniiguration with anchoring cables according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
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[0039] FIG. 14 is perspective view showing eight aeration panels assembled in
two rows and
in a series configuration with anchoring cables according to an embodiment of
the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing four aeration panels assembled in
a staggered,
series configuration with anchoring cables according to an embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a top view, a side view, and a detailed view of a discrete
configuration of
the aeration panel assemblies used in a wastewater treatment system according
to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a front and side view of an anchoring device according to an
embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Various embodiments will now be explained with reference to the
drawings. FIG. 1
depicts an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100 with an aeration
panel 101
in a rectangular shape, a frame 108, and anchoring devices 112. The flexible
aeration
panel 101 may comprise an upper portion or sheet 102 and a lower portion or
sheet
104. The upper portion 102 can comprise a flcxiblc, clastomcric material
harboring
holes, slits, cut shapes, or otherwise perforated. The lower portion 104 can
also
comprise a flexible elastomeric material, which may be the same as or
different from
the flexible elastomeric material of the upper portion 102.
[0044] As to the perforations in the upper portion, the perforations can be
configured in such
a- manner that a substantially uniform, unbroken pattern of gas bubbles can be
provided over a substantial area of the upper portion 102 when gas flows
through the
aeration panel 101. Also, the perforations can come in a variety of sizes and
shapes
including, but not limited to, holes, slits, cuts, or combinations thereof.
The
dimensions of the perforations can come in many 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 in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm.
The
perforations can be arranged in many different ways, including randomly or in
symmetrical geometric forms, such as triangles, stars or in a rectangular
fashion. The
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density of the perforations can also vary widely and is determined by a ratio
of open
(perforated) to solid (non-perforated) areas. Such a ratio can range from
about 5% to
about 95% open area, preferably from about 15% to about 75% open area, and
more
preferably from about 30% to about 50% open area.
[0045]' The material for the perforated upper portion 102 and non-perforated
lower portion
104 can be constructed from a variety of flexible, non-rigid elastomeric
materials.
For example, these materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes,
poly(vinyl
chloride), polycarbonates, acetals and poly(acetals), nylons, polyethylene,
polypropylene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, vinyl acctate, and
other
plastics and the like, which can be made into flexible, gas impermeable
sheets.
Indeed, any flexible, non-rigid elastomeric material having a density of less
than
about 1.0 gm/mL can be used. In addition, natural and synthetic woven fabrics
may
also be used. Further examples of suitable materials for the upper and lower
portions
are described, for instance, in U. S. Patent Nos. 6,846,534; 6,797,215; and
6,764,629,
the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Use of such
sheeting
generally provides panels that do not suffer from the drawbacks of the devices
of the
prior art, such as those drawbacks associated with differing thermal expansion
rates
between rigid supporting plates and flexible elastomeric panels. Such
differing
thermal expansion rates can cause stress at one or more attachment points. In
a
preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portions of the panels are made of
the
same (or different type of) flexible, non-rigid elastomeric material. In
another
embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion can be formed by at
least one
layer of fabric imbibed or otherwise attached within two or more layers of
elastomeric
materials, such as polyurethane or polyester. In such a case, the fabric can
be nylon,
polyester, rayon, Kevlar, etc. In another embodiment, the lower portion can
comprise
one layer of fabric bctwcen two layers of clastomcric matcrial but other
arrangcments
are possible. For example, two layers of fabric and three layers of
elastomeric
material can form a structure in which the layers of elastomeric material and
the
layers of fabric are alternately disposed.
[0046] The acration pancl 101 can be formed by scaling the upper portion 102
to the lower
portion 104, thus defining one or more cavities 106 using one or more seals
110. The
seals 110 can include one or more of the following: a weld, chemical bonding,
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vulcanization, stitching, an adhesive, and the like. ln one embodiment, the
flexible
aeration panel may be formed by seals between the upper portion 102 and the
lower
portion 104 at the edges or periphery 114 of one or both of the upper and
lower
portions.
[0047] Additional seals 110 can extend .across central regions 118 (or
interior sections) near
to the edges about the periphery 114, which create a plurality cavities 106
along
longitudinal, transverse, or conical lines within the aeration panel 101, for
example, in
the manner of a ribbed flotation device. The multiple cavities 106, defined by
the
longitudinal, transvcrsc, or conical scal lines 110 bctwcen the upper and
lowcr
portions, can provide the advantages of preventing the panel from billowing up
when
air is introduced and possibly exerting excessive strain on the attachments
between a
peripheral structural frame 108 and a flexible aeration panel 101, or causing
uneven
distribution of the air bubbles generated by the panel 101. The seals 110 in
the central
regions 118 are formed by attaching the upper portion 102 and the lower
portion 104
along selected lines using an adhesive, melting methods, sewing, or,other
physical
attachment methods. Such multiple cavity arrangements provide some rigidity to
the
overall structure of the aeration panel 101. Also, multiple cavity
arrangements,
together with the perforations on the upper portion 102 provide a plurality of
large,
relatively unobstructed passages for the flow of gases at high rates to all
regions of the
aeration panel 101, providing efficient aeration to the liquid body using an
even
distribution pattern of gas bubbles. In one embodiment, two or more cavities
are
formed, which follow the shape of the perimeter of the panel.
[0048] Additionally, the aeration panel 101 also includes a gas inlet 120 so
gas can be
delivered to the flexible aeration panel 101 using a feed pipe 123 (such as
shown in
FIG 10). The feed pipe 123 is connected to a gas source (not shown) for
providing
gas to the aeration panel 101. Any suitable gas can be used. For example, the
flexible
aeration panel 101 according to various embodiments of the present inventions
can
supply air, oxygen, and/or other gases to biological wastewater treatment
plants
and/or lakes depleted, or in need, of certain gaseous nutrients, such as
oxygen.
[0049] The inlct 120 can be a singlc inlet as shown in FIG 1 or multiple
inlcts as shown in
FIG. 11, which may be positioned about the perimeter of the flexible aeration
panel
101 as shown in FIG. 1 or an interior portion of the flexible aeration panel
near a
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central region 108. The gas from the gas source is delivered under pressure to
the
cavities 106 via the feed pipe 123 and the gas inlet 120.
i0050] As gas fills the one or more cavities 106, the aeration panel 101
expands, and gas is
permitted to exit through the perforations in the upper portion 102.
Additionally,
there can be an optional gas outlet 122 provided in a region that enhances the
even
distribution of gas throughout the panel (such as shown in FIG. 3) or provided
so as to
connect two or more aeration units in series (as will be described later).
[0051] The rate of gas flowing through an aeration panel 101 can depend on its
size and
shape of the panel 101 as wcll as the typcs and configurations of the
perforations of
the upper portion 102 and the presence of an optional gas outlet 122. Examples
of gas
flow rates include those that range from about 5 to about 74 cmNmin/m2 of the
upper
portion, preferably at a rate of about 15 to about 54 cm3/min/m2 of the upper
portion,
and more preferably at a rate of about 25 to about 44 cm3/min/m2 of the upper
portion.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible aeration panel assembly 100 may
optionally include
a structural frame 108, which can be disassembled and can preferably
counteract the
buoyancy forces of the aeration panel 101. In one preferred embodiment, the
structural frame 108 can be attached along the edges of the aeration panel 101
along
its periphery 114. In this way, the perforated upper portion 102 may be
securely
sealed to the supporting lower portion 104 around its periphery 114. Thus, the
aeration panel 101 can be held under water without creating high-stress points
localized at rivets or screws in the central regions 118, which could weaken
the upper
and lower portions in those regions and obstruct gas flow. The structural
frame 108
of FIG. 1 generally circumscribes the periphery 114 of the aeration panel 101.
[0053] The structural frame 108 can be made from a variety of suitable
materials, such as
metal or plastic such as PVC. In addition, the frame can have any suitable
configuration. For example, the structural frame 108 of the embodiment shown
in
FIG. 1 can have a width W of about 0.1 to about 3 meters and have a length L
of
about I to about 5 meters long. Furthermore, the structural frame 108 can have
a'
series of attachment points 124, such as apertures, along each side of the
frame 108
through which anchoring devices 112, such as bolts, anchor rods, or cables,
are
inserted.
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[00541 The anchoring device 112 can be used to anchor, secure, or restrain the
aeration panel
assembly 100 to a certain location, such as at or near the bottom of a tank, a
basin, a
container, or the like where the aeration panel assembly 100 is installed. The
anchoring devices 112 can by any type of fixing device known in the art, such
as
anchor rods, bolts, cable, or the like or any combination thereof. These
anchoring
devices 112 can be attached. directly to certain portions of the flexible
aeration panel
101 or to the optional structural frame 108 positioned about the periphery 114
of the
flexible aeration panel 101. Usually, a plurality of anchoring devices are
used which
form an anchoring array. The anchoring array can have adjustable individual
anchoring devices such that the flexible panel can be positioned within a
liquid body
by the anchoring array which permits the leveling of the flexible panels
relative to a
surface of the liquid body. In other words, the anchoring devices in the
anchoring
array permit the top and bottom planar surfaces of the aeration panel to run
parallel to
the top surface of the liquid body by adjusting the height of the attachment
point of
the aeration point relative to the length of anchoring devices.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the anchoring devices 112 form an
anchoring
array using anchor rods that are fed through the attachment points 124 (i.e.,
apertures)
of the structural frame 108, which may be widely spaced on the frame. Nuts
along the
anchoring rods can secure the frame structure 108 to the anchoring rods.
Furthermore, the nuts securing the frame structure to the anchoring rods can
be
adjusted along the length of the anchoring rod so that each attachment point
124 can
be raised or lower. By adjusting these attachment points in this manner, the
entire
aeration panel 101 can be made level to the top surface of the liquid body,
i.e., the top
and bottom planar surface of the aeration panel 101 can run parallel to the
top surface
of the liquid body. Using this kind of configuration, the aeration panel 101
and/or the
structural frame 108 can be securely affixed, and thus, the floatation of the
aeration
panel can be prevented without requiring a massive structure or ballast.
[0056] Additionally, one or more of the anchoring devices 112 may include the
use of anchor
botts with appropriate spacers for defining the distance between the aeration
and the
bottom of the aeration tank, basin, container, or the like and leveling
arrangements or
adjustment hardware to permit leveling of the panel when it is mounted in the
aeration
tank, basin, container, or the like. For example, each anchor point may have a
spacer
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and/or adjustment hardware-so aas to permit the leveling of the aeration panel
relative
to the surface of the liquid body.
[00571 Additionally or alternatively, the aeration panels 101 can be
restrained also by an
anchoring array in the form of a level array of cables in tension as sliown in
FIGS. 12-
15, which will be described later.
[0058] As discussed above, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a flexible aeration
panel assembly
100 includes a rectangular aeration panel 101 with a perforated upper portion
102
joined along seams 110 to a non-perforated lower portion 104 forming a
plurality of
cavitics 106. In one embodiment, there can bc one or more cavities 106. In
another
embodiment, the one or more cavities 106 can be, preferably, two or more
cavities. In
the case of FIG. 1, the rectangular aeration panel 101 comprises eleven
elongated
cavities. In addition, there is one gas inlet 120. However, other embodiments
of the
aeration panel 101 are contemplated. For example, according to various
cmbodimcnts
of the present invention, the flexible aeration panel can take the form of
many
perimeter shapes including, but not limited to, a square, a rectangle, a
triangle, a
circle, an ellipse, a doughnut, a cylinder, or a crescent, and the form of
many three-
dimensional shapes such as a cube, a pyramid, a cone, and a prism. In
addition, the
internal geometry of the aeration panel may follow the perimeter shape, thus
creating
a single cavity or multiple cavities that allow the circulation and
distribution of air to
the entire inflated volume.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembty 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a square. The aeration panel
assembly
includes two gas inlets 120 and two gas outlets 122 that are located on the
opposite
sides of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlets 122 can be connected to feed
pipes
123 that lead to another set of gas inlets for another aeration panel
assembly, which is
connected in series with the depicted aeration panel assembly 100. Having
various
aeration panel assemblies connected in series provides the ability of aerating
a greater
volume of liquid without increasing the size of an individual aeration panel
assembly.
In one embodiment, two or more aeration panel assemblies can be in series, for
cxamplc, three, four or fivc units can be in a series.
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100601 The perforated upper portion and the lower portion of the aeration
panel form one or
more cavities 106 through the use of seals 110 formed along the periphery 114
of the
upper and lower portions as well as seals 110 formed along the longitudinal
direction
of the gas flow in the central regions 118 of the aeration panel 101.
[00611 The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the bottom of an aeration
tank, container,
basin, or the like through the use of anchoring devices 112, such as anchor
rods. The
anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at attachment points 124
along the
periphery 114 of the aeration panel 101 at apertures that are located outside
of the seal
110 that runs along the periphery 114 but inside the,outcr edge of the
aeration panel
101. Alternatively, a structural frame can be attached. along the periphery
114 of the
aeration panel with apertures along the frame to act as attachment points so
that the
anchoring device can be fed through and/or attached to the structural frame.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel asscmbly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a rectangle. The aeration panel
assembly
100 includes three gas inlets 120. For illustrative purposes one of the inlets
has a feed
pipe 123 attached to it. The perforated upper portion and the lower portion of
the
aeration panel 101 form one or more cavities 106 through the use of seals 110
formed
along the periphery 1] 4 of the upper and lower portions as well as seals 110
formed
along the longitudinal direction of the gas flow in the central regions 118 of
the
aeration panel 101. A gas outlet 122 is connected at a region in the aeration
panel 101
that enhances the even distribution of gas throughout the panel.
[0063] In FIG. 3, a structural frame 108 is attached along the periphery 114
of the aeration
panel 101. The structural frame 108 includes apertures along the sides of the
frame to
act as attachment points 124 for the anchoring device 112 so that the
anchoring
devices 112 which form an anchoring array can be fed through and/or attach to
the
structural frame 108. The anchoring device 112 can be anchor rods which can be
adjustable so as to permit the leveling of the aeration panel relative to the
surface of
the liquid body. Alternatively, the structural frame 108 can be omitted and
the
anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at attachment points along
the
pcriphcry 114 of the acration pancl 101 at apcrtures that are located outside
of the seal
110 that runs along the periphery 114 but inside the outer edge of the
aeration panel
101.
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100641 FiG.,4 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a triangle. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120. The perforated upper portion and the lower portion
of the
aeration panel form one or more cavities 106 through the use of seals 110
formed
along thc pcriphcry 114 of thc upper and lower portions as well as scals 110
formed in
the central regions 118 of the aeration panel 101 that mirror the triangular
shape of the
aeration panel 101. The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the bottom of an
aeration tank, container, basin, or the like through the use of anchoring
devices 112,
such as anchor rods. The anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at
attachment points 124 along the periphery 114 of the aeration panel 101 at
apertures
that are located outside of the seal 110 that runs along the periphery 114 but
inside the
outer edge of the aeration panel 101. Alternatively, a triangular structural
frame can
be attached along the periphery 114 of the aeration panel with apertures along
the
frame to act as attachment points so that the anchoring device can be fed
through
and/or attached to the structural frame.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a circle. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122 that are located on the
opposite sides
of the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 can be connected to a feed pipe
that
leads to another gas inlet for another aeration panel assembly, which is
connected in
series with the depicted aeration panel assembly 100. The perforated upper
portion
and the lower portion of the aeration panel form one or more cavities 106
through the
use of seals 110 formed along the periphery 114 as well as the central regions
118 of
the aeration panel 101.
[0066] The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the bottom of an aeration
tank, container,
basin, or the like through the use of anchoring devices, such as anchor rods,
that are
connected to either the aeration panel 101, a structural frame attached to the
periphery
of the aeration panel, or the gas inlet and gas outlet. The anchoring device
112 can,
for example, be anchor rods, clamps, or the like. For example, FIG. 5 shows
that the
gas inlct 120 and the gas outlet 122 arc attached to the anchoring device 112
(such as
anchor rods) via pipe clamps 126. The pipe clamps are attached to the
anchoring
devices by nuts such that the position of each pipe clamp 126 along its
respective
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anchoring rod is adjustable so as to permit the top planar surface of the
aeration panel
101 to be leveled relative to the top surface of the liquid body.
[00671 FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of an ellipse. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122 that are located on opposite
sides of
the aeration panel. 101. The gas outlet 122 can be connected to a feed pipe
that leads
to another gas inlet for another aeration panel assembly, which is connected
in series
with the depicted aeration panel assembly 100. The perforated upper portion
and the
lower portion of the aeration panel form one cavity 106 through the usc of
seals 110
formed along the outer periphery 130 and the inner periphery 132 of the upper
and.
lower portions. The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the bottom of an
aeration
tank, container, basin, or the like through the use of anchoring devices 112,
such as
anchor rods. The anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at
attachment
points 124 along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel 101 at
apertures that are
located outside of the seal 110 that runs along the outer periphery 130 but
inside the
outer edge of the aeration panel 101. Alternatively, a structural frame can be
attached
along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel with apertures along the
frame to
act as attachment points so that the anchoring device can be fed through
and/or
attached to the structural frame.
[00681 FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a doughnut. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122 that are located on opposite
sides of
the aeration panel 101. The gas outlet 122 can be connected to a feed pipe
that leads
to another gas inlet for another aeration panel assembly, which is connected
in series
with the depicted aeration panel assembly 100. The perforated upper portion
and the
lower portion of the aeration panel form one cavity 106 through the use of
seals 110
formed along the outer periphery 130 and the inner periphery 132 of the upper
and
lower portions. The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the bottom of an
aeration
tank, container, basin, or the like through the use of anchoring devices 112,
such as
anchor rods. The anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at
attachment
points 124 along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel 101 at
apertures that are
located outside of the seal 110 that runs along the outer periphery 130 but
inside the
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outer edge of the aeration panel 101. Alternatively, a structural frame can be
attached
along the outer periphery 130 of the aeration panel with apertures along the
frame to
act as attachment points so that the anchoring device can be fed through
and/or
attached to the structural frame.
[0069] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a cylinder. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120 and one gas outlet 122. The perforated upper
portion 102
and the lower portion of the aeration panel form one cavity 106 through the
use of a
seal 110 formed along the outcr pcriphcry 114 of the upper and lowcr portions.
The
aeration panel 101 can be secured. to the bottom of an aeration tank,
container, basin,
or the like through the use of anchoring devices 112, such as anchor rods. The
anchoring device 112 can, for example, be attached at attachment points 124
along the
periphery 114 of the aeration panel 101 at apertures that are located outside
of the seal
110 that runs along the periphery 114 but inside the outer edge of the
aeration panel
101. Alternatively, a structural frame can be attached along the periphery 114
of the
aeration panel 101 with apertures along the frame to act as attachment points
so that
the anchoring device can be fed through and/or attached to the structural
frame.
[0070] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the aeration panel assembly 100, which
comprises an
aeration panel 101 that is in the shape of a crescent. The aeration panel
assembly
includes one gas inlet 120. The perforated upper portion 102 and the lower
portion of
the aeration panel form two cavities 106 through the use of seals 110 formed
along
the outer periphery 130 and the inner periphery 132 of the upper and lower
portions,
and an intermediary seal 134. The aeration panel 101 can be secured to the
bottom of
an aeration tank, container, basin, or the like through the use of anchoring
devices
112, such as anchor rods. The anchoring device 112 can, for example, be
attached at
attachment points 124 along the outer periphery 130 and the inner periphery
132 of
the aeration panel 101 at apertures that are located outside of the seal 110
that runs
along the outer periphery 130 and the inner periphery 132 but inside the outer
edge of
the aeration panel 101. Alternatively, a structural frame can be attached
along the
outcr periphery 130 of the aeration panel with apertures along the framc to
act as
attachment points so that the anchoring device can be fed through and/or
attached to
the structural frame.
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[0071] Now, the method of manufacturing flexible aeration panels according to
embodiments
of the present invention will be described. An upper portion or sheet is
perforated
across the width of the sheet and then cut to a desired shape, such as those
presented
in FIGS. 1-9. However, a non-perforated portion is left along the periphery of
the
uppcr sheet. The lower non-perforated portion or sheet can then bc cut to
match the
dimensions of the upper sheet. The upper and. lower sheets are then placed.
one on top
of the other and secured/sealed together. The sealing operation can be
performed in a
variety of ways as described above but can be preferably carried out through
the use
of radio frequency welding or a machine that applies clamping pressure and
heating to
both sheets. Tn this manner the upper and lower sheets are fused into a strong
continuous, solid seam. The fused sheets may then be fixrther cut and/or
trimmed, as
needed or desired. Mounting frame pockets can be preferably configured as
attachment points to allow anchor protrusion. Then the assembled aeration
panel is
tested for leaks, air distribution, pressure drop and the like.
[0072] As previously mentioned, the aeration panel assembly can be used
individually or in
combination with other aeration panel assemblies within a liquid body. For
example,
in one embodiment, two or more aeration panel assemblies can be in series. In
another example, three, four or five units are preferred in a series. Of
course, it is
recognized that any number of panels can be used in a single or multi-panel
assembly
configuration. If two or more aeration panel assemblies are used, a greater
volume of
the liquid body can be aerated at a particular time. Multiple aeration panel
assemblies
can be arranged, for example, in a discrete configuration as shown FIG. 10 or
in a
series configuration as shown in FIG. 11.
[00731 In FIG. 10, the multiple flexible aeration panel assemblies 100 can be
arranged in a
discrete configuration in which each aeration panel assembly has its own feed
pipe
123. FIG. 10 shows one feed pipe 123 per aeration panel assembly in which the
feed
pipe 123 is connected to one gas inlet 120A while the other gas inlets 120B
are sealed
and not used. However, if more than one gas inlet of a particular aeration
panel 101 is
being used, each gas inlet of that particular aeration panel may either have
its own
feed pipe or the multiple gas inlets of that particular aeration panel arc all
connectcd
to a single feed pipe. Also, in the embodirnent of FIG. 10, the aeration panel
assemblies do not have gas outlets.
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[0074] ln FIG. 11, the multiple flexible aeration panel assemblies 100 can be
arranged in a
series configuration in which the aeration panel assemblies are connected to
each
other such that one or more feed pipes 123 are connected to one or more gas
inlets
120 of a first aeration panel assembly I OOA. The gas flows through the
aeration panel
of the first aeration panel assembly IOOA and cxits out one or more gas
outlets which
are connected, to the one or more gas inlets of a second. aeration panel
assembly 100B.
Again, the gas flows through the aeration panel of the second aeration panel
assembly
100B and exits out one or more gas outlets which are connected to one or more
gas
inlets of a third aeration panel assembly 100C. As before, the gas flows
through the
aeration panel of the aeration panel assembly 100C and exits out one or more
gas
outlets which are connected to one or more gas inlets of another aeration
panel
assembly 100D. Finally, the gas flows through the aeration panel of the
aeration
panel assembly 100D and exits out one or more gas outlets which are connected
to
one or more exit pipes 136, which may be connected to another aeration panel
assembly. Although four assemblies 100A-100D are shown in FIG. 11, any number
of assemblies are possible, such as two, three, four, five, or more.
[0075] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a plurality of aeration panel assemblies that are
configured in a
row; however, other configurations are also possible, as shown in FIGS. 12-15.
FIGS.
12 and 14 show two rows of aeration panel assembl-ies 100 in which there are
four
assemblies in each row. In FIG. 12, each of the eight assemblies are in a
discrete
configuration such that each aeration panel assembly 100 has its own feed pipe
123.
Similarly to FIG. 10, one feed pipe 123 per aeration panel assembly is
connected to
one gas inlet 120A while the other gas inlets 120B are sealed and not used.
Also, the
aeration panel assemblies may or may not have gas outlets.
[0076] In contrast, FIG. 14 shows that each row of aeration panel assemblies
is in a series
configuration. Similar to the description of FIG. 11, the aeration panel
assemblies are
connected to each other such that one or more feed pipes 123 are connected to
one or
more gas inlets 120 of a first aeration panel assembly 100A. The gas flows
through
the aeration panel of the first aeration panel assembly 100A, exits out of the
assembly
100A, flows into and through an aeration panel assembly 100B, exits out of the
assembly 100B, flows into and through an aeration panel assembly 100C, exits
out of
the assembly 100C, flows into and through an aeration panel assembly 100D, and
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exits out of the assembly 100D into the one or more exit pipes 136. In the
embodiment. shown in FIG. 14, the gas flow in the two rows are isolated from
each
other but they could be connected to each other if desired.
[0077] FIGS. 13 and 15 show a staggered configuration of four aeration panel
assemblies
100. In FIG. 13, each of the four assemblies 100 are in a discrete
configuration such
that each aeration panel assembly 100 has its own feed pipe 123. Similarly to
FIGS.
and 12, one feed pipe 123 per aeration panel assembly is connected to one gas
inlet
120A while the other gas inlets 120B are sealed and not used. Also, the
aeration
pancl assemblies do not have gas outlets.
[0078] In contrast, FIG. 15 shows that the aeration panel assemblies are in a
series, staggered
configuration. Similar to the description of FIGS. 11 and 14, the two rows of
aeration
panel assemblies are shown in which each row has at least two aeration panel
asscmblics connected to each other. For cxamplc, one or more feed pipes 123
arc
connected. to one or more gas inlets 120 of a first aeration panel assembly
100A. The
gas flows through the aeration panel of the first aeration panel assembly
100A, exits
out of the assembly 100A into a feed pipe which leads to the gas inlet of the
assembly
100C, flows into and through the assembly 100C, and exits out of the assembly
100C
into the one or more exit pipes (not shown). Meanwhile, one or more feed pipes
(not
shown) are connected to one or more gas inlets of the aeration panel assembly
100B.
The gas flows through the aeration panel of the aeration panel assembly 100B,
exits
out of the assembly 100B into a feed pipe which leads to the gas inlet of the
assembly
100D, flows into and through the assembly l 00D, and exits out of the assembly
100D
into the one or more exit pipes 136. As previously mentioned, it is recognized
that
any number of panels can be used in a multi-panel assembly configuration.
[0079] Referring back to FIGS. 10 and 11, these figures show a series of
aeration panel
assemblies in which each aeration panel assembly includes a structural frame
108
connecting the aeration panel 101 to the anchoring device 112. For example,
the
anchoring devices can be imbedded in concrete so as to secure the aeration
panel
assemblies to the bottom of an aeration tank, basin, container, or the like.,
However,
othcr types of anchoring dcviccs can bc uscd as shown in FIGS. 12-15.
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[0080] FIGS. 12-15 show that the aeration panels 101 can be restrained by an
anchoring
array in the form of a substantially planar array of cables 150 in tension.
For
example, the restraining cables 150 can be anchored to the walls and/or to the
floor of
the aeration tank, basin, container, or the like. In the case of the
restraining cables
being anchored to the wall, the anchoring device can comprisc an anchoring
base
(such as an eyebolt) that is imbedded into the wall of the tank, basin,
container, or the
like, for example, the anchoring base is imbedded in concrete. A turnbuckle is
connected between the anchoring base and one end of the cable so as to provide
tension to the cables that are attached to or fed through the attachment
points (such as
apertures) of the aeration panel assembly, such as at a structural frame or at
the
aeration panel itself. The cables 150 can take any known form such as wires,
chains,
ropes, or the like.
[0081] FIGS. 12 and 14 shows several embodiments of the anchoring device. In
one
embodiment, the sides of two aeration panel assemblies are held in place by a
single
cable 150A, two anchoring bases 152A and 152A' imbedded into opposite concrete
walls, and a tumbuckle 154A. The cable 150A is attached to one anchoring base
152A via the turnbuckle 154A and then is fed through or attached to the
attachment
points in the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. The other
end of
the cable 150A is then attached to the other anchoring base 150A'. The cable
150A is
tensioned through the use of the tumbuckle 154A.
[0082] In a second embodiment, the sides of four aeration panel assemblies are
held in place
by a single cable 150B, two anchoring bases 152B and 150B' imbedded into
opposite
concrete walls, and a turnbuckle 154B. The cable 150B is attached to one
anchoring
base 152B via the tumbuckle 154B and then is fed through or attached to the
attachment points in the structural frame of the four aeration panel
assemblies. The
other end of the cable 150B is then attached to the other anchoring base
150B'. The
cable 150B is tensioned through the use of the turnbuckle 154B.
[0083] In a third embodiment of the anchoring device, the sides of four
aeration panel
assemblies are held in place through the use of a single cable 150C, four
anchoring
bases 152C, 152C', 152C", and 152C"' imbcdded into two opposite concrete
walls,
and a turnbuckle 154C. The cable 150C is attached to one anchoring base 152C
via
the tumbuckle 154C and then is fed through or attached to the attachment
points in
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the structural frame of two aeration panel assemblies. Next, the cable 150C is
fed
through the anchoring bases 152C' and 125C" that are attached to the opposite
wall
and then fed through or attached to the attaclunent points in the structural
frame of the
other two aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150C then terminates and is
attached
to the othcr anchoring base 150C"'. The cable 150C is tcnsioncd through the
usc of
the turn.bu.ckle 154C. In another embodiment, the anchoring bases 152C' and.
152C"
can be replaced with a single anchoring base.
[0084] In a fourth embodiment of the anchoring device, the sides of eight
aeration panel
assemblies arc hcld in place through the use of a singlc cable 150D, four
anchoring
bases 152D, 152D', 152D", and 152D'" imbedded into two opposite concrete
walls,
and a turnbuckle 154D. The cable 150D is attached to one anchoring base 152D
via
the turnbuckle 154D and then is fed through or attached to the attachment
points in
the structural frame of four aeration panel assemblies. Next, the cable 150D
is fed
through the anchoring bases 152D' and 125D" that are attached to the opposite
wall
and then fed through or attached to the attachment points in the structural
frame of the
other four aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150D then terminates and is
attached
to the other anchoring base 150D "'. The cable 150D is tensioned through the
use of
the turnbuckle 154D. In another embodiment, the anchoring bases 152D' and
152D"
can be replaced with a single anchoring base.
[0085] FIGS. 13 and 15 shows several other embodiments of the anchoring
device. In fifth
embodiment, one side of an aeration panel assembly is held in place by a
single cable
150E, two anchoring bases 152E and 150E' imbedded into opposite concrete
walls,
and a turnbuckle 154E. The cable 150E is attached to one anchoring base 152E
via
the tumbuckle 154E and then is fed through or attached to attachment points in
the
structural frame of the aeration panel assembly. The other end of the cable
150E is
then attached to the other anchoring base 150E'. The cable 150E is tensioned
through
the use of the tuxnbuckle 154E.
[0086] In a sixth embodiment, the sides of two aeration panel assemblies are
held in place by
a single cable 150F, two anchoring bases 152F and 152F' imbedded into opposite
concrete walls, and a turnbucklc 154F. The cablc 150F is attached to one
anchoring
base 152F via the tumbuckle 154F and then is fed through or attached to
attachment
points in the structural frame of the two aeration panel assemblies. The other
end of
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the cable 150F is then attached to the other anchoring base 150F. The cable
150F is
tensioned through the use of the turnbuckle 154F.
[0087] In a seventh embodiment of the anchoring device, the sides of two
aeration panel
assemblies are held in place through the use of a single cable 150G, four
anchoring
bases 152G, 152G', 152G", and 152G"' imbedded into two opposite concrete
walls,
and a turnbuckle 154G. The cable 150G is attached to one anchoring base 152G
via
the tumbuckle 154G and then is fed through or attached to the attachment
points- in
the structural frame of one aeration panel assembly. Next, the cable 150G is
fed
through the anchoring bascs 152G' and 125G" that arc attachcd to the oppositc
wall
and. then fed through or attached to the attachment points in the structural
frame of the
other aeration panel assembly. The cable 150G then terminates and is attached
to the
other anchoiing base 150G"'. The cable 150G is tensioned through the use of
the
turnbuckle 154G. In another embodiment, the anchoring bases 152G' and 152G"
can
be replaced with a sing] e anchoring base.
[0088] In an eighth embodiment of the anchoring device, the sides of four
aeration panel
assemblies are held in place through the use of a single cable 150H, four
anchoring
bases 152H, 15214, 152H", and 152H"' imbedded into two opposite concrete
walls,
and a turnbuckle 154H. The cable 150H is attached to one anchoring base 152H
via
the turnbuckle 154H and then is fed through or attached to the attachment
points in
the structural frame of two aeration panel assemblies. Next, the cable 150H is
fed
through the anchoring bases 152H' and 125H" that are attached to the opposite
wall
and then fed through or attached to the attachment points in the structural
frame of the
other two aeration panel assemblies. The cable 150H then terminates and is
attached
to the other anchoring base 150H"'. The cable 150D is tensioned through the
use of
the turnbuckle 154H. In another embodiment, the anchoring bases 152H' and
152H"
can be replaced with a single anchoring base.
[0089] In the case of restraining cables being anchored to the floor, a floor
anchoring retainer
156 (such as a turnbuckle or eyebolt) is used in conjunction with the
anchoring base
152 so as to restrain the cables 150 in the direction perpendicular to the
substantially
planar array. In one embodiment, thc floor anchoring retainer 156 creates a
tcnsilc
force on the cables by either pulling or pushing the cable out of the plane of
the
substantially planar array; thus, caused a diversion of the cable such that
the cable
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transverses a greater distance. The slack is taken out of the cables because
of the
greater distance and the fact that the cable is still the same length as
before. FIGS.
12-13 show that an anchoring array that comprises a plurality of floor
anchoring
retainers 156 that can be located along a length of cable 150 so as to secure
a plurality
of aeration pancl assemblies 100 along the bottom of an acration tank or the
like. In
addition, the anchoring retainer 156 can be used. to help level the one or
more aeration
panels because the pull or pushing of the cable out of the plane of the planar
array can
cause the heights of the attachment points relative to each other to be
changed; thus
changing the direction in which the top and bottom planar surfaces of the
aeration
panel run relative to the surface of the liquid body. By adjusting the heights
of
various attachment points, one or more panel assemblies can be leveled
relative to the
surface of the liquid body.
[0090] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the present invention which shows
another
configuration for the anchoring device 1] 2 which is used in an anchoring
array for an
adjustable structural frame 108 around the aeration panel 101. The anchoring
device
comprises two strut channels 302A and 302B. The strut channel 302A is fixed to
the
floor of the liquid body by an anchor rod 304, a flat washer 305, and a nut
306 (shown
in the right-side view but not the left-side view of FIG. 17) so that the
strut channel
302A does not move relative to the floor. The strut channel 302B lays on top
of the
strut channel 302A, and can slide over the strut channel 302A so as to be
placed in
any desired position in the Z direction along the strut channel 302A; thus
moving
relative to the anchor rod 304. Once the desired position in the Z direction
is
determined, the strut channel 302B is secured to the strut channel 302A
through the
use of a bolt 317 (with a washer) that screws into a spring nut 316 located
inside the
strut channe1302A (shown in the left-side view but not the right-side view of
FIG. 17)
so when the bolt 317 is tightened toward the spring nut 316 the struts bccomc
fixed to
each other.
[0091] The structural frame 108 is also attached to the anchoring device 112
so that it can
move in the X and Y directions. This is accomplished through an anchor rod 308
that
is fed through the structural frame 108, through a nut 311 and a fcndcr washer
314,
into the channel of the strut channel 302B, and then loosely screwed into a
spring nut
312. The anchor rod 308, the structural frame 108, and the spring nut 312 can
move
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as a single unit in the X direction along the strut channel 302B so as to be
placed into
a desired location. Once the desired location in the X direction is
determined, the nut
311 is screwed tightly in the direction of the spring nut 312 so as.to secure
the anchor
rod 308 into a fixed position relative to the strut channel 302B.
[0092] As to the Y direction, the structural frame 108 is sandwiched between
two nuts 310
with corresponding washers 310 on the anchor rod 308. The structural frame 108
can
then be moved long the longitudinal direction of the anchor rod 308 by
screwing the
lower nut 310 up or down the rod. Once a desired location along the anchor rod
is
dctcrrnincd, thc upper nut 310 is screwed in the direction of the lowcr nut
310 so as to
secure the structural frame 108 into a fixed position relative to the anchor
rod..
Therefore, the configuration of FIG. 17 can allow the movement of the
structural
frame 108 in the X, Y and Z directions, thus making it easy to adjust the
anchoring
array for an adjustable or expandable frame 108.
[0093] Thus, an aeration panel can have an array with the kind. of anchoring
device 112
depicted in FIG. 17 so that the placement of the aeration panel can be
adjusted as well
as being able to use an adjustable or expandable frame 108. An example of an
expandable frame 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a
frame
made from poly(vinyl chloride) ("PVC") in which the frame can be made
adjustable
using one or more compression couplings on one or more sides of the frame. For
exampte, if the structural frame 108 is rectangular as shown in FIG. 1, one
compression coupling can be used on each side of the frame which results in
four
compression couplings. These couplings could be installed at the center of
each side.
Such a configuration would allow the structural frame 108 to grow if needed to
keep
the aeration panel stretched so as to avoid a major bow or sag in the aeration
panel.
During installation, all the PVC pipe sections of the structural frame 108 can
be fully
inserted into the coupling. To expand the frame, simply unscrew the sides of
the
compression coupling and pull the PVC pipe out a little bit, enough to keep
the
aeration panel stretched, then re-tighten the coupling.
[0094] FIG. 16 shows one application of the aeration panel assembly according
to one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A wastcwatcr treatment system
200
comprises a basin treatment tank 202, a wastewater inlet line 204, an effluent
discharge outlet line 206, and a gas source 208. A series of aeration panel
assemblies
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100 in a discrete configuration can installed by attachment to the bottom 210
of the
tank 202 through the use of the anchoring device 112. In one embodiment and as
seen in the detailed view, the aeration panel assemblies 100 can be spaced a
distance
S of about 0.1 m to about 0.5 m from the bottom 210 of the tank 202,
preferably about
0.15 m to about 0.2 m from the bottom 210 of the tank 202. The wastewater can
be
introd.u.ced. from the wastewater inlet line 204 into the tank 202 so as to
completely
cover the aeration assembly 100. Gas, such as air, can be delivered to the
aeration
panel assembly 210 via the feed pipe 123 from the gas source 208. The gas
source
can be, for example, a blower or compressed gas. The gas passes through the
aeration panel assembly 100 creating bubbles over the upper surface of the
aeration
panel; thereby aerating the wastewater. The treated wastewater can the be
discharged
out using the discharge outlet line 206.
[0095] With the aeration panel assembly thus described, the method of
distributing gas
through a liquid body will now be described. According to one embodiment of
the
present invention, gas distribution through a liquid body can be accomplished
by
positioning within the liquid body one or more flexible aeration panels 101.
Each
aeration panel can have at least one inlet 120 and at least an upper portion
102 and a
lower portion 104 in which the portions define at least one cavity 106 that
can be
filled with a gas under pressure. The pressurized gas flows to each panel 100
and into
the at least one cavity 106 via the at least one inlet 120, and the upper
portion 102 of
each panel 100 is perforated to allow the pressurized gas to escape in the
form of
bubbles from the upper portion 102 of each panel 102. Next, a source of the
pressurized gas is provided, and the pressurized gas is permitted to flow to
each panel
100 and into the at least one cavity 106 via the at least one inlet 120.
[0096] Another embodiment of the present invention can comprise a method of
distributing a
gas through a liquid body in which one or more flexible aeration panels 101
are
positioned within the liquid body. Each aeration panel 101 can have at least
one inlet
120 and at least an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 wherein the
portions
define at least one cavity 106 that can be filled with a gas under pressure.
The
pressurized gas flows to each aeration panel 101 and into the at lcast onc
cavity 106
via the at least one inlet 120. The upper portion 102 of each aeration panel
102 is
perforated to allow the pressurized gas to escape from the upper portion 102
of each
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aeration panel 102 in a manner that provides a substantially uniform, unbroken
pattexn
of gas bubbles over a substantial area thereof. Next, a source of the
pressurized gas is
provided, and the pressurized gas is permitted to flow to each aeration panel
101 and
into the at least one cavity 106 via the at least one inlet 120.
[0097] From the above disclosure, various embodiments of the present invention
can
overcome the prior art limitations by providing a system and method which is
highly
reliable, relatively economical in manufacture, cost effective in
installation, and
allows for relatively high flow rates of gases into treated wastewater.
[0098] Various cmbodimcnts of the present invention can provide one or more
flcxiblc
aeration panels and associated assemblies, which are simple and convenient to
manufacture, transport and install. Large flexible aeration panels of
relatively thin,
light-weight materials can be provided that can be stacked or rolled for easy
transportation, but can provide a relatively rigid overall structure in
operation (without
resorting to the use of a rigid. support panel), and. can assure uniform gas
distribution
at high rates throughout the panel, by avoiding any substantial billowing of
the panel.
The flexible aeration panel can be used in a variety of applications, for
example, for
the aeration of water tanks, water basins, or sludge. The aeration panel can
also be
utilized in various aerobic water processes.
[0099] The perforations in the upper portion of the aeration panel can produce
bubbles
formed by holes, slits, cuts, or combinations thereof. The overall aeration
panel may
be any desired shape such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an
ellipse, a
doughnut, a cylinder, an arc, a half moon, a cube, a pyramid, a cone, or a
prism.
Additionally, the position of the aeration panels can be arranged in a variety
of
configurations. For example, aeration panels could be in rows or staggered as
required by the surface coverage. Further, the aeration panel assembly may be
anchored at or near the bottom of the liquid body via anchor rods, cable,
spikes, or
pegs. The anchor points may include adjustment hardware for leveling the
assembly.
[01001 Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the art
would appreciate
that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and
spirit of
the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the
art from
the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present invention
are to be
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included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the
present
invention is to be defined as set forth in the following claims.
28
