Elastomer Fine Bubble Diffuser Project

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Elastomer Engineering Ltd was founded in 1966 and has unrivalled experience in the designand production of high quality rubber mouldings, rubber-to-metal bondings and rubber-textilecomponents. We have assisted in the development of innovative products that we havesubsequently supplied to major customers, including the MOD, BICC (Pirelli), Pilkington,Schlumberger, Teledyne, the Weir Group and Westland Helicopters.The aim of this project is to develop the most technologically advanced fine bubble diffuserfor the treatment of sewage wastewater at a price that is competitive with similar but oftenpoorly performing products. Fine bubble diffusers deliver a stream of air bubbles to sewagewastewater collected in large tanks or allowed to flow slowly along channels, enablingaerobic bacteria to break down the toxic impurities present so that the purified and oxygenatedeffluent may be returned to the environment.There are many varieties of commercially available rubber/plastic fine bubble diffusers andtheir simple design belies the very important scientific parameters that determine theirefficiency and working life. Large urban wastewater treatment plants typically require around15,000 diffusers and unit costs are naturally of prime consideration when selecting equipment.However, less consideration seems to have been given to energy efficiency and extendedproduct life. We have noted many instances of appalling basic design and the use ofunsuitable materials with little attention being given to the essential distribution of bubbles asthey rise through the wastewater being treated. There is firm evidence that in many cases theinferior quality of the rubber diaphragm contributes to early failure and consequent highercosts.Elastomer aim to develop diffusers that offer significantly improved performance combinedwith greater longevity. This will result in lower operating costs as well as reducing theamount of energy consumed.