In these processing tanks, floc particles, sediment and carbonate buildup tend to plug or clog the small air release openings on the fine bubble diffusers.
These diffusers are typically made in the shape of a perforated rectangular pipe called a wide band, or a cap of 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter with an elastomeric membrane.
Other varieties of coarse bubble diffusers exist, though it is generally accepted that all of them perform similarly with respect to mass oxygen transfer.
When comparing disc-shaped diffusers, the majority fail to withstand specific challenges,[4] beyond 1 or 2 years, which include: clogging, blowing off and cracking.
Any coarse bubble diffuser that eliminates these problems would deliver a huge cost-savings, not only in product replacement, but in system downtime to facilitate their exchange.