Aeration pattern and minimal ...

Aeration pattern and minimal flux or specific airflow rate

 

 

Hello, diffusers are a system of equal pressure. This means that any compressed air will expand immediately and get out into water if hydrostatic pressure and dynamic wet pressure was beaten. Prerequisite is: leveling of diffuser membranes and identical behavior of diffusers in terms of minimal pressure for opening pores

Assuming unclogged diffusers, there is a minimal airflow rate per diffuser or a minimal flux (airflow rate decided to membrane surface) where diffusers will still deliver on whole surface. Below it the system will lose pattern.

Blower capacity for continuous airflow must be above this value. If less was desired a modulated on/off impulse may deliver good average. 

The reality is that all diffusers must be identical as type and age, and must be free of sediments and deposits. In time they  will start losing initial properties and system may lose pattern.

Replacing some diffusers with new ones may also affect pattern.

Sludge or condensate in the pipework may also obstruct air in portions of grid.

One is clear: if blower capacity goes below minimal, the only solution is to add capacity in mass flow, and not in pressure, as all other colleagues mentioned. Do not mistake blowers with compressors. A blower delivers a huge mass flow at up to 1bar over pressure usually, and a compressor delivers huge pressures at low airflow rates. 

There is plenty to write, and there are some different types of fine bubble diffusers: ceramic, epdm, silicone, polyurethane and different shapes: discs, tubes, panels, stripes. Each has specifics. 

I am glad if I could help, and we can go into details anytime. I'm with one of the manufacturers of diffusers, and I might be able to support by sharing without advertising...  Regards!