EDI Aeration/Mixing Equipment

Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual

For:

Al Ghadeer STP
United Arab Emirates
EDI Project # 19343
Prepared For: Prepared By:
Debashis Bhattacharya Tom Mallory
Eagle Electrical Mechanical Company LLC Environmental Dynamics International
PO Box 19973 5601 Paris Road
Dubai, Columbia, MO 65202
+1-573-474-9456
011-9714-267-2269
dbhattacharya@alhijazgroup.net

Local Representative:
Dilip Tanpure
Waterbird WTC
OFF 4TH INTERCHANGE SHAIKH ZAYED ROAD
UMM SUQQUEM ROAD
NEAR MARINA INTERIORS
AL BARSHA, DUBAI
011-971-4-3405961

Date: March 29, 2013

This page intentionally left blank.
 Notice
This document and all information contained within is the property of
Environmental Dynamics Inc. This document is submitted under a
confidential relationship specifically for the recipient's use on a designated
project. Reproduction of this document or use of its contents in whole or in
part without the written permission of EDI is prohibited.

Project Special Notes

Submittal package contains detailed information on components furnished as well as installation and
start-up guidelines. Operation and Maintenance Manuals will be provided at, or prior to, equipment
delivery. Final O & M manuals will cover start-up, operation and maintenance procedures for the EDI
Aeration-Mixing System and specific installation requirements not covered in Submittal Package.
All shipments of equipment must be inventoried within 24 hours of delivery. Claims for defective,
damaged or improper material or shortages will not be allowed without 48-hour notice specifying the
nature and extent of the defect, damage, improper material or shortage. Any equipment or material
identified as damaged or missing after 48 hours will be repaired, replaced or shipped at the contractor’s
expense.
EDI will label all piping segments to match lateral layout drawing. The piping segments will be labeled
with a sequence number that indicates that segment’s position in the lateral run. Additionally, EDI will
provide an arrow on the lateral piping. This arrow indicates the direction of airflow in the lateral
segment. All arrows should point away from the header toward the lateral end at final installation.

To limit potential for "galling", EDI recommends that a commercial grade lubricant be used on all
stainless steel threaded connections.

The drop pipe is to be supported by the contractor such that no downward force is transmitted to the
aeration piping system. The stainless steel drop pipe from the air header piping to be supplied by others.
EDI's scope of supply begins at the stainless steel coupling clamp at 1.0 meters above the basin floor.
Reference EDI Drawing(s) #104222, sheets 1-3.
Table of Contents
Warranty Statement - Project 19343.......................................................... 1

Fixed Grid Piping System........................................................................... 2

Headloss Calculation revA......................................................................... 4

DB 4228 Al Ghadeer STP (Revised)........................................................... 7

DB 4229 Al Ghadeer STP (Digester Design)............................................. 9

Storage Instructions................................................................................... 12
Receiving Inspection.......................................................................................... 12

Pre-Installation Storage Requirements for Plastic Piping.................................. 12

Pre-Installation Storage Requirements for a Coarse Bubble System................ 12

Post-Installation Storage Requirements for a Coarse Bubble System............... 12

Pre-Installation Storage Requirements for a Flexible Membrane System......... 13

Post-Installation Storage Requirements for a Flexible Membrane System........ 13

Installation Instructions.............................................................................. 16
Air Piping Installation.......................................................................................... 16

Stainless Steel Coupling Clamp Installation....................................................... 16

Van Stone Flange Installation............................................................................ 17

Installation of the Manual Purge Assembly........................................................ 19

Installation Instructions for PVC MaxAir Diffuser Units...................................... 20

Optional Water Flush and Air Purge Cleaning of Piping.................................... 22

Installation Instructions for FlexAirP®P SDM Diffuser Units with locking rib on wedge..23

Start-Up Instructions................................................................................... 28
General Aeration/Mixing Systems Start-Up Instructions.................................... 28

Directions for fixing these items can be found in the •Corrective MaintenanceŽ Troubleshooti.
28

Blower Components........................................................................................... 29

General Air Piping.............................................................................................. 30

Initial System Start-Up....................................................................................... 30

Safety Considerations................................................................................ 32
Personal Protection Measures........................................................................... 32

Personal Protective Equipment.......................................................................... 33

Confined Space Hazard..................................................................................... 33

Operation Instructions................................................................................ 34
Description of the Aeration-Mixing System........................................................ 34

Normal Operation of the Aeration System......................................................... 34

Normal Operation of the Blower System............................................................ 34

Shutdown Conditions......................................................................................... 35

Operation of the Diffuser Unit............................................................................. 35

Normal Operation of the Manual Purge Assembly............................................. 35

Preventive Maintenance............................................................................. 38
Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 38

Diffused Aeration System Inspection................................................................. 38

In Situ Cleaning of Membrane............................................................................ 38

Diffuser Protection.............................................................................................. 38

Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 38

FlexAir Aeration System Inspection................................................................... 39

In Situ Cleaning of Membrane............................................................................ 39

Membrane Protection......................................................................................... 39

Corrective Maintenance.............................................................................. 40
Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 40

Replacing FlexAir Diffuser Membranes.............................................................. 40

Replacing Saddle Mounted Diffuser Assembly.................................................. 41

Diffuser Express.......................................................................................... 42

19343 EDI Layout drawings revB............................................................... 44

19343 EDI layout dwg details..................................................................... 48
PVC Drainleg Assembly 48
..................................................................................
Van Stone Flange Detail.................................................................................... 49

EDI Purge Assembly.......................................................................................... 50

S.S. Clamp Detail............................................................................................... 51

EDI Spectrum Saddle Detail for Digester Diffusers only.................................... 52

EDI Spectrum Alignment Tool Detail for Digester Diffusers only....................... 53

Alignment Plug Detail for Aeration Basin Diffusers only.................................... 54

Flexair 84P Magnum Diffuser Detail for Aeration Basin only............................. 55

Maxair Duplex Diffuser Detail for Digester Basin only....................................... 56

Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Manufacturers Limited Mechanical Warranty Statement

United Arab Emirates – EDI Project 19343

The warranty provided by Environmental Dynamics International Inc., (EDI) is limited to the terms set
forth in this Warranty Statement. All other warranties, expressed or implied are excluded and
disclaimed in their entirety. EDI gives no other warranty of any kind, nature or description, expressed or
implied, other than the limited warranties set forth herein, and this warranty exclusion includes but is not
limited to warranties of merchantability and warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, both of which
are excluded and disclaimed in their entirety.

Equipment manufactured by EDI is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
twenty four (24) months from start up of the equipment or thirty (30) months from shipment, whichever
occurs first.

Defective part(s) shall be remedied by repair or replacement of the defective part(s) only shipped freight
included, FOB original shipping point1. Costs incurred by EDI (on or off site) 2 shall be reimbursed by
the Purchaser / Owner 3 should EDI find a deficiency to not be due to equipment covered by this
warranty.

The following are excluded from this warranty, but shall not be considered to be limiting to other
exclusions: cleaning and de-watering, labor4, equipment manufactured by others5, process and performance
related to system design or biological process performance, decomposition, abnormal wear and/or
damage caused by site conditions; chemical action, chemical precipitate, physical abrasion points or
abrasive materials, water velocities greater than 2 ft/sec or as approved by EDI, blunt trauma forces,
faulty or substandard structural components, faulty or inadequate maintenance/operation6, equipment
and services provided under a contract which is in a current state of default due to non-payment. 7 EDI
exclusively assumes no responsibility of expense or liability for (a) equipment repairs made or contracted
by Purchaser or Owner without EDI’s written consent; (b) modifications to any of EDI's equipment made
by others which are not approved in advance and in writing by EDI; (c) failure of the Owner to
promptly notify EDI of observed defects and or deficiencies which occur during the warranty period (d)
work by others8, (e) field modifications to allow for removal or replacement of EDI components

1
FOB original shipping point; indicates the point of which risk of loss passes
2
Cost incurred include shall not be limited to; travel, housing, labor and materials; that have been expended to research and
repair such deficiency.
3
Responsible party for the equipment at the time of the warranty claim; generally dictated by project status, pre (Purchaser) or
post (Owner) project hand over.
4
Accessing/uninstalling/replacing/reinstalling any parts.
5
EDI does not warranty equipment manufactured by others. “By others” includes but is not limited to: blowers, DO probes,
electrical panels, engines, motors, any electrical apparatus, etc. Such equipment bears warranties of the respective
manufacturers. Labor costs associated with warranty repairs of equipment manufactured by others shall be borne by others.
6
Please refer to your EDI IO&M manual for maintenance and operation instructions.
7
Default due to non-payment shall not include EDI approved holdbacks.
8
Work by Others shall include but not be limited to; materials furnished or labor provided by any contractor, subcontractor or
material supplier not working directly for or directly under EDI.

Page1 www.wastewater.com
 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Product Specification Sheet

Fixed Grid Piping System

with EDI Tube and Panel Diffuser
Engineered Components Designed for Unmatched System
Reliability and Operating Performance
• Permanently anchored to reactor floor; • No size constraint on drops and headers,
stainless steel supports standard 3” thru 8” and 90 mm thru 160 mm for
• Accommodates variable water level distribution laterals
applications • Available with all EDI tubular and panel diffusers
• Stainless steel drop pipe and rigid PVC
header and lateral standard for maximum 1. Drop Pipe
value; alternate materials (ABS, CPVC, 2. Header Section
and Stainless Steel) and wall thicknesses 3. Air Distribution Laterals
available for heat, chemical resistance, or
4. Field Joint; Solvent Welded Coupling or
when maximum durability is desired Flange Connection
• Factory manufactured components with 5. Air Distribution Orifice
fixed mechanical connections for ease of 6. Adjustable Pipe Support
installation 7. Adjustable Diffuser Support (optional)
• Uses no slip joints that are subject to wear
and replacement increasing service life
• Pipe sections sized for low headloss and 4
uniform air distribution

2 7

3
5

w w w.w a s t e w a t e r. c o m aeration for life™

Environmental Dynamics International
010112

Page2 www.wastewater.com
Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Product Specification Sheet

EDI Fixed Grid Piping Systems are ideal for All pipe sections are evaluated for condensate
conventional tank applications where access collection and purge requirements. Systems
to the reactor for installation and system will feature either a self-purging device that is
maintenance is available. The system is engineered integral to the aeration grid or manual purge
for maximum long term economic value and at the top of the drop pipe.
reliability, and is based on design methodologies
and system components specifically developed EDI Tube Diffuser Fixed Grid Piping Systems
to meet customers needs and customized for feature the FlexAir® Magnum™, and
each application. The foundational principles MiniPanel™ diffuser for energy efficiency
used to design each system include the following: and low maintenance. The MaxAir™, coarse
bubble diffuser option is also available when
The airflow requirement for each pipe section energy efficiency is not a significant concern.
is evaluated and the appropriate pipe size is
selected for low headloss. This helps ensure For additional information on an EDI Fixed
uniform air release between diffusers and a Grid Piping System with tube or panel
low system operating pressure. There is no size options, or any EDI product, visit our website:
limit on drop and header sections. Distribution www.wastewater.com or contact a local EDI
laterals are available from 3” to 8” and 90 mm representative.
to 160 mm.
The material of construction is reviewed. Rigid
PVC is most common and offers high value
for most applications. Alternate materials
including ABS, CPVC, Stainless Steel, and thicker
wall sections are available to match specific
application requirements.
Third, pipe supports are applied based on the
mechanical strength of the selected piping
components. Pipe supports are designed to
allow unrestricted movement due to thermal
expansion. This design philosophy allows fixed
joints to be used throughout the system. This
eliminates maintenance issues common with slip
joints. Supports also restrain axial rotation. This is
important for tube systems were torsional loads
are possible. Spacing for supports is based on
the deflection criteria and structural capabilities
of the pipe section at worse case field conditions.
Supports are typically fabricated of stainless steel.
Where extreme external loads are anticipated or
alternate materials of constuction are desired,
the optional SuperStrut™ diffuser support is
available.

Environmental Dynamics International For Parts Information: For System Information:

5601 Paris Road • Columbia, MO 65202 USA parts@wastewater.com systems@wastewater.com
+1 877.EDI.AIR8 (334.2478) +1 573.474.9456 www.diffuserexpress.com www.wastewater.com

Page3 www.wastewater.com
 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Aeration/Mixing System Headloss and Orifice Calculations

Project Name: Al-Ghadeer, UAE Project #: 19343 Date: 13-Jul-12

RevA:31-Oct-12
System Design Conditions Estimated System Pressures & Uniformity

N/A Design N/A N/A Design N/A

N/A Airflow N/A N/A Airflow N/A
N/A (Nm3/h) N/A Liquid Depth 0.00 45.09 0.00 (kPa)
Total System: N/A 800.00 N/A Piping Loss 0.00 1.08 0.00 (kPa)
Per Diffuser Unit: 0.00 9.09 0.00 Diffuser Loss 0.00 3.37 0.00 (kPa)
Orifice Loss 0.00 1.15 0.00 (kPa)
Diffuser Submergence Depth: 4.60 (m) Total Headloss 0.00 50.69 0.00 (kPa)
Quantity of Diffuser Units: 88 *Operating Pressure 0.00 50.69 0.00 (kPa)
Active Surface Area: 0.245 (m2) Uniformity 0% 97% 0%
Diffusers per Orifice: 1 * - at Blowers
Orifice Diameter: 11.1 (mm)

Piping System Headloss Calculations

Basin: Aeration Tanks
Type Equivalent N/A Design N/A
Piping Of Length Diffusers N/A N/A Total Airflow Total Loss N/A N/A
Segment Piping (mm) Remaining N/A N/A (Nm3/h) (kPa) N/A N/A
Blowers - Hdr elbow1 SS 6" Sch10 22872.1 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.2123 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow1 - Hdr elbow2 SS 6" Sch10 6632.4 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.0616 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow2 - Hdr elbow3 SS 6" Sch10 29626.5 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.2750 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow3 - Hdr elbow4 SS 6" Sch10 9631.6 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.0894 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow4 - Hdr elbow5 SS 6" Sch10 14630.4 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.1358 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow5 - Hdr Tee SS 6" Sch10 14234.1 88 0.00 0.0000 800.00 0.1321 0.00 0.0000
Hdr Tee - top of drop SS 6" Sch10 21183.5 44 0.00 0.0000 400.00 0.0564 0.00 0.0000
top of drop - Clamp SS 6" Sch10 4267.2 44 0.00 0.0000 400.00 0.0114 0.00 0.0000
Clamp - Tee PVC 6" Sch40 10149.8 44 0.00 0.0000 400.00 0.0348 0.00 0.0000
Tee - F11 PVC 4" Sch40 5577.8 22 0.00 0.0000 200.00 0.0395 0.00 0.0000
F11 - F10 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 20 0.00 0.0000 181.82 0.0077 0.00 0.0000
F10 - F9 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 18 0.00 0.0000 163.64 0.0063 0.00 0.0000
F9 - F8 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 16 0.00 0.0000 145.45 0.0051 0.00 0.0000
F8 - F7 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 14 0.00 0.0000 127.27 0.0040 0.00 0.0000
F7 - F6 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 12 0.00 0.0000 109.09 0.0031 0.00 0.0000
F6 - F5 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 10 0.00 0.0000 90.91 0.0022 0.00 0.0000
F5 - F4 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 8 0.00 0.0000 72.73 0.0015 0.00 0.0000
F4 - F3 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 6 0.00 0.0000 54.55 0.0009 0.00 0.0000
F3 - F2 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 4 0.00 0.0000 36.36 0.0004 0.00 0.0000
F2 - F1 PVC 4" Sch40 1284.7 2 0.00 0.0000 18.18 0.0001 0.00 0.0000
Subtotals from Blowers to 1st diffuser: 0.00 1.01 0.00
Subtotals from 1st diffuser to last diffuser: 0.00 0.07 0.00

NOTES:
All calculations included in these tables are estimates and should only be used as a guideline for design of the system. Specific operating
conditions such as initial start-up, aging of membranes, standby blowers started for emergency situations, etc., are not accounted for in these
calculations. Provisions and/or safety factors to account for these conditions must be considered and added when designing the overall system.
Also account for differences between positive displacement blowers and centrifugal blowers during design. Contact EDI for design assistance.

The piping segments analyzed had the path of highest resistance to airflow. "Equivalent Length" refers to the pipe segment length plus the
equivalent length of pipe due to fittings/valves (based on Crane Company data).

A diffuser "unit" is defined as a single membrane or component; not a full diffuser assembly.
The airflow capacity of each diffuser unit in this application is 40 (Nm3/h)
Operating the diffuser at the high end of the range will result in reduced performance and increased operating pressure. Use the maximum airflow
range for short term operations such as peak loads or system maintenance.

Uniformity: At the Design airflow, this system will provide 97% of the initial airflow to the last diffuser.
Therefore, uniformity among diffusers on a common unvalved section is ± 1.7% .

calc by TEM template revised 10-May-12

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Aeration/Mixing System Headloss and Orifice Calculations

Project Name: Al-Ghadeer, UAE Project #: 19343 Date: 13-Jul-12

RevA:31-Oct-12
System Design Conditions Estimated System Pressures & Uniformity

N/A Design N/A N/A Design N/A

N/A Airflow N/A N/A Airflow N/A
N/A (Nm3/h) N/A Liquid Depth 0.00 45.09 0.00 (kPa)
Total System: N/A 566.26 N/A Piping Loss 0.00 4.32 0.00 (kPa)
Per Diffuser Unit: 0.00 20.22 0.00 Diffuser Loss 0.00 0.13 0.00 (kPa)
Orifice Loss 0.00 1.16 0.00 (kPa)
Diffuser Submergence Depth: 4.60 (m) Total Headloss 0.00 50.71 0.00 (kPa)
Quantity of Diffuser Units: 28 *Operating Pressure 0.00 50.71 0.00 (kPa)
Active Surface Area: 0.245 (m2) Uniformity 0% 94% 0%
Diffusers per Orifice: 2 * - at Blowers
Orifice Diameter: 22.2 (mm)

Piping System Headloss Calculations

Basin: Digester Tanks
Type Equivalent N/A Design N/A
Piping Of Length Diffusers N/A N/A Total Airflow Total Loss N/A N/A
Segment Piping (mm) Remaining N/A N/A (Nm3/h) (kPa) N/A N/A
Blowers - Hdr elbow1 SS 4" Sch10 21317.6 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.7258 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow1 - Hdr elbow2 SS 4" Sch10 5078.0 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.1729 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow2 - Hdr elbow3 SS 4" Sch10 10576.5 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.3601 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow3 - Hdr elbow4 SS 4" Sch10 45076.7 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 1.5347 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow4 - Hdr elbow5 SS 4" Sch10 8077.2 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.2750 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow5 - Hdr Tee SS 4" Sch10 13075.9 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.4452 0.00 0.0000
Hdr Tee - top of drop SS 4" Sch10 4175.7 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.0408 0.00 0.0000
top of drop - clamp SS 3" Sch10 13179.5 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.4649 0.00 0.0000
clamp - Elbow PVC 3" Sch40 3252.2 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.1620 0.00 0.0000
Elbow - M7 PVC 3" Sch40 304.8 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.0152 0.00 0.0000
M7 - M6 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 12 0.00 0.0000 242.68 0.0478 0.00 0.0000
M6 - M5 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 10 0.00 0.0000 202.24 0.0345 0.00 0.0000
M5 - M4 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 8 0.00 0.0000 161.79 0.0231 0.00 0.0000
M4 - M3 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 6 0.00 0.0000 121.34 0.0138 0.00 0.0000
M3 - M2 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 4 0.00 0.0000 80.89 0.0066 0.00 0.0000
M2 - M1 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 2 0.00 0.0000 40.45 0.0019 0.00 0.0000
Subtotals from Blowers to 1st diffuser: 0.00 4.18 0.00
Subtotals from 1st diffuser to last diffuser: 0.00 0.14 0.00

NOTES:
All calculations included in these tables are estimates and should only be used as a guideline for design of the system. Specific operating
conditions such as initial start-up, aging of membranes, standby blowers started for emergency situations, etc., are not accounted for in these
calculations. Provisions and/or safety factors to account for these conditions must be considered and added when designing the overall system.
Also account for differences between positive displacement blowers and centrifugal blowers during design. Contact EDI for design assistance.

The piping segments analyzed had the path of highest resistance to airflow. "Equivalent Length" refers to the pipe segment length plus the
equivalent length of pipe due to fittings/valves (based on Crane Company data).

A diffuser "unit" is defined as a single membrane or component; not a full diffuser assembly.
The airflow capacity of each diffuser unit in this application is 79 (Nm3/h)
Operating the diffuser at the high end of the range will result in reduced performance and increased operating pressure. Use the maximum airflow
range for short term operations such as peak loads or system maintenance.

Uniformity: At the Design airflow, this system will provide 94% of the initial airflow to the last diffuser.
Therefore, uniformity among diffusers on a common unvalved section is ± 3.2% .

calc by TEM template revised 10-May-12

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Aeration/Mixing System Headloss and Orifice Calculations

Project Name: Al-Ghadeer, UAE Project #: 19343 Date: 1-Nov-12

System Design Conditions Estimated System Pressures & Uniformity

N/A Design N/A N/A Design N/A

N/A Airflow N/A N/A Airflow N/A
N/A (Nm3/h) N/A Liquid Depth 0.00 45.09 0.00 (kPa)
Total System: N/A 566.26 N/A Piping Loss 0.00 1.45 0.00 (kPa)
Per Diffuser Unit: 0.00 20.22 0.00 Diffuser Loss 0.00 0.13 0.00 (kPa)
Orifice Loss 0.00 1.16 0.00 (kPa)
Diffuser Submergence Depth: 4.60 (m) Total Headloss 0.00 47.84 0.00 (kPa)
Quantity of Diffuser Units: 28 *Operating Pressure 0.00 47.84 0.00 (kPa)
Active Surface Area: 0.245 (m2) Uniformity 0% 94% 0%
Diffusers per Orifice: 2 * - at Blowers
Orifice Diameter: 22.2 (mm)

Piping System Headloss Calculations

Basin: Digester Tanks - EDI suggestions
Type Equivalent N/A Design N/A
Piping Of Length Diffusers N/A N/A Total Airflow Total Loss N/A N/A
Segment Piping (mm) Remaining N/A N/A (Nm3/h) (kPa) N/A N/A
Blowers - Hdr elbow1 SS 6" Sch10 22872.1 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.1139 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow1 - Hdr elbow2 SS 6" Sch10 6632.4 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.0330 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow2 - Hdr elbow3 SS 6" Sch10 12131.0 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.0604 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow3 - Hdr elbow4 SS 6" Sch10 46631.2 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.2322 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow4 - Hdr elbow5 SS 6" Sch10 9631.6 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.0480 0.00 0.0000
Hdr elbow5 - Hdr Tee SS 6" Sch10 14630.4 28 0.00 0.0000 566.26 0.0728 0.00 0.0000
Hdr Tee - top of drop SS 3" Sch10 3435.1 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.1212 0.00 0.0000
top of drop - clamp SS 3" Sch10 13179.5 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.4649 0.00 0.0000
clamp - Elbow PVC 3" Sch40 3252.2 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.1620 0.00 0.0000
Elbow - M7 PVC 3" Sch40 304.8 14 0.00 0.0000 283.13 0.0152 0.00 0.0000
M7 - M6 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 12 0.00 0.0000 242.68 0.0478 0.00 0.0000
M6 - M5 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 10 0.00 0.0000 202.24 0.0345 0.00 0.0000
M5 - M4 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 8 0.00 0.0000 161.79 0.0231 0.00 0.0000
M4 - M3 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 6 0.00 0.0000 121.34 0.0138 0.00 0.0000
M3 - M2 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 4 0.00 0.0000 80.89 0.0066 0.00 0.0000
M2 - M1 PVC 3" Sch40 1268.0 2 0.00 0.0000 40.45 0.0019 0.00 0.0000
Subtotals from Blowers to 1st diffuser: 0.00 1.31 0.00
Subtotals from 1st diffuser to last diffuser: 0.00 0.14 0.00

NOTES:
All calculations included in these tables are estimates and should only be used as a guideline for design of the system. Specific operating
conditions such as initial start-up, aging of membranes, standby blowers started for emergency situations, etc., are not accounted for in these
calculations. Provisions and/or safety factors to account for these conditions must be considered and added when designing the overall system.
Also account for differences between positive displacement blowers and centrifugal blowers during design. Contact EDI for design assistance.

The piping segments analyzed had the path of highest resistance to airflow. "Equivalent Length" refers to the pipe segment length plus the
equivalent length of pipe due to fittings/valves (based on Crane Company data).

A diffuser "unit" is defined as a single membrane or component; not a full diffuser assembly.
The airflow capacity of each diffuser unit in this application is 79 (Nm3/h)
Operating the diffuser at the high end of the range will result in reduced performance and increased operating pressure. Use the maximum airflow
range for short term operations such as peak loads or system maintenance.

Uniformity: At the Design airflow, this system will provide 94% of the initial airflow to the last diffuser.
Therefore, uniformity among diffusers on a common unvalved section is ± 3.2% .

calc by TEM template revised 10-May-12

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

FINE BUBBLE DESIGN BRIEF - FLEXAIR® TUBE DIFFUSER

EDI™ FlexAir® AERATION SYSTEM FOR AEROBIC TREATMENT

Environmental Dynamics International DB - 4228

5601 Paris Road, Columbia, Missouri 65202
ph. 573-474-9456 fax 573-474-6988 Date: July 2, 2012
email edi@wastewater.com http://www.wastewater.com
Project:
Al Ghadeer STP
UAE

Customer:
Eagle Electrical
Attn: Mr. Teddy Joseph

DESIGN CALCULATIONS English Units Metric Units

(1) Type Waste and Process -
(2) Design Flow 0.00 MGD 0 m3/d
(3) BOD Raw Waste a) concentration 0 mg/L 0 mg/L
b) weight/d 0 lb/d 0 kg/d
(4) Primary Treatment (% BOD Removal) 0.0 % 0.0 %
(5) % BOD for biological process (100% - Item 4) 100.0 % 100.0 %
(6) ALPHA = Ratio of oxygen transfer in waste 0.60 Alpha 0.60 Alpha
to transfer in tap water
BETA = Ratio of solubility of oxygen in 0.95 Beta 0.95 Beta
wastewater to solubility in tap water
(7) Site Elevation 164 ft 50 m
(8) Operating ambient pressure, winter 14.62 psia 1007.60 millibar
Operating ambient pressure, summer 14.62 psia 1007.84 millibar
(9) Dissolved O2 level in the aeration basin 2.00 mg/L 2.00 mg/L
(10) Temperature of waste in aeration basin:
Winter Temperature 75.2 ºF 24.0 ºC
Summer Temperature 96.8 ºF 36.0 ºC
(11) Design BOD removal 100.0 % 100.0 %
(12) Carbonaceous BOD to the aeration basin 0.0 lb/d 0.0 kg/d
(Item 3b) x (Item 5)
(13) Oxygen per unit of carbonaceous BOD removed 0.00 lb/lb 0.00 kg/kg
(14) Carbonaceous oxygen requirements for aeration 0.0 lb O2/d 0.0 kg O2/d
at field conditions (Item 11)x(Item 12)x(Item 13)
(15) Ammonia to aeration basin a) concentration 0.0 mg/L 0.0 mg/L
b) weight/d 0.0 lb/d 0.0 kg/d
(16) Oxygen requirements for ammonia 0.0 lb O2/d 0.0 kg O2/d
(Item 15b) x (4.6#O2/#NH4-N)
(17) Total oxygen requirements, AOR 60.2 lb O2/h 27.3 kg O2/h
(Item 14 + Item 16) / 24
3
(18) Air supply for each EDI FlexAir™ diffuser tube 5.73 scfm 9.08 m N/h
3
9.74 m S/h

Page 1 v.20111006

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

DB - 4228
2
(19) Active surface area per diffuser tube 380 in 2452 cm2
(20) Air release depth of diffusers 14.27 ft 4.35 m
2
(21) Tank floor surface area 3147 ft 292 m2
(22) % Oxygen transfer, SOTE 25.2 % 25.2 %
(23) lb oxygen per h per tube, SOTR 1.51 lb O2/h/unit 0.69 kg O2/h/unit
(24) Winter surface saturation, Csmt 8.42 mg/L 8.42 mg/L
Summer surface saturation, Csmt 6.84 mg/L 6.84 mg/L
(25) Effective depth correction factor 0.40 0.40
(26) Standard condition aerated O2 saturation in the tank, 10.62 mg/L 10.62 mg/L
C*20=9.09*(29.92+0.8828*Item20*Item 25)/29.92
(27) Theta value= 1.024 1.024
(28) AOR/SOR=ALPHA[BETA(C*20)(Csmt/9.09)(Psite/Psc)-
(Item 9)](THETA)^(Item 10-20)/(C*20)
Winter AOR/SOR 0.453 0.453
Summer AOR/SOR 0.458 0.458
(29) Number of EDI FlexAir™ tube membranes required for oxygen
demand (Item 17) / [(Item 23) x (Item 28)] 88 units 88 units
(30) Air requirements for oxygenation (Item 18) x (Item 29) 504 scfm 799 m3N/h
857 m3S/h
2
(31) Assumed Mixing Design Criteria (air requirements) 0.12 scfm/ft 2.05
(32) Air requirements for mixing (Item 31) x (Item 21) 378 scfm 598 m3N/h
642 m3S/h
(33) Number of tube membranes for mixing and/or proper distribution 88 units 88 units
3
(34) Airflow per tube (mixing only) 4.29 scfm per unit 6.80 m N/h per unit
7.29 m3S/h per unit
(35) Design diffuser air fluxrate based on oxygenation or
mixing requirements, use the larger. 2.17 scfm per ft2 37.0 m3N/h/m2
39.7 m3S/h/m2
(36) Diffuser Density: (Area of Tank/Area of Diffusers) ratio
[floor area/(# diffusers x active diffuser area)] 13.55 13.55
(37) Estimated system operating pressure:
(a) Static liquid head 14.27 ft 4.35 m
(b) Pressure loss at blower building and header (estimated) 1.50 ft 0.46 m
(c) Pressure loss lateral piping (estimated) 0.50 ft 0.15 m
(d) Pressure loss though FlexAir™ tube (estimated) 1.50 ft 0.46 m
(f) Normal compressor operating pressure (a+b+c+d) 17.77 ft 5.42 m
(38) Normal operating pressure (estimated) 7.70 psig 531.38 millibar
(39) Design over-pressure APPROXIMATE 0.50 psig 34.48 millibar
(40) Recommended blower design pressure 8.20 psig 565.86 millibar

Notes:

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

COARSE BUBBLE DESIGN BRIEF - MAXAIR™ TUBE DIFFUSER

EDI MaxAir™ AERATION SYSTEM FOR AEROBIC TREATMENT

Environmental Dynamics International DB - 4229

5601 Paris Road, Columbia, Missouri 65202
phone: 573-474-9456 fax: 573-474-6988 Date: 7/2/2012
email: edi@wastewater.com http://www.wastewater.com
Project:
Al Ghadeer STP
UAE

Consulting Engineer:
Digester Tanks

DESIGN CALCULATIONS English Units Metric Units

(1) Type Waste and Process -
3
(2) Design Flow 0.00 MGD 0 m /day
(3) BOD Raw Waste a) concentration 0.00 mg/l 0.00 mg/l
b) weight/day 0.00 lbs/day 0.00 kg/day
(4) Primary Treatment (% BOD Removal) 0.0 % 0.0 %
(5) % BOD for biological process (100% - Item 4) 100.00 % 100.00 %

(6) ALPHA = Ratio of oxygen transfer in waste 0.40 Alpha 0.40 Alpha
to transfer in tap water
BETA = Ratio of solubility of oxygen in 0.95 Beta 0.95 Beta
wastewater to solubility in tap water
(7) Site Elevation 164.04 Feet 50.00 meters
(8) Operating ambient pressure, winter 14.62 psia 1007.60 millibar
Operating ambient pressure, summer 14.62 psia 1007.84 millibar
(9) Dissolved O2 level in the aeration basin 2.00 mg/l 2.00 mg/l
(10) Temperature of waste in aeration basin:
Winter Temperature 75.20 ºF 24.00 ºC
Summer Temperature 96.80 ºF 36.00 ºC

(11) Design BOD removal 100.0 % 100.0 %

(12) Carbonaceous BOD(5) to the aeration basin 0.00 lbs/day 0.00 kg/day
(Item 3b) x (Item 5)
(13) Oxygen per unit of carbonaceous BOD removed 0.00 lb/lb 0.00 kg/kg

(14) Carbonaceous oxygen requirements for aeration 0.00 lb O2/day 0.00 kg O2/day
at field conditions (Item 11)x(Item 12)x(Item 13)
(15) Ammonia to aeration basin a) concentration 0.00 mg/l 0.00 mg/l
b) weight/day 0.00 lb/day 0.00 kg/day

(16) Oxygen requirements for nitrification 0.00 lb O2/day 0.00 kg O2/day

(Item 15b) x (4.6#O2/#NH4-N)

(17) Total oxygen requirements, AOR 14.33 lb O2/hour 6.50 kg O2/hour

(Item 14 + Item 16) / 24
Page 1

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 Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

DB - 4229
3
(18) Air supply for each EDI MaxAir™ diffuser unit 13.50 scfm 21.384 m N/h

2 2
(19) Active surface area per diffuser unit 0 in 0 cm

(20) Air release depth of diffusers 13.78 ft 4.20 meters

3 3
(21) Effective Tank Volume 8674.694733 ft 246 meters

(22) Volumetric Aeration Energy (Scfm/tank volume) 41.21 scfm 2305.27 m3N/h
3
1000 ft 1000 m3
(23) % Oxygen transfer, SOTE 13.0 % 13.0 %

(24) Lbs oxygen per hour per unit, SOR 1.832 lb O2/hr/unit 0.831 kg O2/hr/unit

(25) Winter surface saturation, Csmt 8.42 mg/l 8.42 mg/l

Summer surface saturation, Csmt 6.84 mg/l 6.84 mg/l

(26) Effective depth correction factor 0.2 0.2

(27) Standard condition aerated O2 saturation in the tank, 9.83 mg/l 9.83 mg/l
C*20=9.09*(29.92+0.8828*Item20*Item 26)/29.92

(28) Enter Theta value= 1.024 1.024

(29) AOR/SOR=ALPHA[BETA(C*20)(Csmt/9.09)(Psite/Psc)-
(Item 9)](THETA)^(Item 10-20)/(C*20)
Winter AOR/SOR 0.2954 0.2954
Summer AOR/SOR 0.2966 0.2966

(30) Number of MaxAir™ units required for oxygen demand

(Item 17) / [(Item 24) x (Item 29)] 26.48 units 26.48 units

3
(31) Air requirements for oxygenation (Item 18)x(Item 30) 357.49 scfm 566.266 m N/h

(32) Number of tubes for mixing and/or proper distribution 28 units 28 units

3
(33) Airflow per unit (mixing only) 5.30 scfm 8.395 m N/h

3
(34) Air requirements for mixing (Item 32) x (Item 33) 148.40 scfm 235.066 m N/h

(35) Estimated system operating pressure:

(a) Static liquid head 13.78 ft 4.20 meters
(b) Pressure loss at blower building and header (estimated) 1.50 ft 0.46 meters
(c) Pressure loss lateral piping (estimated) 0.50 ft 0.15 meters
(d) Pressure loss through MaxAir™ unit (estimated) 0.50 ft 0.15 meters
(e) Normal compressor operating pressure (a+b+c+d) 16.28 ft 4.96 meters

(36) Normal operating pressure (estimated) 7.06 psig 486.77 millibar

(37) Design over-pressure APPROXIMATE 0.50 psig 34.48 millibar

(38) Peak design pressure 7.56 psig 521.24 millibar

NOTES:

Page 2

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Storage Instructions
Receiving Inspection debris, etc.) into the pipe. Any foreign
r.2011-10-12 materials that are allowed to contaminate
the pipe will need to be removed from the
(FOB EDI only) Shipments shall be
system prior to installation and start-up.
inspected for damage upon receipt. The
recipient/receiver is responsible for all Piping shall be stored on a flat surface to
damages. EDI offers to act on behalf of avoid damaging the pipe sections.
the recipient / receiver in filing a claim If the pipe components are to be stored for
for damage incurred during shipment. more than 6 months, pipe sections are to be
To file a claim against the freight shaded from sunlight.
company, a damage report must be Accessories such as pipe supports,
submitted to EDI within 24 hours of fasteners, etc., packaged in original boxes
delivery. are to be protected from excessive moisture
(FOB Jobsite only) Shipments shall be and rain. Outdoor storage is acceptable
inspected for damage upon receipt. Any provided the ambient air temperature is
damages observed upon receipt must below 140°F (60°C).
be reported to EDI within 24 hours of Small items should be stored in a secure
delivery. EDI will repair or replace location to avoid misplacement and theft.
damaged goods when notified within
this notification period.
(Ex-Works only) Shipments shall be Pre-Installation Storage
inspected for damage upon receipt. The Requirements for a Coarse
recipient/receiver is responsible for all Bubble System
damages. To file a claim against the r.2011-10-12
freight company, file a damage report
Components may be stored outdoors
directly with the shipping company. provided the ambient air temperature is
A full inventory of shipped components below 140ºF (60ºC).
shall be completed within 14 days of the
receipt of shipment. Any deficiencies in
the shipment that are clearly deemed to Post-Installation Storage
be the result of EDI will be reconciled by Requirements for a Coarse
EDI when notified within this time Bubble System
period. r.2011-10-12
When the reactor is drained and the
Pre-Installation Storage aeration system is exposed for a short
Requirements for Plastic Piping period of time (less than 6 months), the
system shall be protected from foreign
r.2011-10-12
objects including but not limited to paint or
PVC, CPVC and ABS piping components weld splatter, falling objects, etc.
may be stored outdoors provided the
• If the ambient air temperature is above
ambient air temperature is below 140°F
140°F (60°C), the system should be
(60°C).
shaded to protect the system from UV
Pipe sections are furnished with end caps to light and excessive heat. A gray fabric
minimize the entry of foreign materials (dirt, tarp is recommended to shade the

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

aeration components. The gray fabric Pre-Installation Storage

tarp is to be suspended above the
aeration system by approximately 6”
Requirements for a Flexible
(150 mm) to prevent damage to the Membrane System
system. r.2011-10-12
• Note: Do not use any form of plastic Diffuser components packaged in original
to cover the aeration components. crates and/or cardboard boxes may be
Plastic can create a hotter stored outdoors provided the ambient air
environment and/or fuse to the temperature is below 100°F (40°C). In the
surface of the diffusers. case of components that are received in
cardboard packaging, these packages must
When the aeration system is to be idle for be protected against excessive moisture
an extended period time (greater than 6 and rain to maintain package integrity.
months), the system should be submerged
in approximately 4 feet of clean water If the ambient air temperature exceeds
provided the ambient air temperature is 100°F (40°C), then containers shall be
greater than 32°F (0°C). shaded or stored indoors in which the
ambient air temperature does not exceed
• If the ambient air temperature is below 125°F (52°C).
32°F (0°C), the water level may need to
be increased so that the ice layer does Storage of diffuser membrane components
not contact the aeration system. shall be limited to one year.
• When reactivating a system where ice
exists, operate the system at a minimum Post-Installation Storage
airflow to avoid movement of ice and Requirements for a Flexible
maintain this airflow condition until the
ice is no longer present. Membrane System
r.2011-10-12
• The water level should never be lowered
if ice is present. The weight of the ice When the reactor is drained and the
may damage the system. aeration system is exposed for a short
period of time (less than 4 to 6 weeks), the
When the aeration system is to be idle for system shall be protected from foreign
an extended period time (greater than 6 objects including but not limited to paint or
months) and the units are going to be weld splatter, falling objects, etc.
removed and stored, then the following
storage conditions would apply. • If the ambient air temperature is above
100°F (40°C), the system should be
• If the ambient air temperature is going to shaded to protect the system from UV
be less than 100°F (40°C), then a fabric light and excessive heat. A gray fabric
tarp is recommended to cover the tarp is recommended to shade the
equipment. aeration components. The gray fabric
• If the ambient air temperature exceeds tarp is to be suspended above the
100°F (40°C), then the equipment shall aeration system by approximately 6”
be shaded or stored indoors in which (150 mm) to prevent damage to the
the ambient air temperature does not system.
exceed 125°F (52°C). • Note: Do not use any form of plastic
to cover the aeration components.
Plastic can create a hotter
environment and/or fuse to the
surface of the diffusers.

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

When the aeration system is to be idle for When the aeration system is to be idle for
an extended period time (greater than 4 to 6 an extended period time (greater than 4 to 6
weeks), the system should be submerged in weeks) and the units are going to be
approximately 4 feet of clean water provided removed and stored, then the following
the ambient air temperature is greater than storage conditions would apply.
32°F (0°C).
• If the ambient air temperature is going to
• If the ambient air temperature is below be less than 100°F (40°C), then a fabric
32°F (0°C), the water level may need to tarp is recommended to cover the
be increased so that the ice layer does equipment.
not contact the aeration system.
• If the ambient air temperature exceeds
• When reactivating a system where ice 100°F (40°C), then the equipment shall
exists, operate the system at a minimum be shaded or stored indoors in which
airflow to avoid movement of ice and the ambient air temperature does not
maintain this airflow condition until the exceed 125°F (52°C).
ice is no longer present.
• The water level should never be lowered
if ice is present. The weight of the ice
may damage the system.

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Installation Instructions
Air Piping Installation with a sequence number that indicates that
r.2011-10-13 segment’s position in the lateral run.
Additionally, EDI will provide an arrow on
The Contractor is to confirm that the air the lateral piping. This arrow indicates the
piping is clean during fabrication of laterals direction of airflow in the lateral segment.
and should swab out any debris found in the All arrows should point away from the
pipe before installing the diffuser units. Dirt header toward the lateral end at final
and debris may clog the diffuser unit installation.
requiring an extended start-up procedure
and MAY require the Contractor to remove
and replace diffuser unit at Contractor's Stainless Steel Coupling Clamp
expense. If piping requires further cleaning Installation
before diffuser installation, Contractor may r.2012-11-16
elect to perform water flush or air purge
procedures described at the conclusion of The stainless steel coupling clamp is
this section. NOTE: If this procedure is provided by EDI to make the proper
performed, do so before installing the transition between two sections of pipe.
diffusers. 1) Make sure the pipe is clean. Remove
Transition from the drop pipe to the air any dirt or debris that would interfere
lateral piping is made by a stainless steel with the complete sealing of the gasket
coupling clamp provided by EDI. The around the pipe. Lubricate both the pipe
aeration system typically features a drop and clamp gasket with soapy water. Do
stub designed to be field cut to length and not use oil base pipe lubricant.
solvent welded to the air laterals by 2) Ensure that the pipes are properly
Contractor. The pipes must be aligned aligned prior to installing the clamp or
vertically prior to installing the coupling the clamp may leak. If the clamp is to
clamp or the clamp may leak. The clamp be installed on vertical pipe the pipes
has limited ability to seal misaligned piping. must be aligned vertically before
Also, the gap between the drop pipe and installing the clamp. The clamp has
drop stub shall be less than 0.25”(6.5 mm) limited ability to seal misaligned piping.
to ensure proper sealing of the coupling Also, the gap between the two pipes
clamp. shall be less than 0.25”(6.5 mm) to
Assemble the aeration piping per the EDI ensure proper sealing of the coupling
layout drawing. Start with the drop pipe clamp.
section to ensure proper drop pipe
alignment. Pipe supports should be partially
assembled with the bottom pipe strap, then
placed under the drop pipe section for
support. Pipe support assembly instructions
are in the following section. See the EDI
layout drawing for pipe support locations.
Do not install the anchor bolts until the final
alignment is established for the complete
aeration grid. The remaining air lateral
piping shall be installed using this same
method. All piping segments will be labeled

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

toward the threaded end of the studs to

smooth out the gasket.

6) Torque nuts sufficiently to stop leaks.

Recommended torque is 70 ft. lbs. for 2”
through 8” coupling clamps and 85 ft.
3) Place a reference mark on the pipe at a
lbs. for 10” – 12” coupling clamps.
measured distance from the center of
Correct torque indicated by slight
the pipe ends. This presents a visual
deformation of washer plate and nylon
mark to center the coupling clamp over
washers. Caution! Thin Wall Pipes may
the pipe transition.
require less torque and may deform if
4) Center the clamp over the two pipes. over tightened.
Loosen nuts to top of studs and wrap
clamp around the pipe snapping the Van Stone Flange Installation
washer plate over the receiver bar. r.2011-10-13
Lateral piping is connected with Van Stone
flanges and supported by partially
assembled pipe supports.
Gaskets and stainless steel fasteners are
provided by EDI for flanged connections.
Recommended bolt-tightening torques are
indicated in torque table on Flange
Installation Detail Drawing.
An industrial grade anti-seize lubricant
MUST be used on stainless steel bolt
threads to prevent galling. Contractor will
be responsible for replacement of all
damaged items resulting from not using
anti-seize lubricant.
1) Lay out sections of pipe to be joined in
order, making sure orifices are in correct
orientation to install diffusers as shown
on layout drawing. EDI provides flow
arrows and labels on pipe
corresponding to labels on layout
drawing.
5) Squeeze the clamp together, finger
tighten the nuts down, and rotate clamp

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

2) Rotate loose ring of flange to align the

bolt holes with gasket and mating flange
to be connected.

4) Repeat for remaining bolt assemblies

around flange.

3) Place S.S. bolt through bolt hole in first

flange, gasket, and hole in second
flange. Place flat washer onto bolt, then
lockwasher, then thread S.S. nut
LOOSELY onto bolt to complete bolt
assembly (do not tighten at this time).

5) When all bolt assemblies have been

correctly positioned, tighten nuts
according to torque table on Flange
Installation Detail Drawing. Bolt
assemblies MUST be tightened in the
torque sequence shown on Flange
Installation Detail Drawing. For best
results, tighten in 5-ft.lb. (6.8 N-m)
increments.
6) As lateral sections are assembled,
maintain correct alignment of the air
outlets on the lateral so that diffusers
will be level when installed.
If the specifications require the system to be
pressure or leak tested, all openings are to
be plugged before the system is tested.
EDI recommends not exceeding 10 psi (69
kPa) during pressure or leak testing.

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

Installation of the Manual Purge cut the hose to final length at this time.
The discharge hose should be installed
Assembly with minimal bends and turns. Once the
r.2011-10-13
orientation of the discharge hose is
A manual purge assembly has been confirmed, secure the discharge hose
provided to remove accumulated on minimum 3-foot (.9m) centers using
condensation from the EDI aeration system. cable ties provided. If sufficient tie off
locations are not available, additional
1) Connect threaded elbows to the ball
anchorage points may be required and
valve and tighten by hand. Use pipe
are to be supplied by others.
dope on threaded connections.
7) Thread the purge ejector pipe into
2) Using a strap wrench on the valve body
factory installed threaded outlet located
and a closed end wrench on the fitting
on the crown (top) of the pipe section
and noting the proper orientation of the
and tighten by hand. Use pipe dope on
fittings and the valve, further tighten the
threaded connection. Do not use Teflon
fitting an additional one to two threads
tape. Insert the ejector until hand tight.
past hand tightness. Avoid excessive
torque as this may cause thread
damage.
3) Mount valve at the desired location with
PE pipe straps. Anchorage components
are not included and are to be supplied
by others.

4) Connect the purge discharge hose to

the purge valve by inserting the purge
discharge hose on barbed end of the
inlet elbow until the hose contacts the
base of the barbed fitting. The hose end
should be square to ensure full
engagement with the fitting.
5) Secure the discharge hose connection 8) Using a strap wrench on the ejector pipe
with two hose clamps. The hose clamps and a closed end wrench on the
are to be offset 180 degrees. threaded outlet fitting, further tighten the
ejector pipe an additional one to two
6) Extend the purge discharge hose from threads past hand tightness. Avoid
purge valve to the header pipe. Do not

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

excessive torque as this may cause 12) Secure the hose to the drop pipe with
thread damage or damage to the factory cable ties installed 3 ft. (1 m) on center.
installed threaded outlet. If damage to
the ejector pipe or factory installed Installation Instructions for PVC
threaded outlet occurs, contact EDI.
MaxAir Diffuser Units
9) Confirm the required length to secure r.2011-10-13
the purge discharge hose to the ejector
pipe and cut the discharge hose to final To prevent damage during shipment, EDI
length. provides the Spectrum diffuser mount and
10) Insert the purge discharge hose onto the diffuser units for field mounting. The
barbed end of ejector pipe until the hose diffuser unit is factory-mounted to the
contacts the base of the barbed fitting. bottom section of the Spectrum diffuser
The hose end should be square to mount. Other materials/tools required for
ensure full engagement with the fitting. installation include: Spectrum locking
wedge and saddle, O-ring and rubber
mallet.
Prior to installation, ensure that all air piping
is clean and free of debris. When blower
assemblies, header piping, air laterals, and
all units are properly installed, system is
ready for start-up. Refer to "Start-Up
Instructions" for details.
Lateral piping has outlet holes predrilled at
the factory. Pipe surface must be smooth,
clean, and free of all grease and dirt.

11) Secure the discharge hose connection

with two hose clamps. The hose clamps
are to be offset 180 degrees.

1) The position of each diffuser mount on

the lateral piping is to be marked using
the EDI alignment tool. Place the
locator pin into the drilled outlet hole in
the lateral and mark the lateral around
each corner of the alignment tool or
saddle base. When the diffuser
assembly is placed over the outlet hole,
the marks on the lateral indicate the
proper orientation of the saddle over the
outlet hole. NOTE: The outlet opening

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

on the saddle is 1-1/2" in diameter and

significantly larger than the outlet on the
lateral. This dimensional difference
allows the diffuser assembly to be
adjusted relative to the lateral for proper
leveling.
2) Place O-ring in groove under saddle
outlet. Don’t use any solvent. The O-
ring must be able to move to seal when
pressure is applied.

4) Push the wedge onto the saddle by

hand until tight. With the wedge
installed hand-tight, drive the wedge on
an additional 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) with
a rubber mallet. NOTE: A properly
installed wedge may not be flush with
the saddle body due to manufacturing
tolerances. Use of a non-rubber mallet
may crack or shatter wedge assembly.
As the diffuser mount tightens, the
diffuser assembly may rotate and it
3) Fasten the unit around the drilled lateral would then become necessary to realign
at each position marked. The top and in the original, marked position.
bottom of the Spectrum saddle should NOTE: 4” diffusers utilize different
hinge and interlock before sliding on the wedges than the 6” and 8” diffusers.
locking wedge. The wedges for 4” diffusers have
‘380’ imprinted on them. The wedges
for 6” and 8” have ‘480’ imprinted on
them. If your project utilizes different
sized diffusers please ensure the
correct wedges are going onto their
respective diffusers.

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Environmental Dynamics International aeration for life™

used, the water flush procedure should

be implemented first.
2) To water-flush the system, connect a
water supply to the air header or make
individual connections to each lateral. If
flush water is piped to the header, it is
imperative that the header be valved or
stubbed such that water does not flood
the blowers.
3) Clean water must be used. It is not
necessary to use potable water, but the
flush water must be free of silt or debris.
4) Flush header assembly prior to water
Diffuser units are to be leveled to ± 1/2" (13 flushing the laterals. To flush the
mm) from a common elevation. This is header, fill it with water and open the
normally accomplished by adjusting the end lateral to create a flush velocity in
lateral elevations at each S.S. pipe support the header of at least two feet per
assembly and by adjusting the orientation or second.
rotation of the diffuser mount assembly.
The basin water level, transit or laser may 5) Next, the laterals are to be individually
be utilized to establish the proper pipe flushed at a recommended velocity of
elevations. five to six feet per second. Opening one
isolation valve will produce a significant
flushing action in the lateral as water is
Optional Water Flush and Air pumped through the header. One or
Purge Cleaning of Piping two drilled air outlet holes should be
uncapped to allow water and debris to
r.2011-10-12
be flushed out of the piping.
These instructions cover the general
6) The cleaning procedure in the previous
procedure that may be used to clean the
step should be completed for each of
piping in a fine or medium bubble diffuser
the laterals. This is done by sequentially
system prior to diffuser installation. Special
opening and closing the isolation valves
pipe cleaning requirements outlined in the
on the individual laterals.
Engineer’s specifications, contract
documents, or instructions offered by EDI 7) As an alternative to using the main
shall be supplementary to or take header/lateral flush procedure, the
precedence over the general instructions individual laterals may be cleaned
outlined below. independently of the main header. For
this operation, the laterals are
Water Flush Cleaning
disconnected from the main header and
1) Water flush cleaning is the cleaned individually.
recommended method to clean
Air Purge Cleaning
assembled piping systems where pipe
segments are too long for manual 1) Remove weights and cap from the
cleaning. This procedure can be used pressure relief valve during initial start-
in conjunction with air purge cleaning up of the system. This prevents
and is recommended when fine debris is potential damage to the blowers from
not removed prior to assembly of piping. blocked valves or obstructions in piping
When both water flush and air purge are system. Cap and weights can be added
back to the pressure relief valve as

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necessary to provide proper operating Each duplex diffuser assembly consists

pressure capability. of:
2) NOTE: When a blow-off valve is • One "Male" diffuser that has
provided for the blower system, it may protruding alignment pins, a red
be operated in lieu of using the pressure “TOP” sticker applied near the
relief valve procedure listed above. wedge ramp, and wedge retaining
3) Open all lateral valves prior to start-up ribs at small end of ramp.
of the blowers. Provide an opening at
the end of the air laterals to allow air • One "Female" diffuser that has
and foreign materials to be discharged alignment slots, a red “TOP” sticker
from the system. The opening may be applied near the wedge ramp, and
made at the end of the air lateral by wedge retaining ribs at small end of
leaving the end cap off of the lateral or ramp.
by removing two orifice/outlet plugs at
the end of the lateral. • Two wedges with locking rib.
4) In order to increase the velocity of air • Two o-rings.
through the header and air laterals, it • One alignment plug
may be desirable to operate at
maximum blower capacity. In addition,
it may be necessary to close some of
the lateral throttling valves to achieve a
high velocity through the balance of the
laterals that are open to the
atmosphere. A high velocity is required
in order to blow out any accumulated
foreign materials.
5) As laterals are consecutively cleaned,
the isolation valves are operated in a
manner that allows the remaining
laterals to be cleaned by an air purge.
6) Upon completion of the air purge, the
blowers are shut down and the laterals
are capped. Diffuser units are installed
on the laterals and all isolation valves Locking Rib
are opened prior to filling the basin with
water.
7) If only an air purge is used to clean the
piping, the basins are now ready to be
filled with water to check the operation
of the diffuser units.

Installation Instructions for

FlexAir® SDM Diffuser Units
with locking rib on wedge.
r.2012-11-16

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3) Tap the plug into the lateral using a soft

blow hammer and a short piece of 1.0
inch diameter dowel (provided by EDI).

Interlocking Ribs

Other standard materials/tools required for

installation include:
4) Ensure that the plug is correctly seated
• Non-metallic mallet (not included by and was not damaged during the
EDI). installation. Replace any plug if damage
• Bubble/laser level (not included by occurred.
EDI). Installing of diffusers on air lateral
Preparation for installing diffusers on piping:
air lateral piping: 5) Install O-ring immediately before saddle
1) Insure that the air laterals are installed is to be installed on lateral. The o-ring is
with the orifice holes horizontal. placed in the internal groove. DO NOT
USE ANY MASTIC OR OTHER
2) Locate the 1.0 inch holes in the lateral ADHESIVE.
and place the alignment plug up to and
centered on the hole. Only one plug is
required per pair of diffusers.

6) There are retaining bumps to hold the o-

ring in place during installation. Note:
Note: The lateral will have two different
The o-ring must be able to move to seal
sized holes. The smaller hole is the air flow when pressure is applied. Note: During
orifice for one side of the duplex diffuser
cold weather installation, below 40°F
and the larger hole is for the alignment plug.
(4°C), it is advisable to keep the o-rings
warm. One method is to place the o-
rings in a bucket of warm water.

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7) Position the diffuser unit in the proper

orientation (see table below) while
positioning the alignment plug to the
center hole in the saddle. The plug fits
into the saddle.

RED
Perforat Ear of “TOP”
Unit Type ion Clamp Sticker
MiniPanel On Top On Top On Top

Magnum On On Top On Top

Sides
9) Install the top wedge ¾ inch from being
flush by hand.

10) Install the bottom wedge hand tight-

8) Note: Ensure that the saddles’ approximately 3/4 inch (19mm) from
alignment pins mate properly when being flush with the saddle.
installing the opposing saddle before
sliding on the wedges. The red “TOP”
stickers should face up.

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11) Ensure that the diffuser assembly is in

the correct location, level, and that each
diffuser arm is in line with the rest of the
diffusers on the shared lateral.

13) Ensure that wedges are driven on as

equally as possible while maintaining
level on the diffusers. The wedges
should be flush with that saddle
12) Tighten the top wedge and bottom
when complete. Over-tightening
wedge EQUALLY with a non-metallic
wedges can cause irreversible damage
mallet or rubber faced hammer. When
to the diffuser saddle.
properly tightened, each diffuser should
be level and resist rotation. Note: Metal
mallets or hammers may crack or NOTE: Diffusers must be protected from
shatter the wedge assembly or damage the sun. Long term exposure to direct
the unit. Do not use metal hammers summer sunlight can cause failure.
directly. Note: Extra care is needed Diffusers need to either be protected
during cold weather installation, below from the sun or heat by covering them
40°F (4°C). Plastic components with clean water or shade over the basin.
become brittle and may fracture with
excessive impact force.

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Start-Up Instructions
General Aeration/Mixing valves to expel water that may be in the
piping. Close the purge valves once all
Systems Start-Up Instructions water has been expelled.
r.2012-07-13
3) Check for minor leaks by completing the
These instructions cover the general start- following steps. Turn the airflow down
up requirements for the aeration system. to very minimal release. If the system
Special start-up requirements outlined in the employs separate drop valves, each grid
Engineer's specifications, contract can be checked separately by throttling
documents, or instructions offered by EDI the valve the valve one at a time.
shall be supplementary to or take Again, take care not to exceed airflow
precedence over these general instructions. capacities in neighboring aeration grids
An overview of start-up procedures is when reducing airflow by this method.
related below: The airflow will not be uniform at this low
1) Confirm that piping and diffusers are level. This is acceptable, as this test is
level by filling the basin with water until only used to check for small leaks that
the diffusers are 1" to 2" under water. are not visible with the design amount of
Diffuser elevation tolerance should be airflow. Check for any observed leaks
within the approved tolerance for the and repair as required.
respective diffusers. Adjust supports or Leaks commonly occur due to:
diffusers as required.
a. missing or misaligned o-ring
a. Fixed Grid Disc System less than
±1/4” b. torn membranes
b. Fixed Grid StreamLine System less c. loose disc retainer ring
than ±1/4”
Directions for fixing these items
c. Fixed Grid Magnum System less can be found in the “Corrective
than ±1/2”
Maintenance” Troubleshooting
d. Fixed Grid MiniPanel System less r.2012-08-02
than ±1/2”
The diffused aeration system supplied
e. Fixed Grid MaxAir System less than requires very little maintenance for long-
±1/2” term operation. Periodic visual inspection of
f. Floating Lateral System less than the system should allow the Operator to
±1/2” determine if the system is performing at
optimum levels. For example, diffuser unit
g. Submerged Lateral System less elevation variations greater than the design
than ±1.0” tolerance, typically ± 1/2" (13mm) will
2) Activate the blower and introduce air to reduce the uniformity of air distribution in
the aeration system. Take note not to the system. In addition, operating airflows
exceed the airflow capacity of the below the design condition will also reduce
system (see headloss calculations the uniformity of air distribution. If operating
provided in the submittals). At 50% conditions warrant airflow rates below the
design air capacity, check piping and design condition, contact EDI for additional
diffusers for obvious leaks, and repair as operational guidelines.
required. Open any manual purge

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Below are symptoms and procedures to ends of the membranes at initial start-
follow if inspection of the aeration system up. This is normal and can be expected
reveals abnormal operation: until the membranes are submerged for
a period of time. These small leaks will
Large volume of air in localized area.
stop once the membranes are wetted for
Possible Cause: a period of time, especially for
1) Air leak in aeration piping. polyurethane membranes (up to 2-4
weeks). This is also true for uniformity of
Procedure: ceramic media (if supplied).
1) Access area in question. Inspect joints Reopen the valve as inspection is
for evidence of breakage. completed to each aeration grid, and
Decreased diffuser activity and repeat procedure for the next grid.
increased back pressure noted at 4) Once all deficiencies have been
blower. corrected, maintain air to the system
Possible Cause: and continue filling the basin until the
design depth is reached.
1) Diffusers becoming fouled.
Blower Components
2) Reduced blower discharge air volume.
See the blower installation and start-up
3) Restriction in air header. instructions to assure all blower
Procedure: components are mounted properly and
ready for operation. When EDI provides the
1) Access diffusers and inspect for external blower assemblies, detailed installation and
or internal fouling. start-up instructions are provided in the
2) Confirm blower operating point and rpm blower submittal package.
reading. Blower components should be fully installed
3) Confirm isolation valve position on and fully serviced prior to making final
header and drops. electrical connections and starting up the
aeration system.
Dissolved oxygen profile not satisfactory
throughout basin. Precautions should be taken throughout
system installation to minimize the
Possible Cause: discharge of airborne particles to the
1) Increased loading to system. aeration system. As a minimum, an air inlet
filter should be installed and operated
2) Reduced blower discharge air volume. during blower servicing procedures. EDI
3) Improper distribution of air in system. recommends a filter efficiency of 93% of 10-
microns. Any solvents used to clean blower
4) Air leak in system. should be bypassed from the aeration
Procedure: piping. The discharge of airborne
particulate matter or solvent into aeration
1) Confirm loading to system. piping may result in damage to diffuser
2) Confirm blower operations. membranes.
3) & 4) See items 1 and 2 above. Upon completion of blower manufacturer's
recommended service, the subsequent
start-up procedures may be followed.
section of this manual.
NOTE: Polyurethane membranes (if
supplied) may exhibit small leaks at the

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General Air Piping the cap from the PRV or by opening the
blow-off valve.
Contractor is to confirm the cleanliness of
the air piping. If existing header piping is 2) When the basin has been filled, note the
used, the air purge or water flush cleaning operating pressure at the blowers. The
procedure is recommended prior to pressure relief valve should be adjusted
installation of diffuser units to remove any to free-flow at approximately 1 psig
internal debris that may have accumulated above the normal operating pressure of
in the header piping. Inspect air piping and the system.
diffuser connections for loose fittings or
3) To confirm the PRV operates, partially
damaged pipe. Damaged piping sections
close blower shut-off valve until PRV
and connections should be repaired prior to
releases air. Reopen the shut-off valve
commencing system operations.
to confirm that PRV will reseat. If
Initial System Start-Up required, readjust the PRV to the
recommended setting per instructions in
To start the system, completely open all
the Blower IOM manual.
valves in the air supply system, including
blower shut-off valves, header valves and 4) To properly assess the airflow
lateral isolation/throttling valves. This distribution on the aeration system, the
instruction assumes that uniform water level blower system must be operating at the
is present in all aerated basins served by a design operating point. On dual blower
common blower. If varying water levels are systems, design airflow is typically
present, basins with lower water levels will achieved by operating one blower at
need to have the valve to that basin 100%. On three-blower systems,
throttled back to avoid improper air design airflow is typically based on
distribution. Failure to completely open all operating two blowers at 100%.
valves may result in over-pressuring blower
5) Airflow distribution adjustment between
unit, release of pressure relief valve, motor
laterals should not be conducted until
overload, or poor air distribution in aeration
the full operating depth is obtained and
system with the potential of exceeding
the blower system has been in operation
airflow capacity to diffuser units and
for several days. Small adjustments
damaging the diffuser membranes.
may be made to the isolation/throttling
Once valve positions have been confirmed, valves on the laterals receiving the most
blower unit may be started. EDI does not air. System balancing should be
recommend starting multiple blower units at completed on an incremental basis.
initial system start-up. Subsequent blowers Changes in airflow distribution may
should be brought on-line after the system require 2-8 hours to fully stabilize when
has equalized and uniform diffuser activity is fine-tuning a system. In addition, in
observed throughout the system. situations where multiple basins are
employed and varying water levels exist,
Use blower manufacturer’s recommended
adjustments of lateral valves will be
start-up procedures. EDI recommends that
required to maintain air distribution in
initial pressure surge be reduced through
the tanks.
PRV or blow-off valve.
EDI recommends that the system Operator
Start-up procedures should follow the basic
contact EDI at 573-474-9456 prior to
guidelines as listed below:
making any adjustments to the airflow
1) When starting initial blower, the PRV or distribution.
blow-off valve should be used to reduce
the start-up pressure surge. This is
accomplished by removing weights and

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Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations 3) Slippery basin floor.
r.2011-10-13
Precautions:
The diffused aeration system supplied on
this project has no moving parts and poses 1) Avoid access ways without railings.
little to no risk of injury to operations staff. 2) Provide emergency exits/access.
However, routine maintenance may expose
personnel to potential hazards. EDI has 3) Appropriate personal safety equipment.
listed below potential hazards and
recommended precautions when
maintenance procedures are required for Maintenance of Diffuser Units: Tanks
the aeration components. Full

Tanks at Full Liquid Depth Hazards:

Hazards: 1) Dropping hardware

1) Turbulent liquid action. 2) Personnel falling into tank.

Precautions: Precautions:

1) Provide access to emergency throw 1) Assure proper winch operation before

rope or life ring. securing cable to drop assembly.

2) Use “buddy system” during maintenance 2) Use buddy system and follow standard
activities. safety procedures.

Tanks Empty Personal Protection Measures

Hazards: Wastewater has a potential for health

hazards because it may carry disease
1) Falling into tank. producing organisms and a variety of
2) Objects falling onto maintenance chemical wastes. It is important to employ
personnel in the tank. good personal hygiene practices to prevent
oral and skin contact with wastewater. The
3) Slippery floor. following is a list of methods to prevent
Precautions: direct contact entry of pathogenic
organisms:
1) Avoid access ways without railings.
1) Wash hands frequently with soap and
2) Provide emergency exit/access. water after contacting wastewater,
3) Appropriate personal safety equipment visiting restrooms, before eating,
drinking, or smoking; and at the end of
jobsite visit. When soap and water are
Maintenance of Diffuser Units: Tanks not available use anti-bacterial hand
Empty wash specifically formulated for use
when soap and water is not convenient.
Hazards:
2) Promptly treat cuts and abrasions using
1) Personnel falling into tank. appropriate first aid measures.
2) Objects falling in the tank.

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3) Handle sharp items with extra care to Confined Space Hazard

prevent accidental injuries.
1) Verify the designation of the tank before
4) Clean contaminated tools after use. entering. If it is defined as a confined
space follow plant directives for entry.
5) Follow good common sense and
Generally a confined space is defined
exercise extra caution whenever there is
as having limited or restricted means of
contact with contaminated water or
entry or exit; is large enough for an
sludge.
employee to enter and perform assigned
6) Never touch face, mouth, eyes, ears, or work; and is not designed for continuous
nose while working with wastewater or worker occupancy. Typical confined
sludge. spaces are silos, digesters, boilers,
Personal Protective Equipment vaults, sewers, pipelines, pump pits,
ducts and compartments.
1) Wear heavy-duty gloves (or double
gloving) and boots that are waterproof 2) Wastewater tanks or basins can also be
and puncture resistant. Wear gloves confined spaces and contain potential
whenever practical when there is hazards. Flammable, explosive, toxic,
contact with wastewater or sludge. or other hazardous substances or the
absence of sufficient oxygen could
2) When practical, use thin disposable cause injury, acute illness, disability, or
latex gloves for light work. Use death. Particular care should be
reinforced rubber gloves for heavy exercised to assure NO hydrogen
activities. Discard gloves that become sulfide, chlorine or other heavier than air
torn and try not to submerge hand below gases have not accumulated in the
top of glove during service activities. basins or tanks. DO NOT ENTER ANY
When it is not feasible to use gloves CONFINED SPACE until your
while installing or inspecting equipment, supervisor has verified that proper
make sure to follow personal hygiene safety precautions have been met. Do
practice listed above. not enter a confined space without
3) Wear goggles in the presence of heavy someone else present on the outside
aerosols, dust, or when splashing of and do not enter a confined space
wastewater might occur. without proper rescue equipment
outside the confined space. Every
4) Wear protective clothing; if possible, confined space entry has a unique set of
shower and change clothes before hazards, but atmospheric monitoring
leaving plant site. If work clothes are and proper entrance procedures can
washed at home, separate from the minimize the hazards entry personnel
family wash and use chlorine bleach. typically encounter.

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Operation Instructions
Description of the Aeration- determine the aeration system performance.
In regulating the system airflow to control
Mixing System dissolved oxygen levels, the diffuser units
r.2011-10-13 should be operated within their minimum
The aeration-mixing system employs a main and maximum airflow limits.
air header and valved lateral piping system In applications where water level variations
to distribute air throughout the basin. EDI may exist between aeration basins supplied
normally designs the aeration system piping by a single blower, the isolation valves may
to provide uniform air distribution without need to be adjusted to maintain adequate
adjustment to the isolation/throttling valves airflow distribution. This normally requires
on the laterals. However, these valves are valving back the air to the basin with the
typically provided for direct control of airflow reduced water level. NOTE: It is important
distribution on large aeration systems or for to confirm the operating airflow range of the
process control. Airflow distribution will be diffuser units before valving back any
reviewed at the time of start-up by an EDI isolation valve. Damage could result to the
field service representative. If process aeration diffuser if airflow is above the
demands dictate a revised airflow recommendations noted in the Headloss
distribution pattern, contact EDI for Calculations. Please consult EDI
guidance on modification to the system. Engineering Department to confirm
Normal Operation of the Aeration System operating procedure before adjusting any
aeration isolation/throttling valve.
The following procedures should be
followed on a regular basis to assure Normal Operation of the Blower System
consistent and satisfactory performance of The Aeration-Mixing System normally
the aeration-mixing system. utilizes a centrifugal or positive
The air rate to the system may be adjusted displacement (PD) blower system consisting
to maintain the desired dissolved oxygen of one or more blower units for normal
levels in the basin. When adjusting the operation plus one on-line spare unit. All
airflow rate, the diffusers should be blower units including the spare unit must
operated within the normal operating range be operated on a regular basis to maintain
of the diffuser. Excessive airflow rates will their proper working condition. EDI
result in high pressure drops across the recommends that blower units be operated
diffuser and reduced oxygen transfer sequentially with idle blower units brought
performance. Low airflow rates may result on-line weekly. EDI does not recommend
in incomplete utilization of the diffuser the simultaneous operation of on-line and
membrane and reduced air distribution. spare blowers for an extended period. This
operating condition may deliver airflows
The aeration-mixing system is designed to exceeding the air capacity of the diffuser
provide uniform aeration. Positive dissolved units.
oxygen concentrations should be present
throughout the entire system during normal All blower components should be serviced
operation. A dissolved oxygen profile on a regular basis. For additional
analysis may be used to confirm the information concerning proper blower
performance of the aeration system. operation, service requirements or service
Typically, the dissolved oxygen levels are intervals, reference the Blower Operation
measured at the inlet, the outlet, and the and Maintenance manual.
midpoint locations of each basin to

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Shutdown Conditions to be done with great caution as not to exert

any undo forces on piping or equipment that
If air service is interrupted at any time, it
penetrates or is entrapped in the ice
should be restored as soon as possible.
surface, and to avoid damage from ice
When restarting positive displacement
movement as blocks of ice become free to
blower units, the start-up pressure surge
move.
should be reduced by down-weighting the
pressure relief valve (PRV) or operating the If the basin is to be idle for a prolonged time
blow-off valve. Once the blower is period, the basin should be drained and
operational, reset the PRV or slowly close cleaned. NOTE: Maintain the minimum
the blow-off valve over a five- to ten-minute airflow to the system during the drain-down
period. The PRV must be set properly to procedure. For maximum protection of the
prevent overloading of the blower system. aeration system, refill the basin to
Operate manual water purge devices if completely submerge the aeration system.
provided. If the PRV releases air for an This provides thermal protection in the
extended period of time, the relief setting event of severe cold or hot weather
should be checked. conditions.
When diffusers are installed in basins or Contact EDI for additional operation and
lagoons and are not going to be in operation maintenance information if it is necessary to
for an extended time (4 to 6 weeks), the decrease the system airflow during cold
diffusers should be covered with weather.
approximately 4 feet of water.
Operation of the Diffuser Unit
• In the summer, this protects the The diffuser unit has no moving parts and
diffusers from excessive heat and requires very little maintenance for long-
provides UV protection. term operation. EDI recommends that the
• In winter, EDI recommends that the air supply to the diffusers be maintained at
diffusers be covered with a sufficient all times for optimum performance. The
amount of water so that if ice forms airflow to the diffuser units must be kept
there is always a minimum liquid within the ranges noted in the Headloss
clearance that measures Calculations to maintain the structural and
approximately 4 feet between the operating characteristics of the diffuser
bottom of the formed ice and the membrane. Continuous application of high
diffuser system. This water buffer airflows, greater than denoted for normal
will keep the ice and its possible operation, may result in physical damage to
damaging effects away from the the diffuser membrane. NOTE: Use
diffuser system. caution when adjusting several lateral
throttling valves in the same piping system.
Furthermore, the system may be idle or This procedure can result in elevated
remain active during this period. If the airflows in sections of the basin, exceeding
aeration system will be active, operate the the maximum allowable airflow to each
system at a minimum air flow so as to avoid diffuser unit.
movement of ice.
The water level in the basin/lagoon should
never be lowered if there is ice present. The Normal Operation of the Manual
weight of the ice or breaking into pieces will Purge Assembly
invariably cause severe damage to r.2011-10-13
membranes and/or piping.
Condensation will accumulate in the
Slowly starting up the aeration system will subheader and lateral piping due to the
aid in the melting of the formed ice. This is cooling of the air when it reaches the EDI

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aeration system. EDI has provided a the valve until only air remains. Close the
manual purge assembly to remove this ball valve once the purging process has
accumulation from the pipe while the been completed.
system is in operation. On a monthly basis,
open the ball valve at the top of the purge
assembly. Allow the water to exit through

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Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule is dependent on the type of surface foulant,
r.2012-08-02 water pressure, distance from unit, etc.
Typically, 5 to 10 seconds are required per
The EDI diffuser unit supplied is a coarse unit.
bubble aeration device that requires minimal
maintenance. With proper operation and Manual Cleaning: Remove any significant
maintenance, this diffuser will provide years accumulation of attached debris. Minor
of long-term performance. surface deposits need not be removed for
operating performance.
EDI recommends that the diffusers be
inspected during normal basin drain-down Diffuser Protection
periods. The aeration system is designed to Good air filtration is recommended for both
allow the diffusers to be accessed by the aeration system and blower system.
dropping the water level in the basin being Typically, roughing filters with a nominal
serviced. The air to the basin being efficiency of 93% removal of 10-micron
serviced should be adjusted to maintain the particles are recommended. Follow blower
recommended minimum airflow rate to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding
diffusers until the basin is completely care and maintenance of inlet filters.
drained down.
A minor degree of surface deposits or slime
Diffused Aeration System Inspection will build up on the diffuser units over time.
All system components should be inspected This material typically does not impact the
for general wear or damage. This includes operation of the diffuser. In applications
but is not limited to: where a large amount of stringy material
exists, a significant amount of debris may
• Pipe supports including anchor bolts, accumulate on the unit. This material
pipe straps and fasteners. should be removed on a regular basis to
avoid mechanical damage to the diffuser
• Pipe connection including fasteners,
shifts in alignment of pipes and unit.
joints.
• Diffuser assembly including position, Maintenance Schedule
diffuser integrity, etc. r.2011-10-13
• Purge assembly components (if EDI recommends accessing the FlexAir
applicable) including all connections, aeration system on a regular basis
anchor points, and wear at any (annually) to visually inspect the overall
contact points. system and clean the membranes to
remove any accumulated foulants. This
Any worn or damaged components need to activity is beneficial to the Owner, as a
be repaired or replaced. Please contact
reduction in the uniformity of air release or
EDI for assistance in identifying a root an increase in backpressure will impact the
cause and solution.
power use. The FlexAir aeration system is
In Situ Cleaning of Membrane designed to allow the system to be
accessed by dropping the water level in the
If it becomes necessary to remove loose
basin being serviced. Note: to prevent
surface deposits on the diffuser, a low-
solids from entering the system, it is
pressure hosing method is effective. The
important to keep the air flowing through
length of time required to remove deposits
the system until the water level has

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dropped below the lateral piping. The air EDI for assistance in identifying a root
to the basin being serviced should be turned cause and solution.
off after the water has dropped below the
In Situ Cleaning of Membrane
lateral piping and diffusers to prevent the
possibility of excessive airflows to the units Typically rubber membrane diffuser units
or damage to the blower unit. The following will require cleaning because of two
items may be helpful in servicing the FlexAir common types of surface build-up:
aeration system during periodic inspections biological and inorganic scaling. The
or maintenance procedures: recommended cleaning procedures for both
types of build-up are detailed below:
• Ladder to access the de-watered
basin Biological build-up is a moss-like growth.
The recommended cleaning procedure is to
• Protective gloves and clothing physically dislodge the growth either by
• Crimping or nipper pliers gently brushing the substance off with a soft
plastic bristle brush or by using low-
• Long-handled soft bristle brush for pressure hosing. Care should be taken not
cleaning assembly for observation to abrade the membrane surface during the
• Spare FlexAir membranes and cleaning procedure.
crimping clamps Inorganic scaling is a granular mineral-like
FlexAir Aeration System Inspection precipitate that can form on the membrane
surface. If brushing and hosing the diffuser
All system components should be inspected membrane do not remove the scaling,
for general wear or damage. This includes contact EDI for further instructions.
but is not limited to:
Membrane Protection
• Pipe supports including anchor bolts,
pipe straps and fasteners. The diffuser membranes should be
protected from chemicals that may be
• Pipe connection including fasteners, harmful to the material. If using a cleaning
shifts in alignment of pipes and aid or other substance on or around the
joints. membranes, please contact EDI for
• Diffuser assembly including position, chemical compatibility.
membrane integrity, membrane Good air filtration is required with all FlexAir
clamps, etc. units. The blower system should be
• Purge assembly components equipped with inlet filters having a
including all connections, anchor performance efficiency of 93% removal of
points, and wear at any contact 10-micron particles to prevent clogging of
points. the diffuser membrane. Follow blower
manufacturer’s recommendations regarding
Any worn or damaged components need to care and maintenance of inlet filters.
be repaired or replaced. Please contact

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Corrective Maintenance
Troubleshooting 1) Access diffusers and inspect for external
r.2011-10-18 or internal fouling or deformation.
The FlexAir aeration system requires very 2) Confirm blower operating point and rpm
little maintenance for long-term operation. reading.
Periodic visual inspection of the system
should allow the Operator to determine if 3) Confirm isolation valve position on
the system is performing at optimum levels. header and drops.
For example, diffuser unit elevation Dissolved oxygen profile not satisfactory
variations greater than the design tolerance throughout basin.
(refer to Headloss Calculations) will reduce
Possible Cause:
the uniformity of air distribution in the
system. In addition, operating airflows 1) Increased loading to system.
below the design condition will also reduce
2) Reduced blower discharge air volume.
the uniformity of air distribution. If operating
conditions warrant airflow rates below the 3) Improper distribution of air in system.
design condition, contact EDI for additional
4) Air leak in system.
operational guidelines.
5) Excessive foulant accumulated on
Below are symptoms and procedures to diffuser.
follow if inspection of the aeration system
reveals abnormal operating characteristics: Procedure:
Large volume of air in localized area. 1) Confirm loading to system.
Possible Cause: 2) Confirm blower operations.
1) Air leak in aeration piping. 3) & 4) See items 1 and 2 above.
2) Diffuser membrane damaged or 5) Access diffusers and inspect for external
missing. fouling.
Procedure:
1) Access area in question. Inspect joints Replacing FlexAir Diffuser
for evidence of breakage. Membranes
2) Inspect diffuser units for membrane r.2011-10-18
damage. Repair as required. If it becomes necessary to replace rubber
Decreased diffuser activity and membranes, the guidelines below should be
increased back pressure noted at followed:
blower. 1) Remove the stainless steel (S.S.)
Possible Cause: crimping clamps. This is easily
accomplished by bending back the small
1) Diffusers becoming fouled or deformed. tab on the clamp with a crimping tool or
2) Reduced blower discharge air volume. screwdriver. The operator should not
attempt to snip or cut the ear of the
3) Restriction in air header. clamp because S.S. material is very
Procedure: strong and excessive force is required to
shear the material.

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2) Gently pull the rubber membrane off the 1) Use a rubber or plastic mallet to remove
support to avoid breaking or damaging sliding wedges from the saddle body.
the support.
2) Remove the saddle body from the
3) Gently install new membrane ensuring lateral piping. Be careful not to damage
the non-perforated area is installed the lateral near the predrilled holes. The
centered over the air discharge holes. Spectrum diffuser mount forms a tight
seal to the lateral with compressed O-
4) S.S. crimping clamps should be fully
rings. Heavy scratches in the lateral
compressed with outside edge of the
near the O-rings could break the
clamp located 1/4" (6mm) from the edge
pressure seal.
of the membrane. For EPDM
membranes, the ear of clamp shall be 3) Re-install the diffuser assembly by
placed on top of unit. For PU following the Installation Instructions.
membranes, the ear of clamp shall be
Questions regarding the aeration-mixing
placed 45-degrees from the top of unit.
system operation, maintenance, etc. should
be forwarded to Environmental Dynamics
Replacing Saddle Mounted International, 5601 Paris Road, Columbia,
Missouri 65202. +1(573)474-9456.
Diffuser Assembly
r.2012-10-17
If it becomes necessary to remove an entire
diffuser assembly, the general procedures
outlined below should be followed:

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