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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

SECTION 11377
AIR DIFFUSER EQUIPMENT - FINE BUBBLE
PART 1

GENERAL

1.1

SUMMARY

1.1.1

Section Includes: Requirements for design, fabrication, and furnishing a fine bubble
diffuser process air system with stainless steel drop piping, stainless steel manifold
and distribution header piping, valves, and diffusers, including instrumentation and
control equipment, together with all accessories and appurtenances necessary for a
complete installation in the aeration tanks. The fine bubble diffuser process air
system equipment shall be manufactured complete with all components, drives,
ancillary items and supports. The work includes shop testing, attachment bolts,
anchor bolts, local controls, supports, transportation, training of operating personnel,
installation, supervision of installation, commissioning and performance tests.
All equipment specified in this section shall be furnished by one air diffusion
equipment manufacturer and this manufacturer shall have the entire responsibility for
supervising the proper installation and successful start-up and operation of this
equipment.

1.1.2

Related Work Specified in Other Sections Includes:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

General Requirements
Section 05120 - Structural Steel
Section 05500 - Metals Fabrications
Section 09900 - Painting
Section 11374 - Air Compressor Equipment for Aeration
Section 11376 - Air Filters
Section 13310 - Instrumentation and Field Buses
Section 13320 - Instrumentation Control Panels and Panel Instruments
Section 15010 - Basic Mechanical Requirements
Section 15055 - Basic Piping Materials and Methods
Section 15074 - Steel Pipe and Fitting
Section 15076 - Stainless Steel Pipe and Fitting
Section 15080 - Miscellaneous Pipe and Fittings
Section 15100 - Valves
Section 16150 - Electric Motors
HTA-4-SP-16-009 - Technical Specifications for the design, supply,
installation, evidence and putting into use of equipment of electrical system,
including the Adjustable Frequency Drives

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

1.2

REFERENCES

1.2.1

Codes and standards referred to in this Section are:

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

1.

DIN 38408 Part 23 - German standard methods for the examination of water,
waste water and sludge; gaseous constituents (group G); determination of
oxygen saturation index (G 23)

2.

DIN EN 25813 - Water quality; determination of dissolved oxygen; iodometric

method (ISO 5813:1983)

3.

DIN EN 25814 - Water quality; determination of dissolved oxygen by the

electrochemical probe method (ISO 5814:1990)

4.

DIN 8079 Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C) pipes PVC C 250 dimensions

5.

ATV M 209E Measurement of the Oxygen Transfer in Activated Sludge

Aeration Tanks with Clean Water and in Mixed Liquor

6.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

a.

7.

ASCE 2-91
Clean Water

Standard for the Measurement of Oxygen Transfer in

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

a.

A 240.83
Specification for heat-resisting chromium and
chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet and strip for pressure
vessels.

b.

A 530.S8
Specification for General Requirements for specialized
carbon and alloy steel.

c.

A 554-81
tubing.

d.

A 774-83
Specification for as-welded wrought austenitic stainless
steel fittings for general corrosive service at low and moderate
temperatures.

e.

A 778-82
Specification for
stainless steel tubular products.

f.

D 1784
Standard specification for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
(PVC) compounds and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC)
compounds

Specification for welded stainless steel mechanical

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

welded,

unannealed

austenitic

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8.

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA)

a.

250-85 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment

1.3

DEFINITIONS

1.3.1

Oxygen Transfer Capacity in Clean water, OC [kg/h]: OC is the mass [kg] of oxygen
transferred by an aeration installation in one hour in a tank of certain size filled with
clean water at DO of C = 0 mg/L, a water temperature of 20 C and normal
atmospheric pressure (1013 hPa). The following applies:
OC = V x kLa20 x CS,20 / 1000

1.3.2

Aeration Efficiency in Clean Water, OP20 [kg/kWh]: OP is the oxygen transfer in

clean water (OC) divided by the power input P [kW] of the aeration installation
including associated mixing installations. The following applies:
OP = OC / P

1.3.3

Oxygen Transfer Efficiency, OCL,h [g/(m3Nm)] or OAh, [%/m]: The oxygen transfer
efficiency expressed as g oxygen per m of air and per m of diffuser depth (OCL,h) or
as % oxygen absorbed per m of diffuser depth (OAh) is used for the comparison of
diffused air aeration systems. Following many investigations OCL,h and OAh are,
down to diffuser depths of hE = 6,0 to 8,0 m, to a large extent independent of the
diffuser depth. The following applies with QL [m3N/h] (dry intake air flow rate at 0 C
and 1013 hPa) and the associated density of the oxygen in the air of 0,299 kg/m3:
OCL,h = (OC / QL x hE) x 1000
OAh = 100 x OC / hE x (QL x 0,299)

1.3.4

Oxygen Transfer Coefficient, kLaT or kLaT [h-1]: The oxygen transfer coefficient is the
characteristic value for a certain aeration setting in a certain tank. It is calculated
from the oxygen transfer test at temperature T [C]. With the same aeration setting
kLa (or kLa) increases with increasing temperature. The following applies:
kLa20 = kLaT x 1,024(20-T)
The value of = 1,024 has been selected, in the spirit of international agreement, to
correspond with the ASCE Standard. Extrapolating a test temperature of T = 10 C
to the standard temperature of T = 20 C kLa is approximately 4 % greater than with
the application of = 1,02.

1.3.5

-Value (Interfacial Factor),[-]: Through various substances of wastewater, primarily

surface active substances (surfactants), kLa in wastewater and in mixed liquor is
smaller than in clean water at otherwise similar conditions. The -value serves for
comparison and is defined as:
= (kLa20 in mixed liquor / kLa20 in clean water)

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Both kLa20 values must be determined in the same tank with the same aeration
installation and with the same aeration intensity, as is not only dependent on the
properties of the wastewater or mixed liquor but also to a considerable extent on the
aeration system.
With diffused air aeration systems kLa increases with increasing neutral salt content
due to the reduction of the coalescence of bubbles.
1.3.6

Standard Oxygen Saturation Value, CSS,T [mg/L]: The standard oxygen saturation
value occurs in water with constant and same temperature of water and water
saturated air at a pressure of 1013 hPa. Standard saturation values are shown,
dependent on the temperature, in a table in DIN 38 408, Part 23.

1.3.7

Oxygen Saturation Value, CS,T [mg/L]: The oxygen saturation value occurs in a tank
with clean water at constant aeration and constant water temperature (T), i.e. the
saturation value is achieved if the oxygen concentration in the tank no longer alters.
The determination of the oxygen saturation value is possible in clean water tests
only. It is determined either chemically in accordance with EN 25813 or by means of
precisely calibrated DO probes in accordance with EN 25814. Alternatively the
supersaturation can be measured. The precise calibration of the DO probes is not
necessary for the determination of kLa.
To convert the saturation value CS,T measured at T C, to the standard conditions
(T = 20 C, p0 = 1013 hPa), one uses the standard saturation values and takes
account of the actual atmospheric pressure p [hPa]. The following applies:
CS,20 = CS,T x CSS,20 / CSS,T x 1013 / p
With surface aeration systems the following can be applied as approximation:
CS,T = CSS,T

(1)

For diffused air aeration the pressure at half the diffuser depth can, based on
considerable experience, be used as an approximation for the calculation of the
saturation value. The following applies:
CS,T = CSS,T x (1 + hE / 20,7)

(2)

Using Eqns. 1 or 2 one saves carrying out the precise calibration of the DO probes.
If, in one tank, there are both surface aerators as well as diffused air aeration
operating then the determination of the oxygen saturation value in situ is necessary
at clean water tests.
1.4

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1.4.1

General: Design the air diffuser equipment to fit the space, piping and structural
arrangements shown. If any changes, relocations or additions to the equipment,
piping or structural facilities are required to accommodate the air diffuser equipment
to be provided, accomplish such work at no addition to the contract price.

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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1.4.2

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Operating Conditions: Furnish air diffuser equipment for the following operating
conditions:
1. Basic design data:
BOD5 load influent to aeration tanks:

B_BOD5,o =

86.659 kg/d

TKN load influent to aeration tanks:

B_TKN,o =

17.446 kg/d

Nitrate influent to aeration tanks:

B_NO3,o =

kg/d

TKN load effluent of treatment plant:

B_TKN,e =

864

kg/d

Nitrate load effluent of treatment plant:

B_NO3,e =

3.024

kg/d

Sludge age:

t=

2,47

Average dry weather flow per day:

Q_d =

432.000 m/d

2. Oxygen consumption in sewage:

Oxygen consumption for elimination of BOD5: OC_d,C =

86.093 kg/d O2

Oxygen consumption for nitrification:

OC_d,N =

52.671 kg/d O2

Oxygen production by denitrification:

OC_d,D =

-26.753 kg/d O2

Total daily oxygen consumption:

OC_d =

112.011 kg/d O2

Peak factor for BOD5:

1,35

Peak factor for TKN:

2,36

Average oxygen consumption per hour:

OC_h,av =

4.667

kg/h O2

Max. oxygen consumption per hour (nitrogen peak): OC_h,max = 7.646 kg/h O2
3. Oxygenation capacity of aeration system:
Altitude of treatment plant:

z=

1.410

m.a.s.l.

Maximum water temperature:

T=

27

Pressure at altitude of WWTP:

p=

855

mbar

Depth of liquid in aeration tank:

H=

6,20

Submerged depth of diffusers in aeration tank according to design calculations:

h_E =
Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

5,90

m
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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Standard oxygen saturation concentration: C_ss,T =

8,06

mg/l

Oxygen saturation concentration in tank at half depth: C_s =

8,74

mg/l

2,00

mg/l

Average oxygenation capacity in sewage: OC_av =

6.051

kg/h O2

Maximum oxygenation capacity in sewage: OC_max =

9.914

kg/h O2

Alfa-factor:

0,60

Oxygen concentration in tank according to design calculations:

C_x =

3.1 Average oxygenation capacity:

Average oxygenation capacity in clean water: OC_av =

10.085 kg/h O2

3.2 Maximum oxygenation capacity:

Maximum oxygenation capacity in clean water: OC_max =

16.524 kg/h O2

4. Distribution of air flow in the aeration tanks:

Max. air temperature at WWTP:

T_aire =

Air humidity:

30

85

Max. total air volume on suction side of blowers according to design calculations:
226.189 m/h
Pressure difference:

Dp =

750

mbar

Temperature of compressed air according to design calculations:

T_aire,com =

105

Max. designed air volume on discharge side of blowers according to design

calculations:
150.313 m/h
1.4.3

The aeration tank influent will be equally split among the four aeration tanks. Each
aeration tank is a plug flow reactor with step feed. The flow distribution to the feeding
points is as follows:
First step:

40%

Second step:

33%

Third step:

27%

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Total:

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

100%

The return sludge is introduced into the first step. The aeration tanks will work as a
cascaded denitrification reactor with 3 cascades. Each cascade consists of 25%
denitrification volume and 75% nitrification volume.
1.4.3

The equipment to be furnished shall include, but not necessarily limited to:
1.

Type 316 L stainless steel drop pipe

2.

Type 316 L stainless steel submerged manifolds with adjustable stainless

steel 316 L floor stands

3.

PVC-C air distribution headers

4.

PVC-C diffuser element holders, with retainer rings and "O" rings gaskets

5.

Adjustable stainless steel 316 L floor standards for air distribution headers

6.

Diffuser elements with membrane in EPDM

7.

Airlift purge systems in type 316 L stainless steel

8.

316 L stainless steel anchor bolts, nuts and fittings

9.

Diffuser pressure monitoring system in type 316 L stainless steel

1.4.4

The type of air diffusers in each aeration tank shall consist of a 9 inch diameter disc
with flexible membrane diffuser in EPDM. For reasons of exchangeability to the
diffusers of existing plant in San Fernando the following calculations are based on
the 9 inch SANITAIRE diffusers.

1.4.5

The aeration system shall be capable of transferring oxygen to the designated zones
of each tank in the quantities and under the conditions listed as follows:
1. Average air flow:
Number of aeration tanks:

Average air flow per tank:

25.138 mN/h

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

3,0 mN/h/diffuser

Recommended average air flow per diffuser:

Distribution of diffusers in the reactors:

Air flow
Reactor 1
Reactor 2
Reactor 3
Reactor 4
Reactor 5
Reactor 6
Reactor 7
Reactor 8
Reactor 9
Total

0%
15%
25%
0%
15%
18%
0%
12%
15%
100%

Air flow
mN/h

Grids

0
3.771
6.285
0
3.771
4.525
0
3.017
3.771
25.138

Diffusers
per grid
0
2
4
0
2
4
0
2
4
18

0
640
544
0
640
416
0
544
352

Diffusers
total

Air/diffuser
mN/h/diffuser

0
1.280
2.176
0
1.280
1.664
0
1.088
1.408
8.896

2,9
2,9
2,9
2,7
2,8
2,7
2,8

2. Maximum air flow:

Number of aeration tanks:

Maximum air flow per tank:

41.186 mN/h

Recommended maximum air flow per diffuser:

6,0 mN/h/diffuser

Distribution of diffusers in the reactors:

Air flow
Reactor 1
Reactor 2
Reactor 3
Reactor 4
Reactor 5
Reactor 6
Reactor 7
Reactor 8
Reactor 9
Total

0%
15%
25%
0%
15%
18%
0%
12%
15%
100%

Air flow
mN/h

Grids

0
6.178
10.296
0
6.178
7.413
0
4.942
6.178
41.186

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

Diffusers
per grid
0
2
4
0
2
4
0
2
4
18

0
640
544
0
640
416
0
544
352

Diffusers
total
0
1.280
2.176
0
1.280
1.664
0
1.088
1.408
8.896

Air/diffuser
mN/h/diffuser
4,8
4,7
4,8
4,5
4,5
4,4
4,6

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1.4.6

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

The following conditions form a part of the design requirements for the aeration
system:
1.
2.
3.

Anticipated mixed liquor suspended solids

(MLSS) concentration, kg/m
Aeration tank liquid temperature, C
Minimum Dissolved oxygen concentration, mg/l

2,0 5,0
23 - 27

Maximum day loading

2,0

4.

Site elevation above sea level, m

1,410

5.

Aeration tank liquid depth, m

6,2

6.

Alpha factor

0,6

1.4.7

The equipment supplier shall furnish an adequate number of diffusers in each pass
based on the oxygen transfer efficiency tested and the design requirements as
described herein before. If any zone does not provide a sufficient space to install the
required number of diffusers to meet the oxygen requirement in that zone, consider
transferring excess number of diffusers in the preceding and following zones.
Provide calculations to justify the arrangement.

1.4.8

Design Stresses: Design all parts of the equipment to be amply proportioned for all
stresses which may occur during fabrication, shipment, erection and intermittent or
continuous operation in accordance with this section, and the section on equipment
design of the General Requirements.

1.4.9

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
The aeration grid arrangement shown on the Drawings is not intended to show exact
dimensions or layouts. It is anticipated that arrangement and size of equipment may
vary, and that details of structural or mechanical elements pertaining to the aeration
system may require alteration to accommodate the equipment furnished. It shall be
the responsibility of the equipment supplier to coordinate such changes and no
additional payment will be made for such alterations.

1.5

SUBMITTALS

1.5.1

General: Provide all submittals, including the following, as specified in the General
Requirements.

1.5.2

Shop Drawings:
Submit shop drawings including physical drawings of the
equipment, including all mechanical calculations
The submittals shall include:
-

Installation details and instructions,

Descriptions and performance characteristics,

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Calculations for the diffusers demonstrating their suitability,

Catalog data on components,

Details of the diffuser element, diffuser element holder, retainer, gasket

and orifice,

Details illustrating the method of attaching the diffuser element holder to

the distribution header,

A complete description of the control system,

Manufacturer's certified performance and material records for quality

control,

Certification of welders qualifications, welding procedures and quality

assurance for welders (e. g. AWS D9.1) for approval,

Operating and maintenance information,

Recommended spare parts and tools lists,

Painting procedure.

1.5.3

Quality Control Submittal: Submit manufacturer's certified performance and materials

records.

1.5.4

Installation Information: Provide all information required for installation of the

equipment including all erection drawings and written installation instructions. Submit
welding procedures for approval.

1.5.5

Storage Instructions: Submit storage instructions for the equipment for use by las
Empresas.

1.5.6

Operation and Maintenance Manuals: Submit operation and maintenance manuals

of the equipment.

1.5.7

Details of the manifold and distribution supports (guide and fixing if required by the
manufacturer), including appropriate anchor bolt details.

1.5.8

Details of the distribution header expansion joints and fixed joints.

1.5.9

Specific oxygen transfer rate data for average and maximum flow as well as specific
energy consumption data, measurements carried out according to ATV M 209E,
certified by a recognized independent test laboratory stating clean water oxygen
transfer efficiency, including description of test facility, methods of sampling and
calculations. The laboratory has to be approved by las Empresas before test start.

1.5.10

A listing of wastewater treatment plants in which similar aeration systems have been
installed including operator names and current telephone numbers. Demonstrate

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

that aeration system manufacturer has furnished diffusers of the type specified
herein for at least 5 years.
1.5.11

A statement from the equipment manufacturer listing any deviations or exceptions

taken to these Specifications. Include Specification reference and proposed
alternative with reasons for exception. If the manufacturer takes no deviations, the
letter shall specifically state that no deviations are being taken.

1.5.12

One sample distribution header assembly complete with one diffuser. Sample
header assembly shall be at least 600 mm in length with sealed end caps attached.

1.5.13

Complete list of materials.

1.5.14

Furnish calculations for the following:

a.

Diffuser requirements in each zone.

b.

Head loss from diffusers to top of drop pipes.

c.

Others in accordance with the General Requirements.

1.6

MEASUREMENTS IN CLEAN WATER

1.6.1

A signed proof certificate of the Manufacturer for the diffusers shall be submitted.

1.6.2

For clean water tests the aeration tank shall be filled with clean water. Water with
drinking water quality has to be used. With this water the highest reproducibility of
the tests results is ensured. A low content of neutral salts is important, therefore the
concentration of dissolved solids should be 500 mg/L. By addition of sodium
sulphite for the tests the salt content increases further. Tests shall be carried out up
to a salt concentration of 2000 mg/L dissolved solids; this corresponds with an
electrolytic conductivity of ca. 3000 S/cm.
Organic substances in the test water lead to complexing of the cobalt applied as
catalyst; they can in addition reduce the oxygen transfer. Biologically treated
wastewater or clean water coloured by algae is therefore not usable. Salting as well
as the use of cobalt are avoided if the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is
lowered by stripping with nitrogen gas or if the DO is increased for desorption tests
by gassing with pure oxygen.

1.6.3

The following procedure for the measurement of the average and maximum oxygen
transfer in clean water shall be considered as standard practice:
-

1.6.4

Absorption measurements following the lowering of the DO concentration

using sodium sulphite

In order to obtain an accurate answer for the oxygen transfer capacity at least two
tests for the average and two tests for the maximum air flow with the same aeration
setting are required.

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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1.6.5

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Measurement tolerances (%) are understood to be the variation band width of the
values of repeated measurements about the mean value. Each measurement value
has its own tolerance.
In clean water tests one shall determine kLa with a tolerance of 3 to 5 %.
If the saturation value (CS) is measured with clean water tests, then this value is to
be apportioned a tolerance of 3 %. If table values in accordance with Eqns. 1 and
2 are used, then the tolerance is dispensed with.
The power input (P) shall, even using calibrated counters or special measurement
equipment, have tolerances of 3 % due to reading inaccuracies.
The diffuser depth is to be precisely measured. The air flow rate shall deviate by
more than 5 % from the true value, independent of whether one measures the
value or calculates it from the blower characteristic curve.

Possible measurement tolerances at oxygen transfer tests in clean water:

Parameter
OC
OP

CS measured
7%
10 %

CSS from tables

5%
8%

1.7

GUARANTEES

1.7.1

The guarantee for the oxygen transfer in clean water (OC) is met if the mean value
from the tests plus the measurement tolerance of 5 % is at least equal to the
guaranteed value.

1.7.2

The guarantee for the aeration efficiency in clean water (OP) is met if the mean
value from the tests plus a measurement tolerance of 8 % is at least equal to the
guaranteed value.

1.8

QUALlTY ASSURANCE

1.8.1

Experience: Each prospective bidder for the furnishing of the equipment shall duly
complete the Bidders Questionnaire located at the end of this section and provide
references for at least two full-scale comparable equipment systems that have been
in continuous, successful operation elsewhere for at least two years at the time of
bid. Provide two references. Each of the references shall meet or exceed the design
and operating-conditions as specified herein.

1.9

DELlVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

1.9.1

Deliver, in accordance with the General Requirements and as directed by Las

Empresas, all products and materials to the site designated by las Empresas.
Off-Ioad the equipment.

Design, Fabrication and Furnishing of Major Equipment

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

1.9.2

Storage and Protection: Prior to delivery, handle and store air diffuser equipment so
as to minimize direct exposure of PVC or EPDM components to sunlight. Store
diffuser elements in dust-free enclosures.

1.10

SPARE PARTS

1.10.1

Furnish the following spare parts:

-

Five percent of the number of installed diffusers, including all gaskets and
accessory equipment.

PART 2

PRODUCTS

2.1

MATERIALS

2.1.1

General: Furnish fine bubble diffuser systems to include drop pipes, special fittings
or tees, submerged air manifolds and distribution headers permanently installed in
the tank bottom arranged in a grid pattern to be designed by the equipment supplier,
membrane diffuser elements, diffuser element holders, air distribution control orifices
as aperture valves, butterfly valves and retaining rings, clips, or bolts with
appropriate O-rings or washers, gaskets, expansion joints, anchors and all
accessories required.
All component parts of the equipment shall be amply proportioned for long
continuous and uninterrupted service. Suitable provision shall be made for service or
replacement of parts. Corresponding parts of multiple units shall be interchangeable.
All welding of metal parts shall be in accordance with the latest AWS code. All metal
parts and plastic parts requiring solvent welding shall be solvent welded in the
factory. No field solvent welding shall be allowed except as permitted. Any
necessary field solvent welding shall be clearly stated in the proposal.
The diffusers must be completely interchangeable, without requiring any
modifications to piping and diffusers supports, such that either membrane diffuser
elements can be placed in all base plates.
Fabricated assemblies shall be furnished in convenient sections as permitted by
carrier regulations and shall be properly match marked for ease of field assembly.

2.1.2

Drop Pipes: Furnish drop pipes to extend from the branch air header valve located at
the top of the tank to the air manifolds located on the tank bottom ending with a
flange pair. Furnish flanged drop pipes constructed of minimum Schedule 10 Type
316L stainless steel.
Clean all surfaces after fabrication and welding using stainless steel brushes and by
fuIl immersion picking and rinsing to remove all carbon deposits, eight oxide films
and similar contaminants and to aid the regeneration a uniform corrosion resistant
chromium oxide film.

2.1.3

Air Manifold: Provide for connection of the air manifold to the riser pipe to supply air
to the air distribution headers. Construct the horizontal air manifold of stainless steel
316 L. Size air manifolds such that the velocity of the air in the line is not more than

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Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

15 meters/sec on a free air basis. Provide connections between sections of the air
manifolds of special joints that allow end sections of the air manifolds to rotate
independently. Provide flanged connections to the air distribution headers along the
bottom of the manifold.
2.1.4

Support System: Provide a system of fixed and intermediate supports in stainless

steel 316L as required to support the air manifolds on. Furnish expansioncontraction joints as required and design for an ambient temperature range of 8C to
35C. Provide stainless steel 316L stands with stainless steel 316L hold-downs, and
adjusting and locking mechanisms. Design all supports to provide a minimum of plus
or minus 5 centimeters of vertical adjustment and plus or minus 1,3 centimeters of
lateral adjustment as required for installation. Furnish Type 316L stainless steel
anchor bolts. Design supports to accommodate the slope of the (aeration tank) floor
slab plus any final adjustments required to ensure that all diffusers are mounted at
the same elevation.

2.1.5

Air Distribution Header: Connect the air distribution headers to the manifolds to form
a grid system covering the entire tank bottom. Furnish headers to include piping
supports, diffuser element holders, joints, expansion-contraction joints, drainage
system and stainless steel 316L anchor bolts. Furnish 10 centimeter Schedule 80
PVC-C pipe headers. Arrange air distribution headers to provide a uniform
arrangement of diffuser element holders such that diffuser center to center distances
in the north-south and east-west directions are approximately equal.

2.1.6

1.

Support System: Furnish Type 316L stainless steel supports and anchor bolts
designed to withstand 10 times the calculated normal uplift force. Furnish
support systems that permit air distribution header level adjustment without
requiring header removal. Furnish header supports with a minimum vertical
adjustment of plus or minus 3,2 centimeters. Furnish supports for all
couplings and tees which are not supported with a continuous pipe through
the run of the tee.

2.

Joints: Furnish expansion-contraction joints. Furnish joints between sections

of headers to allow each section to rotate independently.

3.

Drain: Furnish a drainage system in stainless steel 316L to drain the air
diffuser header grid and to discharge liquid trapped in the air piping. Include a
minimum of one moisture blow-off per grid.

Flexible Membrane Disk Diffusers

1.

The nominal 22,9 centimeter (9-inch) diameter diffuser element ( 2 percent

tolerance) shall be composed of perforated EPDM rubber.

2.

The diffuser baseplates shall be manufactured of PVC-C. The base plates

shall provide complete support for the flexible membrane diffuser elements
when the aeration air is turned off and shall retain the flexible membrane
elements when the aeration air is turned on. The baseplate or baseplate
mounting holder shall be solvent welded to the PVC-C diffuser lateral at the
factory.

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3.

2.1.7

Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales

Bello
Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

Diffuser Element Retaining Device. The nominal 22,9 centimeter (9-inch)

diameter diffuser element shall be heId in the baseplate by means of the
retaining device specified below. The perimeter of the flexible membrane
diffuser element shall have a thickened cross-section of seal against air
leakage between the element holder and diffuser element.

Fixed Grid Purge System

1.

Furnish minimum two stainless steel 316L drain lines, airlift purge eductor
lines and eductor carrier columns to drain the entire submerged aeration
piping system for each aeration grid.

2.

The airlift eductor line shall be housed inside a stainless steel 316L carrier
column which shall be extended above the basin side wall and terminated
with a stainless steel ball valve.
The airlift eductor line carrier column shall be supported with stainless steel
316L wall brackets.

2.2

SOURCE QUALlTY CONTROL

2.2.1

Oxygen Transfer Test: Diffuser spacing, permeability, average air flow rate and all
other properties for the test disks shall be essentially identical to those of the full
scale installation. The technique and results of the tests shall be certified by the
independent laboratory and approved in advance by las Empresas. Give at least 30
days advance notice to las Empresas to enable him to witness the test, if he should
so desire.
If the test results meet the requirements, the diffusers will be accepted. Otherwise,
two additional tests shall be conducted, and, if the test results meet the
requirements, the diffusers will be accepted. If the second series of test fail, las
Empresas may reject the diffusers. The manufacturer shall supply new diffusers and
the testing procedure as described above shall be repeated. The cost of testing
except for the first three test runs shall be paid for by the manufacturer.

2.2.2

Product Factory Testing

1.

Prior to initiation of production, the contractor shall submit for the engineer's
approval, a testing plan designed to ensure consistently good quality and
uniformity of the diffusers. A sampling plan shall be included. After testing, all
diffusers tested shall be marked with their results.

2.

Test diffuser elements in the manufacturing facility for:

a.

Specific Permeability

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Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales

Bello
Technical Specifications

b.

Uniformity

c.

Strength

d.

Dynamic Wet Pressure

e.

Dimensional tolerances

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

3.

All diffusers accepted for permeability shall be inspected to insure compliance

with the manufacturers dimensional tolerance.

4.

A signed proof certificate of the Manufacturer for the diffusers shall be

submitted.

PART 3

EXECUTION

3.1

INSTALLATION

3.1.1

Installation and assembly of the equipment shall be in accordance with the drawings
and with the manufacturers installation instruction manual. The contractor shall
furnish all bolts, shims, tools and other devices necessary for installing the air
diffuser equipment. The manufacturers representative familiar with the equipment
shall supervise the handling, installation, start-up and testing of the equipment.

3.1.2

After the system is installed and prior to start-up, complete clean up of the air diffuser
equipment area of any accumulated construction debris shall be done. Any damage
to the equipment during initial start-up due to foreign objects left in the areas shall be
corrected at the contractors expense.

3.2

SHOP TESTS

3.2.1

Each air diffuser equipment shall be assembled and tested before shipping as
mentioned above. The owner reserves the right to have a representative present
during the factory testing. Testing shall include a simulation of an operation modes.

3.2.2

Completely shop assembles the air diffuser equipment as mentioned above, test and
adjust prior to shipment. The shop test shall ensure proper operation of the
equipment.

3.3

FIELD TESTS

3.3.1

Installation Tests: After installation of air diffuser equipment and appurtenances,

supervise the conductance of the following tests as specified and in accordance with
the General Requirements.
1.

Mounting Tests: Test support and tie-down provisions of the PVC-C air
distribution header piping to ensure that they have a margin of safety of 10
against calculated buoyant forces. Test the support and tie-down system of
the manifold piping to ensure that they have a margin of safety of 2 against
calculated buoyant forces.

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Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales

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Technical Specifications

a.

3.3.2

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

After installation of the supports and prior to installation of piping, test

no less than 10 percent of each type of support. Choose each support
to be tested at random and have each test witnessed by las Empresas.
Attach each support chosen for testing to a lever which is placed on a
fulcrum. Apply a static load to the opposite end producing a vertical
extracting force on the support tie-down equal to either 10 times for the
air distribution header, or 2 times for the manifold, the calculated
maximum buoyant force to which the support tie-downs will be
subjected in normal operation as detailed above.

2.

Inspection of Piping: Inspect the piping for proper joints, supports and tiedowns, end plugs and drain relief valves.

3.

Level Test: Flood the tanks with clear water to the top of the diffuser
elements. Then check the level of the elements to see that they are at the
same elevation within 6 mm. Should it be necessary to correct the elevation
of any air diffuser assembly as a result of this check take such action before
proceeding further.

4.

Uniformity and Leakage Test: Flood the tanks with clear water to a depth of
30 cm above the elements. Turn the air supply on and confirm that air is
supplied evenly to all headers. Then visually inspect the surface of the water
to see that air flow is uniformly distributed across the tanks.

5.

With all diffuser elements level, examine the grids for air leaks in the
submerged sections with the water level in the tank at the bottom of the
diffuser elements. Blow air through the system. Provide the air test of
sufficient time to allow checking of the system. Then raise the water level to
60 cm above the top of the diffuser elements and blow air through the
diffusers at rates of one half the maximum and the maximum air flow per
diffuser. During this test, replace all diffusers not operating satisfactorily or
showing non uniform diffusion at own expense.

6.

The time for such testing and coordination with other work is subject to review
and approval. Ensure the arrangements for testing minimize the possibility of
dirt and debris entering the system after acceptance.

Tests: After installation of the air diffuser equipment and all appurtenances,
supervise a field running test under actual operating conditions as specified above
and in the General Requirements. Tests will be of sufficient duration to show that the
equipment works properly and in all other respects meets all requirements of the
Specifications.
1. Supervise field testing.
2. Submit complete test procedures for approval prior to testing.
3. Furnish all labor, materials, and test apparatus necessary for supervising the
above tests.

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Empresas Pblicas
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Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales

Bello
Technical Specifications

Section 11377
Air Diffuser Equipment Fine Bubble

4. Correct any defects in the equipment or failure to meet the requirements of the
Specifications properly.
3.3.3

Controls: Ensure that the tests also demonstrate that the equipment operates as
specified with the air compressors and the entire control system including dissolved
oxygen meters, pressure meters, flow meters, aperture valves.

3.3.4

Field testing shall be conducted by an experienced field test engineer and will be
witnessed by the owner following a detailed step-by-step approved test plan.

3.3.5

Tests will be of sufficient duration to show that the equipment operates properly and
in all other respects meets all requirements of the specifications.

3.4

TRAINING
Subjects of instruction for training shall include the following:
-

Startup procedures

Shutdown procedures

Troubleshooting

Operating adjustments for performance optimization

Preventive maintenance

Maintenance procedures

Emergency procedures

Record keeping

Mechanical unit function and description

While conducting operational instruction and training, the Contractor shall perform, at
his expense, all materials to produce guaranteed performance.
Other requirements for training shall be as described in the General Requirements.

END OF SECTION

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