Influence of diffuser design on selected operating variables for wastewater flotation systems: a review

Abstract

Air diffusers or spargers have been used in separation processes that include conventional wastewater treatment. Over the years, there have been advancements in diffuser design in terms of shape, pore size, orientation and materials of construction as a way of mitigating challenges such as fouling, clogging, energy consumption and poor system efficiency. Some of the available air diffusers are inadequate to solve most of these challenges due to reduced quality and increased quantity of wastewater being treated. Additionally, there is a paucity of information regarding air diffuser design and their effect on operational parameters in wastewater treatment. This review seeks to address the advancement in diffuser design and also the effects of design factors including parameters of air diffusers with a focus of their use in a column flotation system for wastewater treatment. HIGHLIGHTS Applications of 3D printed air diffusers in a column flotation system.; The effect of the diffuser design on operational parameters.; Reducing the rate of fouling and improving the quality of treated water.; Diffuser designs with oxidative air generating properties for wastewater treatment.; Advancement in diffuser design for flotation system used for wastewater treatment.;

Keywords

• aeration
• air diffuser
• column flotation
• sparger design
• wastewater treatment