Methods and apparatus for wastewater treatment

US8657268B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Gregory P. Smiltneek · Menomonee Falls, US
• Martin M. Smiltneek · Oconomowoc, US
• Robert B. Wheeler · Milwaukee, US
• David T. Redmon · Racine, US
• Thomas E. Frankel · Poughkeepsie, US
• Arthur W. Phenicie · Hartland, US
• Mark T. Raether · Oconomowoc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 12, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 25, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S261/70
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Wastewater is treated by providing a distribution conduit and providing a diffuser assembly. An aperture is created in the distribution conduit having an initial minimum diameter. The diffuser assembly, in turn, comprises a diffuser membrane in fluidic communication with a mating tube. The mating tube has an initial outside diameter at a location along its length greater than the initial minimum inside diameter of the aperture. The mating tube is inserted into the aperture until the location on the mating tube that, before insertion, had the initial outside diameter is encircled by the aperture where the aperture, before insertion, had the initial minimum inside diameter. This forms an airtight interference fit between the distribution conduit and diffuser assembly.