Deep Basins / High Air Temperatures

Deep Basins and High Air Temperatures – Business as Usual for FLEXSIL® Membranes and AirRex® Headers

Diffusers in deep basins are frequently operated with very high inlet-air temperatures. At water depths greater than 6 m, the inlet air entering the diffusers normally exceeds 80 °C (176°F) .

Hot service environments like these make tough demands on diffusers and their materials of construction. Temperatures of 80 °C (176°F) and above accelerate aging of EPDM membranes and seals. Commonly used PVC grades are not suited for process use above 60 °C (140°F) in most instances.

Answering the need for reliable high-temperature aeration, OTT's proprietary membrane material FLEXSIL® provides problem-free service in operation well above 100 °C (212°F). OTT diffuser bodies are made from heat-resistant polypropylene (PP) grades with rated operating temperatures up to 120 °C (248°F).

Unlike PVC air piping which can fail in high-temperature service, AirRex® headers provide a cost-efficient and dependable solution for demanding environments. AirRex® is made from glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene, ensuring heavy-duty reliability at elevated temperatures. In addition, AirRex® is designed to permit thermal expansion and contraction of the assembled header line in response to fluctuating temperatures (see video "Expansion / Contraction of AirRex® at High Air Temperatures").