Liquid aerator

Abstract

An improved, self-cleaning, bidirectionally shiftable liquid contacting device is provided which serves to give enhanced aeration and mixing of liquids such as sewage water at a relatively low cost in terms of horsepower input. The device preferably includes a rotatable, flat, annular plate provided with oppositely projecting, circumferentially spaced, radially oriented rows of liquid-contacting elements strategically located and configured for maximum effectiveness. Each element is in the form of a flat-topped, solid body presenting a pair of elongated, opposed, inclined, converging, concave faces, with the axes of the respective concavities being transverse relative to one another. As the plate is rotated, the leading concave face gives excellent mixing and lateral liquid diversion, whereas at the trailing concave face, a suction action serves to draw air deeply into the liquid for subsequent release and aeration. The elements in each individual row (which can be individual and spaced apart or in the form of a bar-like integral member) are advantageously radially offset relative to elements in adjacent rows, so that air bubbles formed in trailing surface concavities are effectively stripped from the face of the rotatable plate, thereby further enhancing the overall aeration effect.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.