A wastewater treatment plant includes (i) an aeration vessel having a bottom portion, a top portion and a side portion disposed therebetween to hold a quantity of wastewater, the top portion and the bottom portion being disposed at least 20 feet apart from one and the other to define a depth, the depth being capable of being substantially filled with wastewater; (ii) a coarse bubble diffuser disposed proximal to the bottom portion, the diffuser having a plurality of orifices orientated horizontally toward the side portion; the orifices having a diameter of at least 0.125 inches; and (iii) a source of enriched oxygen gas in fluid communication with the diffuser; wherein the enriched oxygen gas exiting the orifices prevents settling of solid components of the wastewater without the use of a mechanical mixer. Further, the depth of the aeration vessel may be at least about 20 feet or deeper, for instance at least about 30 feet or deeper. A method for treating wastewater includes the steps of (i) providing a first deep and enclosed aeration vessel; the vessel having a depth of at least about 20 feet; (ii) providing wastewater having dissolved solids to substantially fill the vessel; and (iii) providing enriched oxygen gas at the bottom of the vessel through a coarse bubble diffuser at a sufficient flow to prevent settling of the solids without then need for a mechanical mixer.
Gerald Shell 1972 graduate of Stilwell High School in Stilwell, OK is on Classmates.com. See pictures, plan your class reunion and get caught up with Gerald and other high school ...