Air diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment and wastewater treatment system

Abstract

The invention provides an air diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment and a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system comprises a pipe body, an air diffuser mounting seat and four air diffusing discs. And the air diffuser mounting seat comprises a seat tube connecting part jointed with the tube body, four distribution guide tubes configured to be in a cross shape, and distribution guide tubes which are communicated with the seat tube connecting part and the four curved mounting seats to the air diffuser jointing groove through gas and are positioned above the four distribution guide tubes. Each of the four diffuser disks respectively occupies one of the four curvilinear mount-to-diffuser engagement slots and engages one of the four distribution conduits. Wherein each of the four gas dispersing discs is in gas communication with the interior of the pipe body and can be utilized to generate a bubble flow suitable for aerobic wastewater treatment application in wastewater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wastewater treatment, and more particularly to an aerator assembly suitable for wastewater treatment, and a corresponding wastewater treatment system. Background Art

[0002] A diffuser is a type of aerator that is used to increase the gas content in a liquid; typically, it is used to increase the oxygen content in wastewater. A diffuser often consists of a rigid, circular, elastic, and porous diffuser membrane mounted on a diffuser base. Pressurized air is delivered to the diffuser through a pipe. When the pressurized air enters the diffuser, the gas pressure inside the diffuser increases. The pressure in the diffuser membrane becomes higher than that in the surrounding water, causing the air to enter the water through the holes in the diffuser membrane, forming a stream of small bubbles.

[0003] In many cases, utilizing a smaller diameter diffuser disk offers advantages over utilizing a larger diameter diffuser disk. When pressurized with air, the diffuser membrane of a smaller diameter diffuser disk tends to deform less than that of a larger diameter diffuser disk, resulting in a more uniform air distribution across the smaller diffuser disk. Furthermore, utilizing a smaller diameter diffuser disk has been shown to reduce both swirling and compression in the rising bubble column flow, while also reducing bubble coalescence. These reductions ultimately provide for more efficient aeration.

[0004] For the reasons stated above, there is a need for an assembly that can economically and efficiently install a large number of smaller diameter diffuser discs in wastewater treatment tanks. Once installed, these assemblies need to be rugged and durable to withstand the harsh operating conditions of wastewater treatment tanks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above needs, specific embodiments of the present invention provide an aerator assembly suitable for wastewater treatment, and a corresponding wastewater treatment system, including multiple components, which can economically and efficiently install a large number of smaller diameter diffuser plates in a wastewater treatment tank.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a diffuser assembly comprising a diffuser mount and a plurality of diffuser plates. The diffuser mount includes a pipe connection portion adapted to be attached to a pipe body, a plurality of distribution conduits in gaseous communication with the pipe connection portion, and a plurality of curvilinear mount-diffuser coupling slots disposed above the plurality of distribution conduits. Each of the plurality of diffuser plates occupies a respective one of the plurality of curvilinear mount-diffuser coupling slots and is attached to a respective one of the plurality of distribution conduits.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a wastewater treatment system comprising a pipe body, a diffuser mount, and a plurality of diffuser plates. The diffuser mount includes a pipe connection portion coupled to the pipe body, a plurality of distribution conduits in gaseous communication with the pipe connection portion, and a plurality of curvilinear mount-to-diffuser coupling slots disposed above the plurality of distribution conduits. Each of the plurality of diffuser plates occupies a corresponding one of the plurality of curvilinear mount-to-diffuser coupling slots and is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of distribution conduits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following further illustrates the various technical features of the present application and the relationships between them with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are exemplary, and some technical features are not shown in actual proportion. In addition, some drawings may omit technical features that are commonly used in the technical field to which the present application belongs and are not essential for understanding and implementing the present application, or additional technical features that are not essential for understanding and implementing the present application may be shown. In other words, the combination of the various technical features shown in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the present application. In addition, throughout the present application, the same figure numbers refer to the same content. The specific description of the drawings is as follows:

[0009] Figure 1 FIG2 is a perspective view of a wastewater treatment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wastewater treatment system is used to aerate wastewater;

[0010] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the aerator assembly, the grommet, and the pipe body in the wastewater treatment system;

[0011] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 a perspective view of the grommet in the wastewater treatment system;

[0012] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a portion of the aerator assembly in the wastewater treatment system;

[0013] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 a top view of the aerator mounting base in the wastewater treatment system;

[0014] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1 a bottom view of the aerator mounting base in the wastewater treatment system;

[0015] Figure 7 Shown Figure 1 an end view of the aerator mounting base in the wastewater treatment system;

[0016] Figure 8 Shown Figure 1 The wastewater treatment system Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the diffuser mount with the cut plane indicated;

[0017] Figure 9 Shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a diffuser plate and the diffuser mounting base in the wastewater treatment system;

[0018] Figure 10 Shown Figure 1 A bottom view of the air diffuser in the wastewater treatment system;

[0019] Figure 11 Shown Figure 1 The wastewater treatment system is along Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a diffuser plate in the indicated cut plane;

[0020] Figure 12 Shown Figure 1 A bottom view of a joint wedge in the wastewater treatment system;

[0021] Figure 13 Shown Figure 1 A side view of another engagement wedge in the wastewater treatment system;

[0022] Figure 14 Shown Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a portion of the aerator assembly in the wastewater treatment system;

[0023] Figure 15 Shown Figure 1 a broken portion of the diffuser assembly in the wastewater treatment system;

[0024] Figure 16 Shown along Figure 1 Indicates the cut surface Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of wastewater treatment system;

[0025] Figure 17 A bottom perspective view of an optional diffuser mounting assembly and a tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0026] Figure 18 Shown is a top view of two adjacent alternative diffuser assemblies, including Figure 17 An optional diffuser mounting base mounted on a pipe body.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals: 100 - wastewater treatment system; 1000 - wastewater; 110 - pipe body; 105 - diffuser assembly; 1005 - air bubble flow; 125 - grommet; 130 - hole; 135 - internal threaded channel; 140 - seat tube connection; 145 - diffuser mounting base; 150 - diffuser plate; 155 - joint wedge; 160 - air distribution arm; 165 - distribution conduit; 168 - internal channel; 170 - output connector; 175 - curved mounting base to diffuser Diffuser coupling groove; 180-diffuser body; 185-diffuser membrane; 190-input socket; 193-rubber O-ring; 195-retaining ring; 200-diffuser channel; 205-curved wedge to diffuser coupling groove; 208-triangular projection; 210-cantilever pull ring; 215-ridge; 220-groove; 225-triangular notch; 300-diffuser mounting base; 305-tube body; 310-seat tube connection; 315-hole; 320-diffuser assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments. For these reasons, numerous modifications are possible and the results will still fall within the scope of the present invention. For this reason, no limitation to the specific embodiments described herein is intended or should be inferred.

[0029] As used herein and in the appended claims, a "snap-fit ​​connection" is one that connects by pushing interlocking components together without the use of adhesives or separate mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). A "cross-shaped" arrangement is one that resembles a plus sign. Two elements being "substantially identical" means that they differ from each other only within commercially reasonable tolerances in manufacturing and assembly.

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of a wastewater treatment system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Wastewater treatment system 100 is used to aerate wastewater 1000. Wastewater treatment system 100 includes an aerator assembly 105 mounted on a pipe 110. Pipe 110 delivers air to diffuser assembly 105, where the air is sequentially released as a stream of bubbles 1005 that enters wastewater 1000. Ultimately, the stream of bubbles 1005 aerates wastewater 1000 and, in doing so, supports beneficial microbial processes within wastewater 1000.

[0031] Figure 2The diffuser assembly 105 and its exploded perspective view relative to the pipe body 110 are shown. The diffuser assembly 105 is coupled to the pipe body 110 with a grommet 125, which are shown in FIG. Figure 3 , shown in a perspective view. The grommet 125 extends through a hole 130 in the tubular body 110 and, in this embodiment, is held in place against the tubular body 110 by interference-fitting and solvent welding. The grommet 125 includes an internally threaded passage 135. The diffuser assembly 105 includes a seat tube connection 140 in the form of an externally threaded tubular body portion. The seat tube connection 140 is threadably engaged with the grommet 125 to couple the diffuser assembly 105 to the tubular body 110. The diffuser assembly 105 is thereby mounted on the tubular body 110 and is in gas communication with an interior of the tubular body 110.

[0032] Figure 4 Shown is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the diffuser assembly 105. The diffuser assembly 105 includes nine major components: a diffuser mount 145, four diffuser plates 150, and four engagement wedges 155. Each of these major components will now be described in detail as follows.

[0033] Figures 5 to 8 Various aspects of the diffuser mount 145 are described; Figure 5 Shown is a top view of the diffuser mounting base 145; Figure 6 Shown is a bottom view; Figure 7 Shown is an end view; and Figure 8 Shown is a cross-sectional view along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view indicated by the figure. The diffuser mount 145 comprises three levels. The seat tube connection 140 occupies the lowest level, and four air distribution arms 160 occupy the middle level. Each of the four air distribution arms 160 includes a cross-shaped distribution conduit 165 with the seat tube connection 140 at its center. The inner end of each of the four distribution conduits 165 merges with an internal channel 168 of the seat tube connection 140, and the outer end of each of the four distribution conduits 165 terminates in one of four output connectors 170. The uppermost level of the diffuser mount 145 includes four curved mount-to-diffuser coupling slots 175, which are positioned above the four air distribution arms 160 and their four distribution conduits 165.

[0034] Figures 9 to 11 The four diffuser plates 150 and their relationship to the diffuser mounting base 145 are shown; wherein, Figure 9Shown is an exploded perspective view representing one of the four diffuser plates 150 and how it engages the diffuser mount 145; Figure 10 A bottom view of the diffuser plate 150 is shown; and Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the diffuser plate 150 is shown. Figure 9 The cutting surface indicated in .

[0035] Each of the four diffuser plates 150 includes a diffuser body 180 and a diffuser membrane 185. The bottom edge of the diffuser body 180 includes an input receptacle 190 adapted to airtightly engage the four output connectors 170 on the diffuser mount 145. A rubber O-ring 193 inside the input receptacle 190 facilitates an airtight seal. The top of the diffuser body 180 includes a retaining ring 195 that secures the diffuser membrane 185 to the diffuser body 180. A diffuser channel 200 inside the diffuser body 180 provides access from the input receptacle 190 to a location directly beneath the diffuser membrane 185.

[0036] The diffuser assembly 105 is completely assembled into Figure 4 As shown, the four diffuser plates 150 occupy the four curved mounting base-to-diffuser engagement slots 175 of the diffuser mounting base 145. Simultaneously, the input receptacles 190 of the four diffuser plates 150 are coupled to the four output connectors 170 of the diffuser mounting base 145. The four engagement wedges 155 are used to hold the four diffuser plates 150 against the diffuser mounting base 145. The four diffuser plates 150 are square in plan view.

[0037] The four engagement wedges 155 are as follows: Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown. Figure 12 Shown is a bottom view of one of the four engagement wedges 155, with Figure 13 Shown is a side view. Each of the four engagement wedges 155 includes a pair of curved wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots 205, which align the engagement wedges 155 as mirror images of one another. With each of the four engagement wedges 155 including a pair of curved wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots 205, the four engagement wedges 155 comprise a total of eight curved wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots 205. Each of the four engagement wedges 155 also includes a triangular projection 208 and a cantilevered pull ring 210.

[0038] The four engagement wedges 155 hold the four diffuser plates 150 against the diffuser mount 145 by snapping into engagement with the diffuser mount 145. That is, the four engagement wedges 155 are interlocking members that are pushed and pressed together to engage with the diffuser mount 145 through snap-fit ​​engagement, holding the diffuser mount 145 together. No adhesive or separate mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) are required. The snap-fit ​​engagement of the four engagement wedges 155 and the diffuser mount 145 are described in detail below. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, Figure 14 Shown is a partially exploded perspective view of the diffuser assembly 105; and, Figure 15 Shown is a partially broken perspective view, the area marked Figure 14 In the embodiment illustrated in the present figures, the diffuser mount 145 includes a plurality of ridges 215, and the cantilevered pull ring 210 includes a plurality of complementary grooves 220. When the four diffuser plates 150 are pressed into position on the diffuser mount 145, the ridges 215 on the diffuser mount 145 engage the grooves 220 on the four engagement wedges 155 to lock the components together. Simultaneously, the triangular projections 208 on the four engagement wedges 155 engage complementary triangular notches 225 in the diffuser mount 145. In alternative embodiments, a similar snap-fit ​​connection may be used in which the diffuser mount 145 includes the grooves and the four engagement wedges 155 include the ridges.

[0039] As reference Figure 1 As described above, the wastewater treatment system 100 can be used to aerate wastewater. Figure 16 Shown along Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the wastewater treatment system 100 is shown, providing an overview of how the wastewater treatment system 100 functions when immersed in wastewater 1000 and supplied with pressurized air through the tube body 110. The air flows down the tube body 110 and into the diffuser assembly 105 via the seat tube connection 140 and its internal passage 168. The four air distribution arms 160, each with its four distribution conduits 165, then deliver the air to the four diffuser plates 150. The diffuser channels 200 in each of the four diffuser plates 150 then deliver the air beneath the diffuser membranes 185. This air causes the diffuser membranes 185 to bulge slightly, and through their small perforations, the air is introduced into the wastewater 1000 as a stream of bubbles 1005. If the air is later turned off, the diffuser membranes 185 release again, resting against their diffuser bodies 180. Since the diffuser membrane 185 is purposely designed without any perforations in the central area covered by the diffuser channel 200 , the released diffuser membrane 185 prevents water from entering the diffuser channel 200 and flooding the wastewater treatment system 100 .

[0040] In summary, the embodiment of the wastewater treatment system 100 configured as described above includes: a pipe body 110, a diffuser mounting base 145, four diffuser plates 150, and four engagement wedges 155. The diffuser mounting base 145 includes a seat pipe connection portion 140 coupled to the pipe body 110, four cross-shaped distribution conduits 165 gas-connected to the seat pipe connection portion 140, and four curved mounting base-to-diffuser engagement slots 175 disposed above the four distribution conduits 165. Each of the four diffuser plates 150 occupies a corresponding one of the four curved mounting base-to-diffuser engagement slots 175 and is attached to a corresponding one of the four distribution conduits 165. The four engagement wedges 155 are used to hold the four diffuser plates 150 against the diffuser mounting base 145. With this configuration, each of the four diffuser plates 150 is gas-connected to the interior of the pipe body 110. The wastewater treatment system 100 is immersed in the wastewater 1000 and air is provided to the pipe body 110 , so that the four diffusers 150 release the air into a bubble flow 1005 that enters the wastewater 1000 .

[0041] Using a smaller diameter diffuser disc can provide even greater benefits over using a larger diameter disc. Surprisingly, the present inventors found that, for example, a 7-inch (18-centimeter (cm)) diameter diffuser disc often outperformed a 9-inch (23-cm) disc, and a 9-inch (23-cm) disc often outperformed a 12-inch (30-cm) disc, given the same throughput rate of aerated wastewater. When pressurized with air, the diffuser membrane of a smaller diameter disc tends to deform less than that of a larger diameter disc, resulting in a more uniform air distribution across the smaller disc. Furthermore, using a smaller diameter disc appears to reduce both swirling and compression in the rising bubble column, while also reducing bubble coalescence. These reductions ultimately provide for more efficient aeration. Accordingly, when implementing aspects of the present invention, it is generally preferred to use a diffuser disk having a smaller diameter s (e.g., less than 9 inches (23 cm)), although this is merely a preference and should not be considered a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0042] After reading the description provided herein, one skilled in the art will readily understand the composition and manufacturing methods of the various components of the diffuser assembly 105. The diffuser mount 145 and the four engagement wedges 155 can be formed of plastic and manufactured using conventional plastic manufacturing techniques, such as injection molding. The diffuser bodies 180 of the four diffuser discs 150 can also be formed of plastic, while the diffuser membrane 185 can be formed of synthetic rubber. In one or more embodiments, the four diffuser discs 150 can be injection molded to form the diffuser body 180 surrounding the diffuser membrane 185, with the diffuser membrane 185 positioned at specific locations. This "laminate" manufacturing technique is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 10,773,982 to Frankel et al., entitled "Diffuser Assembly," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Suitable grommets are commercially available, for example, from Stamford Scientific International, Inc. (Poughkeep ie, NY, US).

[0043] Advantageously, embodiments according to various aspects of the present invention, such as the wastewater treatment system 100 described herein, can economically and efficiently install a large number of smaller diameter diffuser discs (e.g., 7-inch (18-cm) diffuser discs) in a wastewater treatment tank, replacing a smaller number of larger diameter diffuser discs. Due to the diffuser mounting base 145, the four diffuser discs 150 can be attached to the pipe body using a single grommet 125. Positioning the four diffuser discs 150 in the diffuser mounting base 145 is accomplished through a simple snap-fit ​​connection using the four engagement wedges 155. Installation requires no special tools or fasteners, and can be accomplished without requiring specialized skills or training. Furthermore, the number of components suitable for use in the wastewater treatment system 100 is unlimited, and these components can be commercially available or manufactured using conventional techniques, eliminating the need for exotic materials. Once installed, the wastewater treatment system 100 is robust and durable, capable of withstanding the harsh operating conditions of a wastewater treatment tank.

[0044] A diffuser assembly such as the diffuser assembly 105 may benefit from a seat tube connection having a different configuration than described above (ie, one other than the seat tube connection 140 ). Figure 17 Shown is a perspective view from below of an alternative diffuser mount 300 in combination with a tubular body 305 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The alternative diffuser mount 300 includes an alternative seat tube connection 310, but is otherwise similar to the diffuser mount 145. The alternative seat tube connection 310 is formed as an unthreaded shaft with a chamfered end. To attach the alternative diffuser mount 300 to the tubular body 305, a hole 315 having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the alternative seat tube connection 310 is first drilled into the tubular body 305. The alternative seat tube connection 310 is then forcibly pushed into the hole 315 to form a tight interference-fit attachment. This attachment can be accomplished using a hydraulic ram or the like. This attachment can occur at the manufacturing location or in the field.

[0045] The optional seat tube connection 310 may allow the optional diffuser mount 300 to be mounted to the tube 305 in a variety of different orientations relative to the tube 305 . Figure 18Shown is a top view of two adjacent alternative diffuser assemblies 320 mounted on the tube 305. Each of the two alternative diffuser assemblies 320 includes an alternative diffuser mount 300, but is otherwise similar to the diffuser assembly 105. In this particular embodiment, the two adjacent alternative diffuser assemblies 320 are oriented approximately 45 degrees apart relative to the tube 305. This orientation difference allows the alternative diffuser assemblies 320 to form a somewhat nested fit, allowing them to be placed adjacent to one another. It is believed that multiple such alternative diffuser assemblies 320 can be attached to the tube 305 in this alternating orientation pattern to achieve very high diffuser coverage along the tube 305. To achieve even higher coverage, the alternative diffuser assemblies 320 on one tube can even be nested with adjacent tubes.

[0046] It should be emphasized again that the above-described specific embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative only. In other embodiments, different types and configurations of components may be used to implement the described functions. These numerous alternative embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims, and they will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments recited herein.

[0047] For example, a suitable diffuser mount may be designed in a substantially different configuration than that described herein with reference to the diffuser mount 145 and still fall within the scope of the present invention. In the diffuser mount 145, the four distribution conduits 165 occupy four air distribution arms 160 arranged in a cross shape (e.g., see FIG. Figure 6 In one or more alternative embodiments, the four air distribution arms 160 may be replaced by different shaped entities that still include the four distribution ducts 165. Such different shaped entities, as an example, may be considered similar to Figure 6 The bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention may be square or circular. Specific embodiments such as these still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the claims herein, the diffuser mount can accommodate fewer than or more than four diffuser plates. For example, according to the claims herein, the diffuser mount can accommodate two, three, five, or six diffuser plates.

[0049] All features disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated, may be replaced by alternative features that provide the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, each feature disclosed in the present invention is merely an embodiment of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment, characterized in that: include: A diffuser mounting base comprising: a pipe connection portion adapted to be attached to a pipe body; a plurality of distribution conduits, the gas of which is in communication with the seat tube connection portion; and a plurality of curved mounting bracket-to-diffuser coupling slots disposed above the plurality of distribution conduits; and A plurality of diffuser plates each occupy a corresponding one of the plurality of curvilinear mount-to-diffuser engagement slots and are attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of distribution conduits.

2. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat tube connecting portion is an externally threaded tube body portion.

3. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat tube connecting portion is a non-threaded shaft.

4. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat tube connecting portion is disposed at the center of the plurality of distribution ducts.

5. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of distribution conduits are in a cross shape.

6. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of diffuser plates are composed of four diffuser plates that are square in plan view.

7. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of diffuser plates comprises: a corresponding diffuser body; and A corresponding diffuser membrane is mounted on the corresponding diffuser body.

8. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of distribution conduits terminates in a respective one of a plurality of output connectors.

9. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of diffuser panels includes a corresponding input socket coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of output connectors.

10. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further including: A plurality of air distribution arms includes a plurality of distribution ducts and is in a cross shape.

11. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further including: The plurality of curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots include a plurality of engagement wedges for retaining the plurality of diffuser plates against the diffuser mount, wherein the plurality of diffuser plates occupy the plurality of curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots.

12. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of engagement wedges corresponds to one of the plurality of curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots, and the remaining engagement wedges are mirror-imaged with the remaining curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots.

13. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plurality of engagement wedges are engaged with the diffuser mounting seat via snap-fit ​​engagement members.

14. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 11, characterized in that: A plurality of ridges are provided on the diffuser mounting base; and The plurality of engagement wedges engage the plurality of grooves of the plurality of ridges.

15. The diffuser assembly suitable for wastewater treatment according to claim 11, characterized in that: include: A plurality of grooves are provided on the diffuser mounting base; as well as The plurality of engagement wedges engage the plurality of ridges of the plurality of grooves.

16. A wastewater treatment system, characterized in that: include: a tubular body; A diffuser mounting base comprising: a pipe connecting portion connected to the pipe body; A plurality of distribution conduits, the gas of which is in communication with the seat tube connection portion; a plurality of curved mounting bracket-to-diffuser coupling slots disposed above the plurality of distribution conduits; and A plurality of diffuser plates each occupying a respective one of the plurality of curvilinear mount-to-diffuser engagement slots and attached to a respective one of the plurality of distribution conduits.

17. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 16, characterized in that Further including: A plurality of curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots include a plurality of engagement wedges for retaining the plurality of diffuser plates against the diffuser mount, wherein the plurality of diffuser plates occupy the plurality of curvilinear wedge-to-diffuser engagement slots.

18. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 16, wherein: Further including: A grommet including internal threads, wherein: The tube body includes a hole; The grommet passes through the hole; as well as The seat tube connection portion includes an externally threaded tube body portion that can threadably engage the grommet to connect the seat tube connection portion to the tube body.

19. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 16, wherein: in: The wastewater treatment system is immersed in wastewater; The tube body provides air; and The plurality of air diffusers release the air to form bubbles that enter the wastewater.

20. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 16, wherein: Further including: A second diffuser mounting base is substantially the same as the diffuser mounting base; compared to the diffuser mounting base, the second diffuser mounting base is coupled to the tube body in a different orientation relative to the tube body.

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