A plate aerator, also called a flat plate diffuser or flat-panel membrane diffuser, is a fine-bubble aeration device used to supply oxygen to aerobic treatment tanks. Its body is a shallow plate rather than a disc or a tube: an elastic micro-pore membrane covers the flat face and is held down by clamp lugs bolted along both long edges, while the reverse of the plate carries a skeleton of triangular reinforcing ribs that keeps the plate flat across its span. A central hub on the back of the plate takes the air connection, so each unit needs one connection only.
How it works. Air from the distribution main enters through the central inlet and fills the space between the support plate and the membrane. The pressure lifts the elastic membrane away from the plate, the micro-pores in the membrane open, and the air is released as fine bubbles over the face of the plate. When the air supply stops, the membrane relaxes back onto the plate and the pores close again — the same self-closing principle used across elastic-membrane diffusers, which keeps wastewater out of the air main and the pores free of clogging.
Where the flat form fits. Because the active area is spread over a long, shallow plate, bubbles are released in bands across the tank floor and the diffuser can be laid low enough for shallow basins, narrow channels and compact tanks. Plates are arranged in rows or banks along the air main, and an individual unit can be released and replaced without dismantling the rest of the grid.
Key features
- Flat membrane face — an even bubble pattern across the plate instead of a narrow ring.
- Low, shallow body — suits shallow tanks, narrow channels and aeration grid retrofits.
- Ribbed support plate — triangular ribs keep the plate flat across its span.
- Bolted membrane clamping — the membrane is held along both long edges and can be replaced in place.
- Single central air inlet — one connection per unit keeps the grid piping simple.
Plate aerators are made to suit the tank, so dimensions, membrane material and airflow are confirmed against your duty. Tell us your basin dimensions, water depth and airflow and we will confirm the plate size, quantity and layout.
