The Liftable Fine Bubble Aeration System is designed to provide efficient oxygen transfer while making diffuser maintenance easier. Traditional fixed diffuser grids require the basin to be drained before cleaning or replacing membranes, which can interrupt wastewater treatment operations.
ClearFlow’s liftable fine bubble aeration systems solve this problem by mounting EPDM disc or tube diffusers on stainless steel modules that can be lifted out of the basin along guide rails or with lifting equipment.
This design allows operators to inspect, clean and replace diffusers without draining the entire basin or shutting down the treatment plant. It is suitable for municipal wastewater treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, SBR tanks and existing aeration system upgrades.
Two Available Configurations
1. Liftable Diffuser Bundle (CF-LDB)
The Liftable Diffuser Bundle consists of 4–8 disc diffusers or 2–4 tube diffusers mounted on a single drop pipe. It operates along a guide rail and can be lifted using a manual chain hoist.
Its relatively lightweight design allows one person to handle the lifting operation under suitable site conditions.
Suitable for:
Small and medium-sized aeration basins
Existing wastewater treatment plant retrofits
SBR tanks
Applications requiring convenient diffuser inspection and replacement
2. Retrievable Aeration Grid (CF-RAG)
The Retrievable Aeration Grid uses a stainless steel frame to support 16–48 disc diffusers or 8–16 tube diffusers. Each module typically measures 1–2 m × 2–4 m and can be lifted using a davit crane or electric hoist.
It is designed for larger aeration basins where multiple diffusers need to be installed and maintained as an integrated module.
Suitable for:
Large municipal wastewater treatment plants
Food and beverage wastewater treatment
Large industrial aeration basins
Projects requiring modular aeration equipment

Key Benefits
1. Maintenance Without Draining the Basin
Individual modules can be lifted out for inspection, cleaning or membrane replacement while the remaining aeration modules continue operating. This helps reduce maintenance interruptions and avoids draining the entire basin.
2. High Oxygen Transfer Efficiency
EPDM fine bubble diffusers generate bubbles typically measuring 1–3 mm in diameter. Under clean-water conditions, the typical standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE) is 6–8% per metre of submergence.
3. Easy Retrofit and Installation
The modular design allows installation in suitable existing basins without major civil construction or complete basin drainage. It is an option for upgrading conventional coarse bubble or surface aeration systems.
4. Durable and Corrosion-Resistant Materials
The modules use SS304 stainless steel frames and drop pipes, with SS316L available as an option. EPDM membranes provide flexibility and resistance to normal wastewater aeration conditions.
5. Complete Aeration System Supply
ClearFlow can supply the diffusers, lifting modules, guide rails, air piping and blowers as an integrated system. Equipment selection and airflow configuration can be coordinated according to the basin layout and oxygen demand.
Technical Parameters

Note: The above are typical design values. Final equipment selection depends on oxygen demand, basin geometry, required airflow and operating conditions. A detailed technical datasheet will be provided with each quotation.
Main Applications
1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Suitable for activated sludge, A2/O and oxidation ditch processes. Liftable modules allow diffuser membranes to be inspected or replaced while the basin remains in service.
2. Food and Beverage Wastewater Treatment
Suitable for dairy, brewery, beverage and meat processing wastewater treatment plants, particularly where efficient aeration and reduced maintenance downtime are important.
3. Existing Aeration System Upgrades
Can replace or upgrade conventional coarse bubble or surface aeration systems in suitable basins without requiring complete basin drainage or major civil works.
4. SBR and Equalization Tanks
Suitable for intermittently aerated tanks where diffusers require periodic inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
5. MBBR and Biofilm Tanks
Useful in tanks containing carrier media that are difficult to remove or where draining the tank would be inconvenient. Diffuser modules can be lifted for maintenance without removing the media.
6. Wastewater Treatment Plants Requiring Continuous Operation
Suitable for single-train treatment systems in industrial parks, resorts, hospitals and camps where standby treatment basins may not be available.
Important: For wastewater with high suspended solids, high hardness or a significant scaling tendency, ClearFlow recommends considering its Liftable Cyclone Aerator as an alternative, depending on actual wastewater conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to lift out a diffuser module?
A Liftable Diffuser Bundle can typically be lifted by one person using a manual chain hoist within a few minutes. A Retrievable Aeration Grid requires a davit crane or electric hoist and typically involves two people.
Q2: Can the basin continue operating while a module is removed?
Yes. Each module is equipped with an individual isolation valve. The remaining modules can continue supplying air while the selected module is lifted out for maintenance, provided the remaining aeration capacity meets the treatment requirements.
Q3: Should I choose disc or tube diffusers?
Disc diffusers provide relatively uniform fine bubble distribution and are convenient to replace. Tube diffusers can provide higher airflow per module and may be suitable for narrower basins. The final choice depends on oxygen demand, airflow requirements and basin layout.

Q4: What information is needed for a quotation?
Please provide the following information:
Basin length, width and water depth
Design wastewater flow rate
Influent BOD, COD and ammonia concentrations, if available
Wastewater type and characteristics
Required air volume or oxygen demand
Available lifting equipment and installation conditions
ClearFlow engineers can use this information to recommend a suitable configuration and prepare an aeration layout.
Request a Free Aeration Layout
Looking for a liftable fine bubble aeration solution for a new wastewater treatment project or an existing basin upgrade?
Send ClearFlow your basin dimensions, water depth and oxygen demand through the inquiry form or WhatsApp. Our engineers will evaluate your requirements and provide a suitable aeration layout.
WhatsApp: +86-13312924513
Our engineers will respond within 24 hours.