Download the AVEVA White Paper: Unifying Your Water and Wastewater Operations

Download the Proco Products, Inc. White Paper: The Power of the Duckbill

This paper explores the role and importance of duckbill check valves in optimizing and protecting bubble diffusion systems used during aeration processes at water resource recovery facilities. It describes the ways that the unique design of these check valves can eliminate risks of backflow, which can occur when sudden loss of airflow from a blower or air compressor causes wastewater and other hazardous media to flow the wrong way through diffusers and aerator manifold piping. By eliminating backflow risks, duckbill check valves also enable placement along the bottom of the aeration pipe rather than on top of the pipe or along its sides. This subtle difference can improve mixing capacity, reduce the need for manual cleaning and maintenance, and extend the longevity of the diffuser system. Lastly, it comments on the importance of thoughtful design in developing duckbill valves for use alongside bubble diffusion systems. The choice of materials used in the duckbill itself is critical, with ideal flexibility and durability offered by such synthetic elastomers as EPDM and Neoprene. However, maintenance needs can be minimized further by integrating both the duckbill check valve and the diffuser into a single piece. Learn more about how duckbill-enhanced ProFlex™ Series 730CBD Coarse Bubble Diffusers, available from Proco Products, Inc., offer a deceptively simple yet comprehensive solution to both protect and improve bubble-based aeration processes.