Air Lifting Module

An Air Lifting Module (ALM) is a key component used in Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)—especially in SBR (Sequential Batch Reactor) systems—to transfer or lift wastewater and sludge from one chamber to another using air, instead of a mechanical pump.

 

Working Principle of Air Lifting Module

The Air Lifting Module operates based on the air-lift pump principle — a hydro-pneumatic process that uses air to move liquid upward through a pipe.

 

Main Components

  1. Air Supply Line – Provides air from a Air blower.
  2. Lifting Tube – Vertical pipe through which water or sludge is lifted.
  3.  Injector – Injects air into the bottom of the riser pipe

 

Applications in STP

  • Sludge recirculation (from clarifier to aeration tank)
  • Water transfer between treatment chambers

 

Advantages

  • No moving parts in contact with wastewater (low maintenance)
  • Energy-efficient (especially when using the same air blower as for aeration)
  • Safe operation—no electrical parts submerged in water

Limitations

  • Lift height is limited (usually up to 3–5 meters)
  • Efficiency depends on air flow rate and submergence ratio
  • Not suitable for very high flow or head requirements