About SideCar Aeration
Our History
SideCar Aeration was founded in 2004 by the late Douglas Mooers, a respected innovator in the wastewater treatment industry. Doug began his career in 1987 with the launch of Mooers Products Inc. (MPI), where he introduced the widely adopted FlexCap® diffuser, a product that became a trusted standard across treatment facilities.
As the industry evolved, Doug recognized the need for an aeration solution that did not require removing the RBC from the tank—a costly and time-consuming process for municipalities. Working with designer Warren Jones, he developed what would become the SideCar Aeration System. This breakthrough design allowed for efficient installation without major equipment disruption, while delivering exceptional aeration performance with minimal maintenance.
For decades, this family-owned business has supplied reliable aeration systems to municipalities across the United States and around the world. After Doug’s passing, his wife Barbara Mooers continued leading the company with the same commitment to quality and innovation until 2023.
In 2023, leadership transitioned to Michael Kelsen, Doug and Barbara’s nephew, who now operates the business under the name SideCar Aeration California LLC. Mike is supported by long-time designer and engineer Bill LeClair, who has been part of the company since 2004. Mike proudly coaxed Bill out of retirement, where he has once again become an essential part of the company’s ongoing success.
Today, SideCar Aeration California continues its mission to provide municipalities with highly effective, low-maintenance aeration systems built on decades of engineering expertise.
We look forward to supporting the aeration needs of your city or town.
COMPONENTS
SideCar Aeration California – RBC Aeration System Specifications
System Description
SideCar Aeration systems are modular, externally mounted aeration assemblies designed for RBCs in concrete or steel tanks. Each system includes Schedule 80 PVC piping, fittings, supports, and coarse-bubble FlexCap® diffusers.
Key Components
- Drop Pipes: Custom-fit between RBC and tank wall.
- Aeration Headers: Heavy-duty Schedule 80 PVC; length determined by RBC tank/stage length.
- Supports:
- Roller weights (concrete tanks)
- Weighted plastic shoes (steel tanks)
- Diffusers: FlexCap® coarse-bubble diffusers, ~6" spacing, up to 10 SCFM/ft of RBC media.
- Unions & Valves: Union or union-valve options for multi-stage RBCs.
- Manifold: RBC wall-mounted air supply header with tees for each drop leg, flexible connector, and removable end cap. Stainless steel or engineered plastic brackets included.
Installation Advantages
- Installs without removing the RBC or draining the tank.
- No submerged brackets or anchors required.
- Components sized for manual handling—no lifting equipment needed.
- Accommodates sloped tank floors while keeping diffuser tops level.
- Optional FRP cover access ports for multi-stage airflow control.
Performance
- Uniform airflow distribution (±10%) across all SideCar assemblies.
- Diffusers engineered for low head loss and long-term, low-maintenance operation.
- Header placement offset 1–2 ft toward descending RBC rotation for optimal aeration contact.
Blower Compatibility
- Works with regenerative or multi-stage centrifugal blowers.
- SideCar often provides blowers sized for process airflow (no standby required).
- Multiple small blowers recommended for operational flexibility and turndown.
Design Goal
Reliable, simple, and maintenance-free coarse-bubble aeration for RBC systems—ideal for new installations, replacements, and upgrades.
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