What Is a Paddle Wheel Aerator?

A paddle-wheel aerator is a floating machine that uses a series of paddles to stir the water. It is most often used in large ponds, but can also be installed in a variety of other applications. Using an aerator helps to increase dissolved oxygen in the water. Paddlewheel aerators can be powered by an electric motor or a diesel engine. In some commercial models, the paddle depth can be adjusted for optimal energy use.

When an aerator is operating, it circulates well-oxygenated surface water to the bottom of the pond. As a result, the pond's dissolved oxygen profile becomes more uniform. This is because the impellers are working, increasing the rate of dissolved oxygen transfer. The water is also mixed, causing turbulence. An air vent is sometimes installed, which allows the interior of the housing to be aired. These devices can help improve the quality of water, remove contaminants, and improve the health of fish.

Some paddlewheel aerators are anchored to a pond bank. Others are movable but usually float along the water's surface. They are most often power-powered by a tractor with a power take-off (PTO). While these aerators have more flexibility than other designs, they need 15-30 hp to operate.

These aerators have an elaborate structure that includes a frame, two elongated tube-shaped floats, and two or three drive unit assemblies with paddlewheels. Because of the complex assembly, these aerators can be quite expensive. However, they are capable of mixing a pond and vertically circulating water in deeper ponds.

A typical paddlewheel aerator is manufactured from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic. The frame is typically made from FRP. Floats are also available in various types and shapes. Most paddlewheel aerators can aerate a range of pond sizes, from small raceways to large ponds.

A paddlewheel aerator is designed to mix a pond, thereby increasing dissolved oxygen levels. It can also provide momentum to the water, enabling it to move horizontally across a pond. Unlike vertical mixing, paddlewheel aerators do not mix the bottom water layers. Instead, they only partially mix the lower layers.

Paddlewheel aerators can be driven by a tractor's PTO or an electric motor. For a tractor, the power take-off should be around 45 to 60 hp. Since most fuel is consumed to power the PTO, the aerator may not be energy-efficient. The speed of a standard 540-rpm PTO shaft is ideal for an aerator gear reduction of 6 to 1. Depending on the size of the pond, the diameter of the aerator can range from 10 inches to 91 centimeters.

Electric paddlewheel aerators are often used in commercial catfish farms. Typically, they have a hub 10 to 15 feet long and are individually controlled through switches on the pond bank.

Whether paddlewheel aerators are powered by a tractor or an electric motor, they are important pieces of equipment. Proper installation and operation will keep them working safely and efficiently for years.

2HP ~ 3HP 6 impeller paddle wheel aerator