What Is a Paddle Wheel Aerator?

The paddle wheel aerator is one of the most common types of large pond aerators. It works by creating a strong horizontal circulation current. It is commonly anchored to the pond bank and powered by an electric motor. It is designed to produce a wake up to 50 meters behind it.

A high-quality paddlewheel aerator should have an efficient motor and excellent reducer design. This ensures that oxygen transfer is not compromised by aerator wear and tear. In addition, the aerator should be placed in a dependable location to avoid problems during critical times. It is also important to check the oil level before starting up. A good unit will transfer about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of oxygen per hour.

The paddles on a paddle wheel aerator can be triangular, rectangular, or curved. The cross-section of the paddles can vary from 2 to 4 inches wide. They are attached to the drum in a staggered pattern. The drum can rotate at speeds between 70 and 120 rpm. In general, increasing the speed of the hub will increase the efficiency of the aerator.

The standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) of a paddle wheel aerator is measured as the number of pounds of oxygen per horsepower. This rate can be increased by increasing the depth of the paddles. The greater the depth of the paddles, the more energy it takes to operate.

The standard oxygen transfer rate can also be increased by increasing the rotational speed of the aerator's hub. Most PTO-driven units operate at a paddle depth of 3 to 6 inches. However, they are more versatile than other aerator designs.

Several commercial paddlewheel aerators offer adjustable paddle depth to maximize energy usage. In addition, many Asian-made units have problematic components and limited warranties. It is therefore essential to check out aerator reviews before making a purchase. A good unit will have a high efficiency rating, which means that it will be able to transfer about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of oxygen per hp of horsepower.

In addition, the efficiency of PTO-driven paddle wheel aerators can be improved by using an in-line pinion-and-bullgear system. This reduces the rotational speed of the PTO shaft. Most PTO-driven aerators are best operated at a rotational speed of around 80 to 90 rpm. When the aerator is not in operation, it may be necessary to place the wheel in a location that is not ideal for use. It is especially important to have proper training when operating a PTO-powered aerator.

The catfish industry is trending towards more efficient aeration. For example, farmers are beginning to replace paddlewheel aerators with aspirator aerators. This improves the vertical mixing of the water and lessens the susceptibility to disease. In addition, the catfish industry is moving towards aeration rates of two to three hp per acre. This aeration will meet a fraction of the total oxygen demand of all organisms in a pond.

Tractor-powered paddlewheel aerators can be very expensive. Moreover, they are difficult to maintain and are not energy efficient. In addition, they can create scour holes.

2HP 4 impeller paddle wheel aerator