Paddlewheel More Cost Effective Than Pump

Paddlewheel aerators are superior to pumps in aerating ponds\r\nUsing paddlewheels for aeration in split ponds brings down costs. Using paddlewheels for aeration in split ponds brings down\r\ncosts and is also much more effective than using pumps, research shows.

A team at the Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Delta\r\nResearch and Extension Center produced a “very robust design” to improve\r\ncirculation between the split pond’s waste-treatment area and the fish area.

“My work recognizes the paddlewheel as being far superior to\r\nany other pump option. Correct sizing of the return flow pipes can reduce cost\r\nand improve performance,” said Dr Jonathan Pote, head of the Department of\r\nAgricultural and Biological Engineering at MSU.

Pole said the split-pond aquaculture system has been proven\r\nto have advantages over traditional ponds in terms of cost, production and\r\noperation. It produces more pound of fish per area. It is also easier to manage\r\nin terms of stocking, feeding and harvesting because these are done in a much\r\nsmaller area. Aeration is also less costly since the volume aerated is much\r\nsmaller. However, additional investment is needed for the construction and\r\ncontrols.

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Aeration in split ponds is critical, especially towards the\r\nend of production cycle. “In the late season, when the fish are extremely\r\nlarge, the nutrient and algae concentration are at their maximum. The system\r\nbecomes unstable, reaching extremely high and low dissolved oxygen\r\nconcentrations. It is critical that the produce is harvested on time. Any delay\r\ncontributes to fish losses and poor quality fish and endangers the whole\r\nsystem,” Pole said.

Source : Aquaculture North America