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The Pond Doctor
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AERATORS Click here to go directly to Aerator descriptions. UNDERSTANDING THE WATER QUALITY PROBLEM No pond owner wants to see their water quality deteriorate. Yet without proper maintenance all ponds develop water quality problems. It is nothing that we do as farmers to cause it, but rather a result of a natural process that occurs in the pond. Standing water turns stagnant because of a lack of oxygen. Most ponds are fed by spring run off, rain and groundwater. All of which contain minerals from the surrounding land. These minerals accumulate, and along with the help of sunlight, cause plant growth in the water.
As the plants die and sink to the bottom, tiny aerobic (oxygen using) bacteria, decompose the plant material, burning up the oxygen supply. In essence, they choke the quality out of the water. During winter, ice seals off all chance of oxygen entering the water, further compounding the problem. When all the oxygen is exhausted, anaerobic (non-oxygen using) bacteria further decompose the plant matter. The process releases hydrogen sulfide gas and contaminates the water. We recognize this anoxic condition as black smelly water. A study on water quality in farm ponds, conducted by Alberta Agriculture, confirmed that over 1/2 of the 25,000 ponds in the province built between 1980 and 1992 had serious water quality problems. Problems included excessive algae, aquatic weed growth, and strong taste and odor. The same study examined the use of several chemicals to control nutrients that cause water quality to deteriorate. The most encouraging treatment, Lime applications, proved effective for controlling algae biomass up to two years. It was ineffective for winter treatments and in saline ponds. Long term effects were not recorded. More specifically, Lime only treatment results were mixed. Magnitude and length of improvement varied between ponds. In a separate study, The Koenders Windmill was tested on a pond that had been stagnant for 15 months. When the Windmill aeration system was installed, the pond was totally covered with ice, so no natural aeration could take place. The study found the water quality improved to a usable state less than two weeks after the Windmill system was installed. It concluded that the Koenders Windmill was an effective aeration system, ideally suited for farm size ponds. The Windmill assured adequate levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, so the users were able to control taste and odor, and maintain good water quality year round. The aeration study also pointed out two important advantages of the Koenders Windmill system over other aeration alternatives number of dissolved oxygen tests were performed, confirming that the Windmill was effectively maintaining water quality through both summer and winter.
1) Effectiveness: Compared to floating aerators, the Koenders system required lower wing speed to operate. Shallow water conditions had no effect on the Koenders system. The Koenders mill maintained wind contact because it was mounted on the pond bank, instead of in the water. 2) Safety: The Koenders system was also safer to service. In winter, thin ice did not effect access for service. And in summer, the Koender system was equally easy to service, compared to floating mills. The floating mills required the operator to be very near the water's edge. Though test results were quite impressive, several other advantages make the Koenders Free Air Windmill an effective choice for pond maintenance. Maintain a Balance with the Natural Environment. While chemical treatments alter the composition of the water by adding foreign elements to the water, mechanical aeration simply supplements the naturally occurring cycles. It maintains a proper supply of oxygen that keeps aerobic bacteria decomposing the plant matter. By doing so, it prevents the anerobic bacteria from forming. The result is water that is kept suspended in a natural healthy state. Mechanical aeration ensures that the natural environment is maintained.
Get more use out of your pond. Another advantage is that the Koenders Windmill expands the capabilities of the water supply. The pond lasts longer because it is maintained throughout the year. And with a healthy water supply livestock are encouraged to drink more often. Irrigation, spraying and gardening become easier, because there is less chance of plugging hoses and nozzles. Depending on the pond, other options like fish farming and household use may be feasible. Reduce Costs In terms of operating costs, the cost of running a Koenders Windmill is generally less than other systems. Other wind powered aeration devices are either considerably more expensive to purchase, or to operate. Initial investment for a floating system is higher, and daily operating costs for an electrical system is greater. Compared to chemical treatments, the higher cost of original investment for the Windmill is offset by the uncertainty of chemical effectiveness, and the risk of their long term effects. When you compare the alternatives it is evident the Koenders Windmill system combines the right advantages for effective low cost pond maintenance. Other Applications In addition the Koenders windmill can be used as a power source to pump water from a pond or shallow well. Koenders Windmill Aeration - Year Round Water Maintenance The Koenders Free Air Windmill is a maintenance program that works year round to provide the pond water with a continuous supply of oxygen. During the summer, some natural aeration is produced by surface winds. These surface winds aerate only the top layer of water. Far below the surface, the water stratifies and the bottom layer remains choked. When left unconditioned the deep water develops quality problems. The Koenders system, releasing air into the bottom of the pond, conditions the deep water. It ensures the entire volume of water is aerated. Coupled with the surface winds, the water supply is circulated to maintain its healthy state. During winter, ice seals off any natural aeration. But the Koenders Windmill continues to catch air and release it in the bottom of the pond. The oxygen supply is maintained, so the water quality is not allowed to deteriorate. The New Free Air Windmill - Making a Good Idea Even Better 1) Heavier Crankshaft & Bearings. With more steel in the crankshaft and heavier bearings, the moving parts are stronger and more durable. Under heavy use, the life expectancy of the Windmill is increased, and part replacement is decreased. 2) Bigger Blade A larger blade allows the Windmill to operate in winds less than 5 mph. That means performance in low wind conditions is improved. 3) Larger Diaphragm By increasing the diameter of the diaphragm, the working area of the compressor is increased, so the Windmill is able to produce a greater volume of air without requiring any more energy. The result is greater longevity. 4) Shorter Stroke A shorter stroke reduces the distance the diaphragm material has to travel to produce air. With less distance the life expectancy of the diaphragm is dramatically increased 5) Bigger Tail A larger surface area on the tail gives the Windmill better control in both high and low wind speeds. Operating effectiveness is improved. 6) Stronger Tail Arms Increased rigidity in the tail arms also help control the Windmill. 7) Top Mounted Compressor The compressor unit is repositioned on top of the Windmill. This orientation helps prevent dirt from getting into the valves. The result is a smoother running machine, increased longevity of the working components and easier access for service. 8) Bumper Tank The built in bumper tank reduces strain on the compressor so it functions more easily and wears longer. 9) Stronger Tower Design The tower structure features cross brace reinforcements. This design adds strength to the tower, regardless of the tower height. It also makes the tower safer because kids are discouraged from climbing up the cross braces. 8', 12', 16', and 20' towers are available. 10) Wide Stance At the base, a wider stance on the tower provides greater stability. 11) Easier Head Removal The head is connected through a rigid pivot tube at the top of the Windmill. The new design makes head removal and installation of the Windmill easier. Freeze Control - Optional Koenders Freeze Control is a self regulating detection system that protects against line freeze-up by monitoring line pressure. When ice is detected in the line, ethanol alcohol is fed in to melt the ice. When ice melts, line pressure drops, closing the valve and resuming operation. The system is available for the new Free Air Windmill, the Original Windmill and the Electric Aerator. Koenders Water Pump - Ideal for Livestock and Gardening Although originally designed to work in unison with the Windmill, Koenders water pump can be powered by any compressor. The pump is anchored to the bottom of the pond or shallow well and floats just below the surface of the water. It is ideal for pumping water for livestock and gardening. Livestock producers find it useful because it keeps animals out of the water source. Livestock prefer the pumped water more, so the drink more and achieve better gains. Here's how it works: Phase 1: Water enters the pump through the intake hole, forcing the interior float to rise until it seals against the mouth of the hole. Phase 2: When the hole is sealed, air is pumped in from the source. The air builds pressure inside the big chamber which pushes the water out into your holding tank. (Pumping) Phase 3: After the water is forced out, of the big chamber, the water drains out of the air release chamber causing its float to drop. This allows a small amount of air to escape so the big float can drop. The chamber is now de pressurized. and phase one begins again. Electric Aerator An energy efficient alternative for ponds with poor wind exposure. Sometimes water sources are located in an area that is not conducive to effective Windmill aeration. These areas may include heavily wooded land, and steep or rugged terrain. In areas where wind exposure is poor, Koenders Electric Aerator provides effective aeration to maintain the water quality. The electric compressor unit operates with the same diaphragm as the Windmill. The only difference is the power source. The aerator is powered by a 1/4 hp energy efficient electric motor. It can produce 1.5 cubic feet of air per minute a 5 lbs. per sq. inch pressure with a maximum 35 psi-more than enough to aerate most farm sized ponds. Electric aerators are more prone to line freeze up problems because of heat produced by constant compression. It is therefore definitely recommended that a Koenders Freeze Control Unit be used with an Electric Aerator in freezing conditions. Electric Compressor - $350. Freeze Control with bumper tank - $50. Available with Freeze Control Due to moisture in the air all compressors can have problems with frozen lines. The moisture condenses and freezes in the line which is very hard on the compressor. The Koenders Freeze Control helps eliminate line freeze up and ensures continuous operation. WARRANTY One year guarantee on windmill and electric compressor part fails within the first year, Koenders will send you the replacement part or you may return it to Koenders for repair. Windmill Specifications Turbine: Upwind Axis: Horizontal Rotor Diameter: 65" Swept Area: 19.63 ft. Number of Blades: 12 Blade Design: Galvanized Steel Tower Height: 8, 12, 16 or 20 ft. Transmission: Direct Drive Stroke: 0.5 in Overspeed Protection: Automatic (speed limiting) Weight of Head: 36 lbs. Weight of Blade: 43 lbs. Weight of Tower: 8' tower: 158 lbs 12' tower: 185.5 lbs 16' tower: 217 lbs 20' tower: 256 lbs Foundation: 3 ground rods: 1 in. diameter pipe, 4 ft long Tower Stance: 8' Tower: 41' 5"; 12' Tower: 61"; 16' Tower: 79"; 20' Tower: 97" Electric Aerator Specifications Motor: 1/4 hp Energy Efficient;
1725 R.P.M.; Volt: 110 volt; Bearing: 1" Grease Sealed Ball Bearing Drive Type: 4L400 V-belt Pressure: 35 P.S.I. Capacity: 1.5 cu.ft./min. Weight: 92 lbs. Dimensions: 19.5" x 13.5" x 22" high To ensure proper operation, plastic tubing material must be used on all windmill and electric aerator aeration lines. Electric Aerators
P25-1 - Aerates ponds one acre or less, at depths up to 30 feet. P33-2 - Aerates ponds two acres or less at depths up to 30 feet. RV 25-2 - Aerates ponds three acres or less at depths up to 25 feet. RV 75-4 - Aerates ponds/lakes seven acres or less at depths up to 25 feet. SA 22 D - Aerates ponds one acre or less at depths up to 20 feet. | ||||||
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