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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081109025111im_/http://www.ars.usda.gov/incme/images/Research_head.gif) |
Research Project:
DEVELOPMENT OF A POWERED U-TUBE AERATOR ("POWER TUBE") FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL FISH PONDS
Location: Catfish Genetics Research
2006 Annual Report
4d.Progress report.
This report documents research conducted under Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement with Southern Machine Welding, Inc. Additional details can be found in the report for the inhouse project 6402-13320-003-00D, Optimizing Catfish/Water Quality Interactions to Increase Catfish Production. The purpose of this agreement is to develop and test a novel aerator design for use in commercial fish ponds. A prototype u-tube has been constructed and installed in a 0.4 ha pond at the MSU Delta Branch Experiment Station. The tube was fabricated from a 36” diameter corrugated culvert and was buried to a depth of 20 ft below the pond bottom. The motor, gear box, impeller and open loop vector AC drive were all installed as planned. This initial prototype shows promise. With an impeller speed of 150 RPM, the motor draws 12.7 amps (5.36 hp) and has an output of 8300 gpm. A variety of diffuser types have been tested. Oxygen transfer efficiency tests have been conducted. It is expected that both the technical (improving efficiency) and practical (reducing cost and producing a unit that can operate reliably in a commercial environment) recommendations will be incorporated into a Phase II design for continued testing in future years.
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Last Modified: 11/07/2008
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