Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Rotary Vane vs. Piston Pump

Which pump is quieter?

How long before the vanes will need replacing on a 1/4 HP rotary vane pump? Where is the cheapest place to buy new carbon vanes?

Do the housing boxes reduce the noise any?

Rotary vane is probably 3 times quieter than a piston pump.

My rotary vane pump has run 24/7/365 since May of 2005. I replaced the vanes a few months ago only because the pump was getting progressively noisier. I still had almost 5 lbs of pressure. New vanes quieted the pump tremendously, reduced the heat output, and brought the pressure up to 5.7 lbs.

As for the housings, I don't know. My pump is in my wellhouse 150' from the pond. I pump the air to a manifold on the side of the pond so I never hear any noise from the pump.

Frequency of vane replacement is "it all depends" on the amount of wear and tear on the vanes due to operating pressure and hours of operation. Shallower depths and less than 24/7 operation will extend the life of the vanes. I have customers who run pump 6-8 hrs a day, 13ft deep, Apr to Nov and have not replaced vanes in 10-13 yrs. Run times 24/7 at 18 ft deep and vanes may need replaced every 1.2 yrs.

Output prressure is dependant on water depth of diffuser and length and diameter of airlines. A well vaned pump should be able to temporarily produce 25-30psi. Vane pumps are built to normally withstand oepration at 10 psi. Operation at greater than 10 psi prematurely shortens motor and vane life.

Thank you for your responses they have been very helpful!