Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Aeration - Pipeline Considerations

"Normal" operating pressure will vary with diffuser depth placement and restrictions in the line/diffusers. Figure 0.5 psi back pressure for every foot of water depth the diffuser is placed. For Vertex diffusers/air stations, I SWAG at adding 1 psi to the open line back pressure. So, if you have one air station placed at 15 foot water depth and another placed at 5 foot water depth, you have to restrict the flow of air to the 5' deep air station to get air flowing through the deeper air station. I would expect to see 8 to 9 psi showing on the pressure gauge by the compressor providing your airline doesn't add to the restriction.

Rocking Piston Compressors are rated to work up to 30 psi, but the DIY'er will need to look at the specs and pressure/volume curve to see if the volume of air needed is available at the pressure that the system will run at.

Rotary Vane Compressors have a rated working load of 10 psi, but again, the DIY'er will need to look at the specs and pressure/volume curve to see if the volume of air needed is available at the pressure that the system will operate at.

Diaphragm Compressors that I am familiar with are rated to work up to 30 psi but the volume of air produced is the lowest of these 3 types of compressors.

In my experience, the easiest compressor type to rebuild is the Rotary Vane Compressor, followed by about a tossup between the Diaphragm and Rocking Piston types.

ALL compressors will die a quick death if they are not in an open area, or if in an enclosed area they need to have an added cooling fan pushing ambient air over them to keep the heat that they generate from cooking the bearings and electric motor.

Another thing that is overlooked by DIY'ers is intake air filtration and outlet pipe size. While many companies sell systems with 3/8" supply hose, I have found that the smaller hose increases back pressure and is a LOT more susceptible to building up water or condensation in the air line and freezing solid during the winter. Intake air filtration and regular cleaning of the air filter will increase the life of the compressor and will minimize volumetric loss. The deeper the air stations are placed, the harder the compressor has to work and the more stress is on the compressor if the intake air filter is restricting the incoming air.

Think of sitting down watching TV and breathing through a straw while you do it. Now imagine running while breathing through the same straw. The air compressor, just like you, has to work a LOT harder to get air through it.