AERATION and OXYGENATION INFORMATION

COMPARATIVE TABLE and NOTES ON USE

COMPARATIVE TABLE

To convert from a unit in the first vertical heading (shaded blue) to a unit in the horizontal headings (shaded beige) multiply by the conversion factor under the horizontal unit.

e.g. 0.3 bar multiplied by 14.50377 = 43.5 Pounds per square inch (psi)

AREA

Notes On Use - Leaky Pipe

Positioning
Leaky Pipe Diffuser Aerators should always be placed horizontally, so that the air diffuses evenly along the full length.

Circular Tanks
It has been found it is beneficial to place the Leaky Pipe at right angles to the wall of the tank, as the movement of water created by Leaky Pipe reduces the cleaning time

Raceways
To obtain the maximum benefit Leaky Pipe should be placed at right angles to the flow of water.

Curing Period
When new, Leaky Pipe will temporarily give a higher leak rate than normal. This curing period takes about 48 to 120 hours of continuous aeration in water, after which the leak rate will be to the manufacturer's specification. This curing period also occurs when the Leaky Pipe has been taken out of water and left to dry. In these cases the curing period is usually much shorter.

Clean Air
It is important that solids do not enter Leaky Pipe, either from the compressor or by immersion of Leaky Pipe in water with suspended solids prior to connecting the ends. When the air isproblematic a150 or higher mesh filter should be used. When using Oil Free Rotary Vane Compressors a filter must be fitted.

Cleaning
Leaky Pipe should not be allowed to dry out until the outside has been cleaned. This is to prevent the solids drying out and caking into the pores, as it then becomes difficult to clean.

Use in cold weather
Leaky Pipe is not affected by repeated freeze/thaw cycles - tests have demonstrated no change in leak rate and absolutely no damage to the product.

Life Expectancy
In water used for fish farming, the life expectancy of Leaky Pipe is about 5 - 10 years. This may be reduced in certain circumstances, for example, if taken out of the water and left to dry out and exposed to direct sunlight.

Repairs
Very easy to repair if damaged. Simply splice a new section using a barbed connector andhose clips. (Leaky Pipe19 and 32 only)

Calcium and Iron Deposits
When using air in hard water areas, avoiding intermittent aeration may prevent precipitation of CaCO3
In such areas, when the air has to be turned off, it is important to prevent water filling the Leaky Pipe. To do this, take the Leaky Pipe out of the water before turning off the blower/compressor or gas bottleand switch on the blower/compressor or gas bottlebefore putting the Leaky pipe back in the water.
Calcium deposits may be removed by flushing with dilute nitric acid, or any other proprietary chemical approved for aquaculture use, when used to the dilution recommended by the manufacturer.
SterilizationReport from Government testing facility in December 1985: "We have autoclaved (steam sterilized 120°C for 30 minutes) the pipe and it keeps its characteristics."