Otterbine gave the first public showing of its new Air Flo 3, the third generation of the golf course pond and lake management specialist’s diffused aeration systems at BTME.
The Air Flo 3 is designed to provide a calm and serene water surface thanks to quiet on-shore compressors, which pump air to diffusers on the lake or pond bed. The diffusers release oxygen creating mass circulation to the bottom and top water layers without affecting the water’s surface. This creates, says Otterbine, a perfect water feature for the golfing environment where peace and tranquillity is important to players.
With no electrical components in the water, the Air Flo 3 is also ideal for recreational lakes and ponds, where wading or activities such as swimming, occur. Energy-efficient and requiring minimal maintenance, the Air Flo 3 offers flexibility, too, working in virtually any configuration at depths from 6ft to 40ft.
The Air Flo 3 was just one of a comprehensive range of aerators and aerating fountains on the ‘Lely – Partners in Turfcare’ stand. Joining the Air Flo 3 was the Fractional five-in-one aerating system, back at BTME after launching at the show in 2014. With the highest performance rate of any fractional aerator on the market, yet efficient and cost effective to run, it’s easy to see why the Fractional is Otterbine’s best-selling aerator for maintaining water quality at healthy levels in small and medium ponds.
The Fractional is able to transfer an impressive 1kg/2.2lbs of oxygen per hp/hr and has a pumping rate of 115m3/ph. Added to this the spray can be quickly and easily switched between four different patterns, and into a horizontal mixer system, for maximum value and versatility. Improved serviceability, corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction and a two-year warranty further add to the value and longevity of this unit.
Also on stand was the High Volume, the most powerful surface aerator available, which has consistently proven to be ideal for managing the toughest of aquatic environments, and the Sub-Triton aspirator sub-surface aerator which is used for providing lateral flow and mixing of the complete water column in water depths of between 1m and 2.5m. This process delivers oxygen to the lake or pond bed to prevent bad odours.
Illustrating how these industrial aerators can be transformed into a decorative display, was Otterbine’s range of aerating fountains. Designed to give the best of both worlds by offering function and beauty, these surface spray aerators, which include the Gemini, Sunburst and Saturn, can operate in as little as 75cm of water.
Otterbine products are distributed in the UK by Lely UK Limited, 1 Station Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1QH. Telephone 01480 226848, email turfcare.irrigation.uk@lely.com or visit www.otterbine.com.