Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I did a search of the forum and found no referece to this pump I found today. It is called the Feri pump. No moving parts and works off of air. I know there was a lot of discussion about Geyser Pumps and Airlift pumps a while back but this seems to be a very interesting pump. It is not affected by running dry, and to increase output you simply add more air. The one listed on this Web Site is a bit of overkill for most of our systems, (except Jaymie's), but I wonder if we could find out the principles behind it and scale it down. Might be a job for Les and his chainsaw. There is a neat video on the site that shows one being installed and operated.

An Australian outfit manufactures it and the pump has been tested by the folks at University of WA.

If this has already been discussed, then Mods, feel free to delete this.

It won't be efficient - that's the point of the previous discussion. It is quite straightforward to add a float switch to a submersible pump so that it turns off when dry, so ability to run dry is not a great advantage. Solids pumping is more useful, but considering most people seem to be using things like swimming pool pumps (which wouldn't bat an eyelid at fish poo), even that isn't a compelling reason...

And we probably all have more access to electricity than compressed air.

OK.... Next topic then.

Thanks for the interesting input, DT. All ideas are good in that they may spawn the next cool thought. Les and I were experimenting with the airlift pumps with minimal success, but it was kinda fun, andd I think we both learned something. (Like how to find a mop... )

what results(besides a mop) did you both come up with janet...I wouldda guessed that it took alot of air for minimal results?

This is like an airlift pump, but has a one-way valve fitted to it somewhere. This may account for the imncredible lift capabilities.

I had pretty good sucess with airlift for lifting at low heights.

My main motivation as keeping electricity away from the nutrient solutions.

I wonder exactly how the valve would be configured into the system?

????

Well BK, you're right. Using a standard aquarium air pump, we couldn't move enough volume of water to make it worth while. The water that did move came in spurts. (Don't look down the barrel.) I don't know if the scales we were using were poor or the air pumps underpowered, or what. But it was fun. The whole tale is here.
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=945

Good point johnnie, would be nice to see a cross section of it to see whats inside. Like auto syphons, if you dont get the proper flow match is doesn't work well, folks get frustrated and give up. I just dont have the time to tinker much. Kudos to those that do and share the results.

On this topic what is more efficient: An electric pump or a an air compressor driving a pump (just like an air drill) then excess air is either reused (new inventors thingo) or used in aeration or airlift pumps. it is something to think about. Even as a backup it would be a neat idea. It would be noisy though.

I am buying one of those wattage calculators that plugs inline to appliances. I want to test out a whole range of possibilities. Run for a week and compare costs.

One problem we all have, is judging things through the filter of our situation. In my place, it is much more common to find people with an available air compressor than a fountain pump. People here just don't get involved in extravagances due to their economic situation. A compressor is a common sight as there are many businesses that use compressors (shops, Tire shops, car washes etc.) If AP does take off in the area, then we would probably see more fountain pumps and pond pumps and it would not be an issue. I am thinking of finding thinsgs that work, that people already have in their possession.

I am also not talking about aquarium pumps. It is easy to make an air storage tank from PVC pipe, hook it to a compressor, attach a regulator and you have it. Now to find an air driven circulating pump....

Good point DT

Old vacuum cleaners?

hmmn good idea about the vacuum cleaners but the folks here would say, "what is that?" Tile floors here.

Good Thinking DT. When you live in a third world country things like pool pumps and what not are hard to come by. But an air compressor is standard and can be bought borrowed, rented or even stolen (though I don't condone that).