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November Equipment Highlight

It’s Thursday in November as so we continue the November Equipment for turf. Last time we looked at erosion control. Today the look is at water features and how they are important to turf management.

 

Otterbine and the Industrial Market

Since 1952 when the first Otterbine was introduced to the market it had been engineered to operate and perform in the most difficult of environments. From the days of waste water treatment, to today when our products meet the requirements of virtually every market that has water quality management needs – we’ve continued to manufacture our products to the highest standards and implement rigorous third party performance testing. Test results prove that our products deliver the highest oxygen transfer and pumping rates in the industry, the 2 most important measurements of any aeration system.
Otterbine aeration systems provide many benefits, but most importantly they improve water quality. From consuming excess nutrients, to circulating bottom and top waters to maintain cool water temperatures – our aeration systems are constructed from non-corrosive materials that can be used in a variety of industrial applications including waste water treatment facilities, marinas, mining operations, food process and of course managing effluent water for reuse as irrigation water.
Innovative technology, superior craftsmanship and a dedication to providing the highest quality products and services allows Otterbine to meet the requirements of the municipal market. These requirements include finding cost effective, simple solutions to water quality management, detailed specification data for project proposals, and superior customer service to walk you through the process of selecting and sizing systems that meet your exact needs.

Industrial Applications for Otterbine Products:

Maintaining and Cooling Water Temperatures: Otterbine aeration systems can effectively mix the cooler bottom water of a pond with the warmer upper layers to maintain a regulated water temperature. This is often important for mining operations, refineries and other industrial application.

Effluent & Reclaimed Water:
Delivering the industry’s highest independently tested and published oxygen transfer & pumping rates to maximize the consumption of excessive nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and other contributors allows Otterbine systems to effectively treat these ponds for reuse in irrigation.
 

Benefits of an Otterbine:

Natural & Effective Solutions:
Introducing oxygen into the water column is the most natural solution to pond and lake management and effectively controls algae, aquatic weeds, and foul odors leaving healthy and clean aquatic habitats.

Reliable, Trouble-Free Operation:
Offering the industry’s most comprehensive warranties to insure years of dependable service.

Flexible:
Offering both surface and sub-surface aeration systems from 1/4HP to 10HP, Otterbine product lines offer flexibility in the implementation of your pond and lake water quality management programs.

Longevity:
Dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services has made the family owned and operated Otterbine the #1 choice in pond and lake management for over 60 years.

Energy Efficient:
Low amperage systems mean less electrical consumption and low running costs.

Protected:
Products conform to ETL, ETL-C and UL standards, while power control centers come standard with GFCI and surge arrestor to insure safety (except 460V.)

Effortless:
Accessible resources for project planning and execution; all specifications and drawings can be found online throughwww.otterbine.com and www.caddetails.com, or contact Otterbine direct.

 

AERATING FOUNTAINS

CometMaintaining its symmetry and splendor, the Comet aerating fountain creates a thick, lavish column of water that will fascinate even the most discriminating onlooker.Find Out More
ConstellationThe Constellation’s two-tiered fountain-like pattern is designed to minimize clogging and hold its form in windy conditions.Find Out More
EquinoxThe Equinox offers beautiful symmetry from all angles and creates an intricate pattern that’s typically associated with architectural fountains.Find Out More
GeminiThe plume of Otterbine’s Gemini pattern offers incredible aeration strength and tremendous beauty to any property.Find Out More
GenesisThe two tiers and 16 silhouetted streams of the Genesis cascade into the waterscape creating a dramatic and enticing focal point, captivating onlookers from all around.Find Out More
PhoenixThe Phoenix’s two-tiered pattern combines aesthetics with aeration, and is popular in commercial and residential settings alike.Find Out More
RocketThe Rocket is a geyser-like pattern that looks beautiful by itself or clustered with other aerating fountains to create a more dramatic effect.Find Out More
SaturnThe Saturn is similar to the Sunburst but offers a more compact and lower profile pattern to provide another strong aeration solution.Find Out More
SunburstOtterbine’s signature pattern, theSunburst provides excellent aeration to any pond or lake while displaying a conservative yet striking pattern.Find Out More
Tristar
Triad Giant Fountain by OtterbineFind out More
AquaStar Giant Fountain by OtterbineFind out More
Mystic Giant Fountain by OtterbineFind out More
SuperNova Giant Fountain by OtterbineFind out More
Polaris Giant Foutain by OtterbineFind out More

Otterbine’s Giant Fountain line features five decorative patterns available in 10HP, 15HP and 25HP systems. This product is often specified by landscape architects for premier locations whenever a dramatic focus to a landscape water feature is desired. Resorts, amusement parks, and corporate headquarters around the world select these floating fountain systems based on their beauty, versatility and quality.

 

Here is sample of a installed system.

SCHNEIDER’S NURSERY, SEYMOUR, IN

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By: Casey Reed, Vice President of Aquatic Control, Inc.

Some units seem to run forever, and R2-220-787 at Schneider’s Nursery in Seymour Indiana was one of those units.  This 2HP 230 volt Concept 1 workhorse reliably served its owner for 19 years before a broken bulkhead finally ended its run.  The owner, Grant Schneider, was contacted with the bad news and we started looking at options for replacing the unit.

There was never any question that he would choose Otterbine as the replacement unit.  Grant was thrilled to learn that he qualified for a Customer Loyalty Discount and immediately started looking for ways to reinvest his savings.  Grant chose to upgrade his old 2HP Phoenix with a 5HP Gemini for the increased spray pattern dimensions and aerating properties.  An order was placed, and then things got interesting.
As soon as the unit arrived my field technician Bill Thomas delivered it to the property for installation.  As he was installing the panel he noticed there was no neutral run to the original Concept 1 control panel.  Fortunately Schneider’s Nursery is only a few miles from the Aquatic Control office so I directed Bill to come back and pick up a control transformer without neutral (Part# 17-0013,) for installation in the panel.  These transformers have allowed us to overcome the lack of a neutral in the past, so I was sure it would work in this situation.

Bill installed the transformer and energized the unit but could not get it to run.  The unit was pulling 90 amps and the voltage reading in the panel was 180 volts.  In my haste to get the customer a bigger and better fountain I forgot to consider the differences in the electrical requirements between a 2HP unit and a 5HP unit.  We did not have large enough wiring underground between the power supply and the control panel to operate the new unit.

Roger Dailey went to the property the next day to gather information on the wiring in place. Roger discovered that the panel was being supplied on two legs of a three phase power supply with  #4 aluminum wire run 120ft (37m) from the power supply to a pumphouse.  From the pumphouse the wiring size dropped to #12 copper for the final 66ft (20m) underground run to the control panel.  Cable size from the panel was 150ft (46m) of #8.  Roger calculated a voltage drop from the supply to the pumphouse at 10 volts, from the pumphouse to the panel at 24 volts, and from the panel to the unit at 21 volts.  The fountain was actually only getting 160 volts.

This information was relayed to Rich Daly, Otterbine’s Midwest Regional Manager who went to work formulating a solution to the problem.  We knew the wiring from the pumphouse to the panel would need to be replaced and Rich recommended using #8.  The voltage also needed to be increased and an Acme model T-1-81052 0.75 Kva buck/boost transformer was prescribed as the correct transformer for our situation.  I got in touch with Grant’s electrician and he went to work implementing the plan.

A few days later I got the call that all the electrical work had been completed and the unit was ready to be energized.  Bill returned to the property to turn on the unit but again it would not start.  The voltage readings were slightly better, but not much.  Bill discovered that the electrician had replaced the #12 wires but had not installed the transformer.  After convincing him that this actually needed to be done for the unit to run he relented and installed the transformer.  The unit was again energized, and again it failed to run.
At this point I am sure the customer was questioning the entire process, but he never actually said anything.  I was fairly confident that what we had done would work so I had Bill and Roger return to the property to investigate.  A sticky seal was loosened up and the unit fired right off.  The problem had been solved.

With the help of Rich Daly and my experienced technicians Bill and Roger we were able to keep this loyal customer happy.  I think I might have a shot at selling him a replacement unit in the next 19 years or so.

 

As is evident water management through water features can be integral part of your turf system. These systems are not just for the commercial or industrial market but also cover the golf industry.

 

Otterbine and the Golf Market

In the late 1970’s when Chuck and Terry Barebo recognized the need for aeration equipment beyond wastewater management and aquaculture markets, and entered into the golf market. Partnering with family businesses and equipment houses throughout U.S. and internationally, friendships and alliances have evolved over the past 30 years to make Otterbine the leading aeration and fountain product found on golf courses worldwide.

With increasing restrictions and legislation being passed that requires us to take a more environmental approach to managing our natural resources, water quality management and conservation is becoming ever more important.
Otterbine Aeration Systems Provide the Following Solutions to the Golf Market:
Irrigation Ponds: Improve the water quality of irrigation ponds. Irrigation ponds left unmanaged can lose 1-5 inches or 2.5-5 centimeters of storage capacity a year due to sludge build-up, let alone the damage it can cause with clogged pumps and irrigations systems. High nutrient levels in irrigation ponds can also lead toward turf damage, while poor water quality will often lead toward foul odors, fish kills, unsightly aquatic algae and weeds. The costs and time associated to repair damage can add up quick affecting your bottom line.
Managing Effluent and Reclaimed Water: Look to our High Volume and Air Flo 2 systems for the most aeration, while the Sunburst, Gemini and Saturn units will provide plenty of aeration with added benefit of a surface spray for aesthetic enhancement.
Supporting Natural Habitats:
Aeration is able to consume excess nutrients that are harmful to ponds and their inhabitants. Providing an environmentally friendly solution to improving water quality, the use of aeration supports healthy aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife, while creating naturalized landscapes to be enjoyed by members and guests.
 
Flexible Solutions: Offering a range of products from surface spray to sub-surface aeration systems, and Giant Fountains that can accentuate the magnificence of a clubhouse, Otterbine is able to provide proven aeration and aesthetic enhancement.
 
Visit our Products page to learn more about the solutions we deliver.
Here is sample from the golf industry.

ALBANY COUNTRY CLUB, VOORHEESVILLE, NY

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Otterbine 2HP Sunbursts at Albany Country ClubAlbany Country Club originated in 1890 as a hunting preserve and country club. This prestigious course moved in 1962 to its present location in Voorheesville NY which is situated high on the hills above the Hudson River Valley.

The drive up Wormer Road to the clubhouse passes by the 16th hole. With the green approachable from the elevated tees and fairway, 2 ponds are situated below the green on this picturesque par 3 hole.

These two ponds had become problem areas. Dan Shaughnessy, who has been the superintendent for 29 years after making his way north from the Belleair Country Club in Clearwater Florida says, due to heavy algae bloom, his crew was “Raking and Skimming the ponds 3-4 times a week.”

The impeccably maintained course has four other ponds of which two were utilizing Otterbine aeration as their water quality management tool of choice.

After realizing the beneficial effects of the water quality health improvement through aeration of the ponds on holes #12 and #18, it was decided to install Otterbine Aerating Fountains to correct the woes of the ponds on #16.

A 2HP unit with the Sunburst pattern was placed in each pond at the beginning of July of 2011. The results have been extremely positive. Whereas Dan’s crew was having to physically remove algae mats weekly prior to the fountain installations, Dan says “within a month we were only having to rake just the edges and now (September 1) we have not had to touch them at all in the past 3 – 4 weeks”  Dan goes on to say…”the ponds were a mess, but now the water has cleared completely and the results have exceeded our expectations AND the members love them.”

The Otterbine units were sold by the regional distributor – Grassland Equipment and Irrigation Corp. of Latham NY. Grassland’s territory manager Bruce Haworth recognizes the benefits Otterbine products have brought to many of his customers, reflecting Bruce says “historically they (Otterbine) has been a good and responsible company to work with while providing quality products, leading to overwhelming customer satisfaction.”

 

Turf and water management, two items that go hand in hand.

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