The Ultimate Guide to Can-Air De-icing Airlines

How does it work?

Bubbles are distributed along the length of a weighted bubble airline using compressed air. As the bubbles rise, they form a bubble “curtain” of warmer water from the bottom of the pond towards the surface. Water temperature is the primary factor that is going to influence de-icing. The depth, size and shape of the water body will also factor into heat retention.

Pond Pro Canada has completed several in-house studies looking at the de-icing ability of our Can-Air De-icing Tubing and our porous aeration airline used on all of our Can-Air diffusers. Our team tested (1.78 m or 5.83 ft) linear lengths of Can-Air de-icing tubing in natural pond settings. The two ponds (A and B) have depths of 3.9m and 4.4m respectively. Over 30 hours, we found that a linear piece of de-icing bubbler tubing de-iced 71.5m2 of surface area in water temperatures of 0.5C (Pond A) (Fig. 1) and de-iced 182.4m2 in water temperatures of 2.3C (Pond B) (Fig 2).

Figure 1. Areas of ice-openings (m2) created by 178 cm of linear Pond Pro’s Can-Air De-icing Tubing over a 30-hour time period. De-icing airline was placed at a depth of 3.9 m and initial ice thickness was 10.6cm. Average water temperature at 0 hours was 1.6°C and 0.5°C at 30 hours. Average ambient daytime air temperature over the course of the study was -13°C (low of -18°C). Data collected November 2020.

Figure 2. Areas of ice-openings (m2) created by 178 cm of linear Pond Pro’s Can-Air De-icing Tubing over 29 hours. The de-icing airline was placed at a depth of 4.4 m and the initial ice thickness was 19.1 cm. Average water temperature at 0 hours was 2.8°C and 2.3°C at 30 hours. Average ambient daytime air temperature throughout the study was +2°C (low of -7°C). Data collected December 2020.

From this simple study, we can confirm the effectiveness of our Can-Air De-icing Tubing to create an ice-free opening. Pond Pro has replicated this study with our porous aeration airline used on all of our diffusers and we found very similar results. The greatest contributing factor when looking at the effectiveness and efficiency of deicing is the water temperature. Our experts are happy to help you find the right solution to keep your area ice-free this winter!

Uses

De-icing and aeration bubbler airline is easily adjustable. This makes bubbler de-icing systems ideal when working with tight spaces, such as areas around docks, piles, barges, boats, and other structures. Pond Pro Canada offers the same reliable and low-maintenance Can-Air systems for de-icing purposes! Our Can-Air systems are available in both 120V and 240V systems and can be custom-sized for any body of water and structure needing to be kept ice-free.

Can-Air De-Icing Airline Bubbler System

Our standard system is designed for deeper pond depths and requires a minimum of 4 feet working depth. Bubbler line comes in 40ft, 60ft, and 100ft rolls.

Need more line?

Additional bubble airline can be purchased separately in 100 ft and 500 ft rolls.

De-icing requires 1 cfm airflow for every 20-40 feet. This tubing is rated for 100-200' based on a 1/2HP compressor (CA-125/150).

Sinking Airline is recommended in between for longer than 200ft stretches.

Questions?

Have questions about set-up or any other questions about bubble airline? We can help with sizing because we know that every pond has unique retention properties. Shallow systems may have to be oversized. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

Project Name:

Project date & deadline:

Project goal:

Google maps link or GPS point for project site:

Type of body of water:

Area needing to be de-iced (length x width):

Average depth:

Maximum depth:

Average and max. water flow (m3/day):

Average water temperature:

Coldest ambient air temperature at the site:

Power source and location:

Average ice thickness:

Possible obstruction/ restrictions:

Please bring this information to us at sales@pondpro.ca and we are more than happy to assist you with your de-icing project.