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Propeller Bead® Filter

Designed for High Flow and Highly Loaded Systems

These filters are easy to clean, easily automated, compact and very energy efficient.

Utilized at some of the largest recirculating fish production facilities, zoos, and aquariums, these units accept versatile loads ranging from low to high solids due to the active motorized backwash system.

The motorized embedded propeller is used for frequent washing of the media, removing captured solids and excess media biofloc. The sludge then settles to the bottom of the unit where it is drained, reducing water loss that is normally associated with backwash processes. With Propeller Bead filters, you will only lose 10% of the water you that you would normally lose with run-of-the-mill sand filters.

AST has both standard flow and high flow (pressurized) Propeller Bead filters. High flow filters can process flow rates of up to 1200 gpm, making them perfect for large systems that need frequent turnover.

Suitable for high loads that are typical of aquaculture applications, these filters are capable of handling ammonia loads 50% – 100% higher than standard bead filters. You will be able to lower your overall water and head loss – our innovative backwashing process is gentle enough to protect the biofilm and keep the environment healthy.

Propeller Bead® Benefits:

  • Motorized backwashing process handles low to high solids loading
  • Suitable for high flow rates
  • Perfect for high volume systems that require frequent turnover
  • Far less water loss than sand filtration systems
  • Technology that has been tested and proven for over 20 years
  • Energy savings from smaller pumps and more efficient designs
  • Long-lasting: Media is very resistant to clogging and caking
  • Superior filtration removes large and small solids
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Propeller Bead Filter Projects

Three Propeller Bead Filters for a large pond accommodating elephants and large mammals at the San Diego Zoo.

Three PBF25 specials on LA Zoo elephant exhibit.

Three PBF high flow filters for an Asian Aviary at Miami Metro Zoo in Florida.

One PBF-5S used on a quarantine system for the National Zoo.

Elephant pool at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ. This pool is filtered by a PBF-50S.

Two PBF-10 filters at Miami Metro Zoo.

Six Propeller Bead Filters (BFP-50S) at a large sea lion exhibit in Buffalo Zoo in New York.

PBF 10 featured in Disney World’s “back-to-the land” exhibit in the Epcot center. Tilapia are in the front tank, with nutrient film technique supporting the lettuce.

Trailer mounted PBF 5s at Grand Isle LA Oyster Hatchery. This mobile system allows them to hook it up to any pond requiring filtration.

PBF-10S being used for a shrimp hatchery in Florida.

PBF-10 used for fish hatchery in Calgary, Alberta.

Gulf Coast Research Lab greenhouse filter for saltwater filtration and reclamation. PBF-3 from AST is great for mitigating loads with high solids due to its aggressive motorized backwash.

Gulf Coast Research Lab, PBF-10 filter, outside. Technicians have covered the motor to protect it from the elements. This facility in Ocean Springs, Mississippi works extensively on stock enhancement for key fish species in the Gulf.

Propeller Bead Skid System

Prefabricated for Quick and Easy Installation

With our Propeller Bead skid systems, you can rest assured that AST’s engineering professionals have done all of the hard work for you. These systems come with all of your filtration basics, plus optional UV sterilization.

With a skid system by AST, it is easier than ever to get started with your project; just hook the system directly to your tank or pond and plug it in!

  • Mounted on a skid for indoor or outdoor use
  • Aggressive motorized backwash
  • Reliable, gentle backwash operation
  • Optional UV sterilization available
  • Centrifugal pumps with strainer baskets
  • Pump Assisted Backwash Kits for pressurized backwash discharge
  • Plumbed using Schedule 40 PVC
  • Unions at strategic locations for easy maintenance
  • Simply connect a line leading from your pond or tank to the pump suction, and a line leading from the filter outlet back to the pond or tank!
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Koi Pond PBF Projects

Koi pond with large stone waterfall filtered by a PBF-5. Low biological load.

Koi pond application. Large stone water fall filtration uses a PBF-5 with a UV sterilizer.

PBF25S on koi pond in Hayward, California.

Healthy, colorful koi in San Antonio, Texas. Water filtered by a PBF-5.

Large San Antonio, Texas koi pond filtered by a PBF-5.

Beautifully landscaped koi pond in a private greenhouse in upstate New York. This pond is filtered using our Propeller Bead Filters.

Filtration for a private greenhouse koi pond in upstate New York consists of multiple Propeller Bead filters.

Beautifully landscaped koi pond in a private greenhouse in upstate New York. This pond is filtered using our Propeller Bead Filters.

AST also offers Koi Pond solutions for Small Commercial, Residential, and Hobbyist use. These are available at Amazon.com: AST Filters and other Koi Pond equipment dealers.

How Does the Technology Work?

The Propeller Bead® filter has the most aggressive backwash of any of AST filters. Delivered by a motorized propeller that vigorously mixes the beads, the water enters through the side intake and exits from the top of the filter, trapping solids within the floating media bed.

When backwashing, the pump is turned off and the water inlet valve is closed. If the system is pressurized, it must be released before operating the mixing motor. The mixing motor is turned on for 15-45 seconds until the beads fluidize. The mixing motor is shut off and the solids are allowed to settle for ten minutes minimum. Opening the drain early risks losing beads, and the solids will not be drained. The sludge valve is opened, and the concentrated sludge is allowed to gravity drain from the filter. Backwash frequency is dictated by feed rate.

After sludge is drained, the sludge valve is closed and the inlet valve reopened. Turning the pump back on puts the filter back into normal operation.

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From a simple filter to a complete custom system, our engineers can help you find the perfect filtration system for your needs. Get in touch today!

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