Landfill leachate wastewater treatment plants operate under some of the most demanding conditions in the wastewater industry. High organic loads, elevated ammonia concentrations, corrosive gases, and continuous 24/7 operation place heavy demands on aeration systems. As aeration typically accounts for 50–70% of total energy consumption in landfill leachate wastewater treatment, selecting the right blower technology is critical.

This article presents a practical case where three RAETTS air bearing blowers were installed in a landfill leachate wastewater treatment facility, successfully replacing traditional Roots blowers and delivering significant improvements in energy efficiency, operational stability, and lifecycle cost.

Challenges of Roots Blowers in Landfill Leachate Wastewater Treatment

Roots blowers (positive displacement blowers) have been widely used in wastewater treatment for decades. However, in landfill leachate applications, their limitations become increasingly evident:

• Low efficiency under variable airflow demand

• High energy consumption during partial-load operation

• Mechanical wear due to gears and timing components

• High noise and vibration levels

• Frequent maintenance and lubrication requirements

Because landfill leachate flow and oxygen demand fluctuate significantly, Roots blowers often operate far from their optimal efficiency point, resulting in unnecessary energy waste and higher operating costs.

Project Overview: RAETTS Air Bearing Blower Solution

To address these challenges, the wastewater treatment plant upgraded its aeration system by replacing the existing Roots blowers with three RAETTS air bearing blowers, designed specifically for modern, energy-efficient wastewater treatment applications.

RAETTS Air Bearing Blower Technical Specifications

Each RAETTS air bearing blower operates with the following performance parameters:

• Motor power: 100 HP (75 kW)

• Airflow capacity: 45 m³/min

• Discharge pressure: 100 kPa

• Bearing type: Air bearing (oil-free, non-contact)

• Drive system: High-speed motor with VFD, direct drive

This configuration provides sufficient redundancy while allowing flexible airflow adjustment to match real-time process requirements.

Why Air Bearing Blowers Replace Roots Blowers

1. Significantly Higher Energy Efficiency

Unlike Roots blowers, which deliver a fixed volume of air regardless of demand, air bearing blowers adjust speed continuously via variable frequency drive (VFD). This allows precise airflow control based on dissolved oxygen (DO) demand.

In landfill leachate wastewater treatment, this results in:

• Reduced power consumption during low-load operation

• Higher overall system efficiency

• Lower kWh per cubic meter of treated wastewater

Many facilities report 20–40% energy savings when replacing Roots blowers with air bearing blower technology.

2. Oil-Free Operation for Cleaner Aeration

RAETTS air bearing blowers use oil-free air bearings, eliminating the need for lubrication oil entirely. Compared with Roots blowers, this provides:

• Zero risk of oil contamination in aeration air

• Simplified system design

• Improved environmental compliance

Oil-free aeration is especially valuable in landfill leachate wastewater treatment, where process stability and discharge standards are critical.

3. Reduced Maintenance and Longer Service Life

Roots blowers rely on mechanical contact components such as gears, lobes, and bearings, which require regular maintenance. In contrast, air bearing blowers feature:

• Non-contact bearings during operation

• No gears, belts, or oil systems

• Minimal routine maintenance requirements

This significantly lowers annual maintenance costs and reduces unexpected downtime.

4. Low Noise, Low Vibration, Compact Design

RAETTS air bearing blowers deliver:

• Quiet operation due to frictionless bearing technology

• Minimal vibration, protecting surrounding equipment

• Compact footprint, ideal for retrofit projects

These advantages are particularly important for landfill sites located near urban or environmentally sensitive areas.

Operational Results After Replacing Roots Blowers

Following the installation of three RAETTS air bearing blowers, the landfill leachate wastewater treatment plant achieved:

• Noticeable reduction in overall aeration energy consumption

• Stable dissolved oxygen control in biological treatment tanks

• Improved system reliability under fluctuating leachate loads

• Reduced maintenance workload and operating costs

The upgraded aeration system now operates efficiently across a wide airflow range, ensuring consistent treatment performance throughout the year.

Why RAETTS Air Bearing Blowers Are Ideal for Leachate Treatment

RAETTS air bearing blower technology is particularly suitable for:

• Landfill leachate wastewater treatment plants

• Aeration system upgrades and energy-saving retrofits

• Replacement of traditional Roots blowers

• Carbon reduction and sustainability projects

With rising energy prices and stricter environmental regulations, upgrading to air bearing blower technology is becoming a strategic choice for wastewater operators worldwide.

Conclusion

This landfill leachate wastewater treatment case demonstrates how replacing traditional Roots blowers with RAETTS air bearing blowers can dramatically improve energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term operating economics.

With 100 HP power, 45 m³/min airflow at 100 kPa, oil-free operation, and intelligent VFD control, RAETTS air bearing blowers provide a future-proof aeration solution for modern wastewater treatment facilities.

Contact us today for a free evaluation and energy-saving estimate.

E-mail: sales@raettsgroup.com

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