RAETTS Delivers Energy-Saving Upgrade at Taishan Wastewater Treatment Plant
In a significant step toward sustainable water management, RAETTS has successfully completed the installation of a 150kW Air Bearing Turbo Blower at the Taishan Taicheng Wastewater Treatment Plant, replacing an outdated Roots blower system. The upgrade demonstrates the growing shift across China’s wastewater industry from traditional technologies to modern, high-efficiency aeration systems.
From Roots to Air Bearing: A Technological Leap
The Taishan plant previously relied on Roots blowers, a mature technology known for robustness but limited in energy efficiency. These units consumed high power (around 150kW each), produced noise levels exceeding 110dB, and required frequent maintenance due to mechanical contact parts such as gears, belts, and lubricants.
By contrast, the new RAETTS Air Bearing Blower utilizes non-contact air foil bearing technology and a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), achieving ultra-high efficiency and oil-free operation. The results have been remarkable:
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Actual operating power reduced to ~100kW, delivering over 30% energy savings
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Noise levels reduced to 75dB, improving on-site working conditions
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No lubrication or gear wear, enabling zero maintenance operation
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Service life over 20 years, ensuring long-term stability and reliability
This replacement not only enhances operational performance but also aligns with China’s dual-carbon goals, promoting energy efficiency and emission reduction.
Why Air Bearing Technology Outperforms Roots Blowers
RAETTS air bearing blowers have rapidly gained popularity in wastewater treatment applications for their unmatched performance. Compared with Roots blowers, the differences are clear:
| Feature | Roots Blower | RAETTS Air Bearing Blower |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 45–55% | 80–85% |
| Noise Level | 105–120dB | 70–75dB |
| Maintenance | Frequent oil, belts, and gear replacement | Maintenance-free |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years | 20+ years |
| Energy Consumption | High (fixed speed) | 30–40% lower (variable speed) |
The integrated VFD control allows precise adjustment of air flow, pressure, and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, perfectly matching the plant’s aeration demand. This ensures energy is only used when needed — a critical advantage for facilities running 24/7.
Economic Benefits: Faster Payback and Lower OPEX
While initial investment in an air bearing blower is typically higher than a Roots blower, the total cost of ownership (OPEX) tells a different story.
For example:
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Roots blower: 150kW × 8760h × $0.12/kWh ≈ $157,680/year in electricity
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RAETTS blower (100kW actual): ≈ $105,120/year
→ Annual savings: $52,560, with payback in under 1 year
Additionally, maintenance costs for Roots systems can reach 5% of equipment value per year, compared to only 0.5% for air bearing blowers. This makes RAETTS a financially and environmentally sound upgrade for wastewater treatment plants of all scales.
Designed for Reliability and Ease of Integration
RAETTS engineers worked closely with the Taishan WWTP team to ensure seamless integration into the existing aeration system. The new blower operates in full automation mode, with real-time monitoring of:
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Current and RPM
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Air flow and pressure
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Temperature rise and DO levels
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Automatic pressure mode control
Even in high humidity and variable load conditions, the system maintains stable performance — a key advantage over mechanical-contact designs.
Driving the Future of Smart Wastewater Aeration
The successful installation at Taishan marks another milestone for RAETTS in advancing smart and sustainable aeration technology. From large-scale city WWTPs to industrial ETPs, RAETTS blowers are redefining the standard for energy-efficient, oil-free, and intelligent operation.
“Each upgrade is more than a project — it’s a step toward a cleaner and more energy-efficient world.”
— RAETTS Engineering Team
As wastewater treatment plants continue to prioritize sustainability, RAETTS remains committed to providing reliable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly blower solutions for global partners.
Interested in upgrading your Roots blowers? Contact RAETTS to explore how air bearing or maglev turbo blowers can transform your wastewater aeration system.
E-mail: sales@raettsgroup.com
WhatsApp: +86 137 1270 2424
