Introduction
Wastewater pollution has been a longstanding issue worldwide, but it has become more pressing today with the growing presence of industrial and commercial activities. To combat this problem, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 9275, also known as the Clean Water Act of 2004, which aims to improve the quality of freshwater, brackish water, and marine waters.
As the demand for solutions grows, wastewater treatment with blowers in the Philippines has become increasingly popular, also known as the aeration process.
Aeration is the method of injecting air into wastewater using aeration blowers. These machines operate by creating air bubbles and introducing oxygen into the wastewater, thereby facilitating biological degradation, removal of pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and oxidation of dissolved metals, which are crucial in producing clean and safe water. Without them, the biodegradation process would slow down, resulting in the incomplete removal of contaminants and harmful chemicals from wastewater.
Aeration blowers come in various types, each with distinct features and specific advantages in wastewater treatment. Choosing the appropriate aeration blower depends on your needs and business application. Read on to find out more about the function of air blowers in a sewage treatment plant.
Types of Aeration Blowers and the Advantages of Each in Wastewater Treatment
There are three most common aeration blowers in wastewater treatment: positive displacement blowers, centrifugal blowers, and turbo blowers. These three differ in several ways, including the volume of air they produce, their mechanisms, and speed.
Positive Displacement Blowers
The operation of this type of aeration blower is relatively straightforward. Typically used to move air and neutral gases, positive displacement blowers trap a specific volume of air through an expanding section on one side and then release it through a decreasing section on the other side. What makes it unique is that the airflow speed remains consistent regardless of pressure changes.
Rotary lobe blowers are also a type of positive displacement blower. This equipment consists of two interconnected rotors that spin in opposite directions to trap and then release air. They produce a high volume of air, so they are typically used in larger vacuum systems. However, they emit low to moderate air pressure, which is not ideal for high-pressure applications.
Compresstech offers positive displacement blowers such as the Greatech Stainless Steel Blower, a versatile solution used in industrial applications, mining establishments, public buildings, and research centers. This can handle temperatures of up to 250°C, while also effectively clearing viscous substances from wastewater.
Centrifugal Blowers
For wastewater treatment applications that require high pressure, centrifugal blowers are the best choice. They are equipped with rotating impellers, so when air enters the fan wheel, it rotates 90 degrees and exits at a faster speed, therefore increasing the air’s speed and volume. When gas enters a centrifugal blower, its kinetic energy is increased, normalizing the air pressure as it exits the blower.
One of the most commonly used centrifugal blowers in wastewater treatment is the multistage centrifugal blower. It is ideal for drawing high pressure from small volumes of air and can tolerate high pressure and airflow rates. They are used in a variety of industries, including wastewater treatment and the medical field.
At Compresstech, you can get centrifugal blowers like the Chuan Fan Centrifugal Blowers. Made from aluminum alloy, this blower is lightweight, yet can handle high air pressure and larger flow.
Turbo Blowers
As the name suggests, turbo blowers operate at a higher speed. A motor runs them, and like centrifugal blowers, they have impellers on each side for dual suction. They can reach a pressure of up to 25 psi and an airflow speed of approximately 15,000 m³ per hour.
They are also typically oil-free, providing safe and reliable aeration, reducing maintenance efforts, and cutting down the risk of contamination. In addition to wastewater treatment, they can also be utilized in chemical processing, power generation, and other industries that require precise air control and efficient energy use.
Compresstech’s turbo blowers from Turbowin (WL Series) are one of the most reliable. It has an efficiency rate of up to 57.5% and has a horsepower ranging from 10 to 1,200 HP, making it a diverse solution for a wide range of industries, including wastewater treatment. They also boast a low noise level of only 75±5 dB, ensuring a quiet yet efficient operation.
Use Cases of Aeration Blowers in Industrial Wastewater Treatment
In the industrial field, wastewater management is essential for environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Choosing the right air blower for wastewater treatment plant operations is crucial, as it can help reduce operational and energy costs while accelerating the treatment process.
In Lüneburg, Germany, a treatment plant serving the needs of 325,000 inhabitants was seeking a solution to provide a stable supply of air under varying weather conditions. To address this issue, the treatment plant replaced four of its turbo blowers, each powered by a 200-kilowatt motor, with rotary blowers for its aeration system. The use of this type of positive displacement blower, combined with its existing turbo blowers, resulted in fewer fluctuations in flow rate.
Additionally, the combination of both blower types reduced the treatment plant’s overall power consumption. After a year of implementing this method, the facility discovered that it could achieve approximately 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy savings, equivalent to a 15% annual reduction in energy consumption.
A secondary wastewater treatment plant at Broadholme WRC in Northamptonshire, England, also replaced two of its rotary lobe blowers with high-speed turbo blowers to bring down energy consumption for two of its activated sludge plants. After just a few months of use, the plant achieved a pro-rated annual energy savings of approximately £87,400, and its maintenance costs were reduced to almost zero. The setup likewise reduced the plant’s carbon dioxide emissions by 392 tons.
Meanwhile, a 2013 case study proved the success of centrifugal blowers in reducing noise emissions, machinery breakdowns, and treatment process problems for a wastewater treatment facility in France. By replacing two lobe blowers with centrifugal ones, the facility was able to lower noise levels from 110 dBA to 70 dBA, reduce its operating cost by €54,000, and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 375 tons.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, each type of aeration blower has advantages and disadvantages in wastewater treatment. Whether you operate sewage treatment plants or municipal facilities, selecting the right aeration blower can help you increase energy savings, reduce operating costs, and even enhance your wastewater treatment processes.
At Compresstech Resources, Inc., we provide top-tier air and gas systems for various industries and applications. With over 38 years of experience, a team of experts, and our extensive knowledge, we’re here to guide you on which type of aeration blowers for wastewater treatment suits your operating needs best.
Contact us today to get started.