Modern screw blowers are delivering major energy savings, quieter operation, and stronger sustainability outcomes for local wastewater plants.
Across Australia, councils face increasing expectations to deliver wastewater services that are energy‑efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. Yet for many facilities, ageing aeration systems continue to drive up operating costs and limit performance. An upgrade at a New South Wales wastewater treatment plant highlights the tangible benefits councils can achieve by embracing modern screw blower technology.
Why the legacy aeration system fell short
The plant’s 25-year old turbo blowers – once industry standard – could no longer keep pace with fluctuating flow rates. As demand varied, energy consumption rose and process stability faltered. These challenges are common in municipal facilities where organic loading, seasonal population changes, and daily inflow variations require a highly responsive aeration system. Turning to Atlas Copco, the plant sought a long‑term solution capable of adapting to real‑time operating conditions.
Introducing the ZS5 screw blower: Efficiency meets adaptability
Following a comprehensive assessment, Atlas Copco recommended the ZS5 screw blower, designed to deliver efficient airflow across a wide turndown ratio. Unlike traditional turbo systems, screw blowers maintain stable oxygenation at low and high speeds without wasting energy. This modulation capability ensures that aeration supply always matches biological demand – an essential feature for councils aiming to optimise both performance and environmental outcomes.
Greg Williams, Low Pressure Specialist at Atlas Copco, said, “Unlike the turbo blower, the ZC5 screw blowers offered a superior turndown ratio, seamlessly adjusting to the plan’t fluctuating flow demands.”
Immediate impact: Lower energy use and improved operations
The plant experienced immediate gains following installation. The new ZS5 units met flow requirements with greater precision while significantly reducing energy consumption. The ability to downsize from five 132kW blowers to five 75kW units represents a substantial saving in both power and long‑term operating costs. For councils, such reductions directly translate into improved budget sustainability and reduced environmental footprint.
“The advanced technology of the ZS5 screw blowers ensured optimal performance, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. We managed to provide a solution which is 35 per cent more efficient and quieter,” Williams said.
Beyond energy savings: quieter, cleaner, more reliable
Modern screw blowers offer additional advantages highly relevant to municipal operations. They run more quietly, reducing noise impact on nearby communities, and require less maintenance, minimising disruption. Atlas Copco supported the upgrade through a full end‑to‑end transition – designing technical drawings, advising on installation, and ensuring seamless commissioning.
A clear path forward for councils
This transformation demonstrates the value that modern aeration technology can bring to wastewater facilities. By replacing outdated systems with responsive, energy‑efficient screw blowers, municipalities can significantly reduce operating costs, improve plant resilience, and enhance environmental performance. Modernising aeration isn’t just an equipment upgrade – it’s an investment in future‑ready infrastructure that delivers immediate and long‑term returns.
Contact Atlas Copco experts to discover how to improve your wastewater plant’s efficiency.
