At Den Ouden Liquid Solutions in Alblasserdam, aeration plays a central role in their membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment process. MBR systems are known for delivering high-quality effluent, but only if oxygen levels in the bioreactor remain consistent and sufficient. Inadequate aeration can lead to serious process instability and in this case, it did.
The Challenge: Underperforming Roots Blower and Odor Complaints
The existing aeration setup used a 15 kW screw blower, but it consistently fell short in maintaining optimal oxygen levels in the bioreactor. The blower was frequency-controlled, but due to the high system backpressure, with a head of around 6 meters, the effective turndown ratio was severely limited.
This inefficiency didn’t just affect oxygen delivery. The low oxygen environment encouraged the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas, which led to strong odor issues around the facility. H₂S is not only corrosive and toxic, but also a major complaint among local residents and environmental authorities.
The Solution: Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Turbo Blower
In early 2025, PureDutch replaced the legacy blower with a 22 kW turbo blower. Despite the higher nominal kW, the turbo blower was designed specifically for applications with constant pressure requirements and lower air flows, a perfect match for this MBR setup.
Turbo blowers offer several advantages in these conditions:
This specific model also benefits from airfoil bearing technology, a non-contact, oil-free design that ensures high efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements.
Implementation and Energy Savings
While the nominal power increased from 15 kW to 22 kW, the turbo blower's much higher efficiency allows it to operate at a much lower average load. In practice, it now runs at reduced capacity for much of the day, still delivering the required oxygen levels while consuming less energy overall.
Oxygen Finally Back After >5 Years
A Broader Takeaway for MBR Operators
This case shows that even well-known brands or "standard" setups like roots blowers may fall short in specialized applications like MBR. Facilities operating under high head pressure or with tight oxygen tolerances should consider re-evaluating their blower technology.
Turbo blowers, especially those using magnetic or airfoil bearings, are ideal for systems needing:
A common misconception is that higher power rating (kW) equals higher cost, but as this project shows, efficiency trumps raw power when matched to the system’s needs.
Final Thoughts
By switching to a more suitable technology, Den Ouden Liquid Solutions resolved odor issues, boosted biological stability, and achieved energy savings. All without compromising the required airflow or process performance.
If you're operating an outdated or underperforming blower, this case shows the value of reassessing your setup.
Want to know how much you could save?
Get in touch with PureDutch, we’ll help you evaluate your current system and calculate your potential energy savings with a tailored blower upgrade.
