Roma Sud energy optimisation

Water system with water tanks and a green lawn

Description and objectives

As part of the energy re-efficiency plan of the Roma Sud sewage purification plant, a replacement of the surface mechanical ventilation system of the activated sludge section has been planned. The previous system, consisting of brushed rotors, has been replaced with a new system of fine bubble bottom diffusers powered by high-efficiency compressors.

Project specifications

Creation of a new ventilation system consisting of fine bubble bottom diffusers powered by high-efficiency compressors.

Process efficiency increase:

Guarantee of the air supply necessary for the oxidation and nitrification process.
Capacity to treat the section with a flow rate of 4.5 m3/s.

Reduction of energy consumption:

Consistent reduction in energy consumption related to the ventilation of the section thanks to the new system configuration.

Project details

Customer	Acea Ato 2
Site	Municipality of Rome
Timetable	Start: December 2021 End: August 2025
Detail of the service	Engineering services during the execution of works (Works Management). Procurement of services and supplies, and the coordination of all the work necessary to provide the Customer with the finished work in a state-of-the-art manner.

Key numbers

Service execution quot: 100% Acea Infrastructure SpA
Work amount: 9.241.300 € (of which €380,000 are for security costs)
Oxidation tanks: 3 (Carrousel type activated sludge)
Flow rate treated: 4.5 m3/s
Total volume of tanks: about 52,500 m3 (usable depth 3.5 m)

No. of diffusers: 2,100 fine bubble diffusers (with 20’’ EPDM membrane)
No. of flow generators: 8 flow generators per tank (each consisting of a 3-bladed propeller)
No. of compressors in the air production station: 6+1R high-efficiency centrifugal compressors
Energy savings compared to the current structure: 50%