Intelligent aeration control has a critical role in future proofing wastewater treatment plants and can help achieve net zero operating costs.
Water utilities across Australia and New Zealand are under pressure to cut energy, reduce emissions, and improve process reliability—without increasing operational overheads. In this context, intelligent aeration control has emerged as one of the most powerful tools available for decarbonising wastewater operations.
Aeration is the biggest single contributor to plant emissions because electricity consumption is directly tied to carbon intensity. Reducing aeration energy by even 15–20% results in substantial reductions in carbon footprint. But special care must be taken to adjust the DO-level to the actual load requirements to keep formation of N2O low, because N2O has a very high specific GHG emission factor.
VACOMASS® flex control – the digital assistance system for the operator – delivers these savings by optimising air supply rather than increasing blower capacity or installing new hardware. Its unique approach includes:
- •True mass-flow measurement enabling precise oxygen dosing
- •Self-optimising control algorithms that adjust to diurnal load patterns
- •Individually optimised zone-by-zone airflow distribution
- •Automated DO control with fast response to sudden load changes.
Pump and valve are the distributor of Binder Group products for ANZ region.
Utilities worldwide report that VACOMASS® typically achieves up to 35 % aeration energy savings•Increased blower efficiency by reducing system pressure•Stabilised effluent TN and NH₄-N•Reduced risk of processing upsets.
Technology offers a fast payback period, making it ideal for capital-constrained utilities. It also supports future automation upgrades and data-driven optimisation programs.
As industry moves towards circular-economy thinking and net-zero pathways, intelligent aeration is set to become a core pillar of sustainable wastewater treatment.
For more information contact:
Australia — Tony Girach of Aeration Control Systems
Email: tony.g@pumpandvalve.com | Phone: 0419257719
New Zealand — Justin Engels of Pump & Valve
Email: justin.e@pumpandvalve.com | Phone: 09 276 9045
