RunEco Turbo Blowers for Paper Machine Vacuum Systems

The Turbo Blowers of the EP series are the first variable speed and variable capacity turbo blowers available. They offer a completely water-free vacuum solution with significant heat recovery potential for paper, board and tissue machines.

Turbo blowers are designed to operate efficiently across a wide range of vacuum levels and air flows. It allows paper mills to optimize vacuum levels whilst taking advantage of the higher efficiency a blower has over a traditional liquid ring pump device. High speed motors, driven by frequency converters, allow a typical turbo blower to provide paper machine vacuum levels between 30 and 70 kPa. A wider range of impeller designs allows highly efficient levels across the operating range. This means that the amount and the usage of throttling valves can be reduced to a minimum. The result is energy savings of 30 to 70% when compared with traditional vacuum systems.

Variable speed and capacity allow the vacuum system to be optimized quickly without bleed air and with minimal throttling and expansion losses. With integrated high-speed motor controlled by a frequency converter, rotation speed and vacuum level can be adjusted according to the process requirements.

Read more about how to optimize a paper machine with EP Turbo Blowers

Switching to EP Turbo Blowers is a game-changer in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency, a key feature of the solution, comes from both turbo technology itself, and the ability to measure water removal with EcoFlows and adjust the vacuum to the optimal level.

EP Turbo Blower offers several benefits, including impellers fitted on motor shafts without the need for a gearbox, fast and straightforward maintenance, energy recovery through a heat exchanger on the exhaust line, a compact and lightweight design that is easy to install in rebuild projects, and the ability to install it step by step with minimal shutdown time. Units can be installed directly on top of the concrete water separator, basement or machine level.

Energy Efficiency: Variable speed and capacity turbo blower saves energy, contributing to lower operational costs and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Sustainability: Water-free operation supports eco-friendly papermaking and minimizes environmental impact.
Smart Optimization: Compatible with EcoFlow dewatering meters for real-time vacuum control and process efficiency.
Compact Design: Fast and easy installation with only two bearings required.
Wide air capacity range eliminates bleed valves
Heat recovery potential: Exhaust air temperature up to 190 °C (370 °F)
Corrosion-free materials:
- Impeller material: Special alloy steel / titanium
- Blower body: Coated mild steel

Single and two-stage turbo blowers are of the generic centrifugal compressor type. Air enters a centrifugal fan impeller axially then passes through the impeller radially. Air is collected in the volute casing and discharged at a right angle to the inlet flow. As the impeller rotates, the air contained within the blade passage is forced outwards by centrifugal force. This process produces a continuous flow through the impeller.

Specifically, there are three stages to the pressure development through a centrifugal blower. First, air is forced through the impeller in a radial direction due to the centrifugal force. As the radius of the impeller increases the magnitude of the centrifugal force increases thus creating a pressure gradient i.e. an increase in the static pressure. Secondly, as the outlet area of the blade passage is larger than the inlet area the blade passage acts as a diffuser. The relative velocity decreases as the air flows through the blade passage leading to an additional increase in the static pressure at the impeller outlet. Finally, the motion of the blades adds rotational momentum to the flow increasing the tangential velocity of the air flow. The increase of the absolute velocity towards the end of the blade section in turn, increases the kinetic energy and dynamic pressure across the impeller.

RunEco EP600 Turbo Blower

EP600 Turbo vacuum blower is a single or two-stage speed-controlled blower designed for large paper machines and both greenfield and retrofit installations. In greenfield installations, where vacuum needs often become clear only after startup, EP Turbo Blowers provide unparalleled flexibility and deliver reliability and cost-effectiveness that paper manufacturers can count on.

Adjustable vacuum level: max 72 kPa (21 inHg). Automatic speed control adapts to changes in machine speed, basis weight and felt age
600 kW / 800 hp high-speed drive
Ceramic ball bearings

RunEco EP650 Turbo Blower

Runtech Systems expands its RunEco product line with the EP650 AMB, a next-generation turbo blower designed for paper machine vacuum systems. This innovative model features active magnetic bearings (AMB), offering a frictionless, oil-free operation that enhances reliability and reduces maintenance needs.

Adjustable vacuum level: max 72 kPa (21 inHg). Automatic speed control adapts to changes in machine speed, basis weight and felt age
600 kW / 800 hp high-speed drive
Active Magnetic Bearings: No physical contact between moving parts, eliminating oil leakage and wear. Magnetic bearings reduce mechanical wear and eliminate the need for water-related equipment.
Shroudless Impellers: Forged from a single steel alloy piece for maximum strength and precision.
Wire-to-Air Efficiency: Exceeds 60% across a wide operating range, peaking over 70%.

Runtech has implemented active magnetic bearings in the RunEco EP1000 at a paper mill in Türkiye:

RunEco EP1000 thrives with active magnetic bearings

RunEco EP350 Turbo Blower

RunEco EP350 is designed for smaller air flows especially in vacuum system rebuild projects. It is an ideal solution for small to medium paper machines and helps avoid oversized vacuum systems that overuse energy.

EP Turbo Blowers are quick and easy to install: they can be installed even with the paper machine running to avoid downtime.

Adjustable vacuum level: max 60 kPa (21 inHg). Automatic speed control adapts to changes in machine speed, basis weight and felt age
350 kW / 470 hp high-speed drive
Ceramic ball bearings
Impeller material: Special alloy steel

RunEco: Advanced Vacuum Blower Systems

For comprehensive energy saving and vacuum system optimization

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Maximize Efficiency with Paper Machine Save-Alls | Runtech

Well-designed and built Save-Alls are essential to get the full benefits from increased dewatering and ensure efficient water discharge with perfect rewet prevention.

Paper Machine Water Separator | Vacuum for Pulp & Paper

EcoDrop Water Separator is a very essential part of the RunEco solution together with EP Turbo Blowers.

Advanced Dewatering Solutions - Paper Machines | Runtech

EcoFlow Dewatering Measurement System is a very essential part of the RunEco solution together with EP Turbo Blowers.

Vacuum System Audit | Runtech Solutions for Pulp & Paper

A tool to analyze the vacuum system and sheet dewatering effectiveness and to illustrate options to reduce operational costs.

PAPER MACHINE MAINTENANCE & SPARE PARTS

We offer tailored service and maintenance contracts according to your requirements. Fast and reliable spare part delivery for all our solutions.

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Turbo Blowers

Key Features & Benefits

Operation Principle

EP600 Turbo Blower