Runtech’s energy efficient vacuum revolution, Anna-Riina Ahonen, Marketing Manager, Runtech Systems

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Efficient Runtech’s Efficient EnergyVacuum Revolution
Anna-Riina Ahonen, Marketing Manager, Runtech Systems
INTRODUCTION:
At the core of the RunEco Vacuum System, Runtech’s EP Series Turbo Blowers have been pivotal in driving energy efficiency in
paper mills for two decades. Continual advancements in EP Turbo Blower technology reflect Runtech’s dedication to delivering products
that are both operationally superior and environmentally beneficial. The year 2025 marks the arrival of groundbreaking new models in the
market.landmark moments, the evolution of the pulp and paper industry is occurring right before our eyes.
Figure 1: Graph showing the development of turbo blower installations. According to the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, the
best available technique (BAT) should be used in paper machine vacuum systems. BAT includes features such as no sealing
water, automatic speed control, speed-controlled vacuum blowers, and recuperation of the exhaust air heat energy – all features of
RunEco Vacuum System with EP Turbo Blowers.
The inclusion of EP Turbo Blowers into Runtech’s offerings
came with the acquisition of Ecopump Oy in 2008. This strategic
move quickly paid dividends, securing a robust position for EP
Turbo Blowers in the industry. Today, Runtech stands as a leader
committed to relentless innovation and excellence. A milestone
was achieved in September when the Kotka factory celebrated
the production of the 1000th EP Turbo Blower, underscoring the
company’s dedication to energy conservation, carbon footprint
reduction, and sustainable water management.
Paper producers and nations worldwide are increasingly
setting ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.
Runtech’s technologies are instrumental in aiding these entities to
fullfil their environmental commitments. The company’s solutions
are aligned with global efforts to transition to a more sustainable
industrial future.
The Best Available Techniques (BAT)
The European Commission’s BAT Reference Document for
the Production of Pulp, Paper, and Board is a comprehensive guide
on the industry’s processes and technologies. It covers a breadth of
topics, with a focus on dewatering, vacuum systems, and vacuum
blowers.
The document outlines the environmental benefits and
operational performance of energy-efficient vacuum systems,
noting savings of 20 – 45% in electrical power and the elimination
of sealing water requirements. These systems are lauded for their
automatic speed control, which accommodates shifts in speed,
grammage, and felt age. Modern vacuum blowers enhance machine
flexibility by enabling adjustments to vacuum levels, thereby
optimizing runnability.
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