Pumping system reduces energy use at Sardinian sewage treatment plant

Global water technology company Xylem has announced that its Flygt Experior system has reduced energy consumption and operating costs at a municipal water treatment plant in Cagliari, on the island of Sardinia, by 35%.

The treatment plant, which is located in the industrial area of Macchiareddu outside Cagliari, provides drinking water as well as water for industrial and irrigation purposes in the region. It is operated by Tecnocasic, a collaboration led by CACIP (The Industrial Consortium of the Province of Cagliari). The Sardinian ecosystem is fragile, with minimal rainfall and the protected Santa Gilla lagoon - a nesting area for pink flamingos - located near the water treatment plant.

The Flygt Experior system, including the Flygt SmartRun control and Flygt N-technology, was installed at one of the sewage pumping stations at the treatment plant to provide cost-effective, high-quality water treatment with minimal environmental impact. Average energy consumption at the pumping station fell from 191 to 125 kWh per day, delivering an annual saving of approximately €4500.

“The increased efficiency and significant energy and cost savings at this Sardinian treatment facility is the latest example of Xylem’s innovative approach to meeting our customers’ needs,” said Tomas Brannemo, vice president for Xylem’s transport business unit. “Our Flygt Experior pumping system features automated monitoring and control that requires minimal intervention by Tecnocasic personnel, saving time and money. Our customers are concerned with quality, cost, sustainability, reliability and convenience - and we are pleased to have delivered on all of those requirements.”

The product utilises high-performing hydraulics, efficiency motors and intelligent controls to deliver a reliable, efficient and simple system. The automated controls adjust the speed of the pump in response to real-time requirements, ensuring the lowest energy consumption per cubic metre of pumped liquid.

“We were looking for a partner that could provide us with quality water transport solutions that would have minimal impact on the delicate local ecosystem, yet deliver significant operations and cost savings,” said Claudio Fantera, Head of Water at Tecnocasic. “Xylem’s Flygt Experior was the most sustainable, cost-effective solution to help us meet our goal of providing clean and safe water to the people of Cagliari.”