One of Asia's largest wastewater treatment plants exceeds environmental requirements: Shanghai Zhuyuan
Shanghai sets new standards in wastewater treatment
The city of Shanghai is setting new standards in wastewater treatment with the fourth phase of the expansion of Zhuyuan wastewater treatment plant. With a planned capacity of 1.2 million cubic metres per day, the total capacity increases to 3.4 million cubic metres per day, making it one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in Asia. This plant serves around 6 million people and supports the sustainable development of Shanghai city by improving water quality and reducing ecological pressures.
A project that goes beyond standards
In view of steadily increasing water consumption and strict environmental regulations, Shanghai was forced to modernise its existing infrastructure and improve wastewater treatment. The goal was a highly efficient and environmentally friendly solution that goes far beyond existing requirements and offers future-proof sustainability.
Efficient solution through innovative technology
Wilo significantly contributes to the success of the project and supplies 144 Wilo-EMU TR mixers, which impress with their efficiency and reliability. They are used specifically in various treatment stages to optimise the efficiency of the processes through effective mixing. The submersible mixers from Wilo are characterised by their durability and low maintenance requirements, which ensures a high level of operational stability. In addition, the optimised blade geometry and the highly efficient motors deliver a particularly high thrust per power and are therefore particularly efficient. By using Wilo technology, energy consumption and operating costs can be significantly reduced, which ensures the long-term profitability of the system.
Technological advantages through digitalisation
To ensure the best possible integration and performance of the submersible mixers, Wilo's engineering team relied on state-of-the-art digital methods. With the help of BIM models and CFD simulations, the devices were optimally integrated into the digital management system of the wastewater treatment plant during the planning phase and tested before installation. This precise planning enabled high efficiency from the start of operations and ensured seamless project implementation, even under the difficult conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive wastewater and energy process
The fourth expansion stage of Zhuyuan wastewater treatment plant uses a complex combination of processes for optimal results. This includes a classic biological treatment stage along with disinfection and filtration stages using UV light or activated carbon. Innovative sludge management involves drying the sludge for co-incineration in nearby power plants, using waste heat to increase efficiency. The photovoltaic system, which was connected to the network in 2022, complements the sustainability strategy by generating over 830 million kWh annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 3,500 tons.
Exemplary symbiosis of technology and environmental awareness
The fourth expansion stage of Zhuyuan wastewater treatment plant is a flagship of sustainable infrastructure projects that combine technological excellence and environmental awareness. The use of modern pump technologies and digital solutions from Wilo not only significantly ensures compliance with strict environmental standards in this project, but also exceeds them. With this wastewater treatment plant, which is equipped with Wilo's submersible mixers, Shanghai is actively contributing to environmental protection and sustainable urban development. This leads to an increase in the quality of life of the population in the long term.
Technical data and installed products
Project period: January 2021 to October 2023
Number of products installed: 144 submersible mixers
Pump types:
· 48 x Wilo-EMU TR221.59-4/12
· 96 x Wilo-EMU TR221.53-4/8
Plant capacity: 1.2 million cubic metres per day
Total project value: 6 million Yuan
Photovoltaic extension:
· 7.1 MW, annual electricity generation of over 830 million kWh
· Saving 6,900 tons of standard coal per year
· Reduction of CO2 emissions by 3,500 tons per year