Runtech Systems supplies RunEco Vacuum System to Rondo Ganahl in Austria
Runtech delivered a RunEco Vacuum System to the paper mill of Rondo Ganahl Aktiengesellschaft in Frastanz, Austria. The scope of supply included an EP600 Turbo Blower equipped with an EcoDrop Water Separator. In addition, the EcoFlow Dewatering Measurement System, featuring eight measurement points, was installed to provide precise real-time data on dewatering performance, supporting the correct adjustment of vacuum levels and the optimization of energy consumption.
Thomas Ogermann, Operations Manager at the Rondo paper mill, explained the rationale behind the investment: “We’ve put a lot of effort into the comparison between the vacuum systems on the market. There’s very limited space available for the integration of the new vacuum system into the existing paper mill. We decided to go for Runtech because of the very compact design and the complete scope of delivery, which reduces the number of interfaces for us. This gives us the possibility to perform the replacement of the existing liquid-ring pumps with the RunEco Vacuum System within a very short, planned maintenance stop.”
Benjamin Jentzsch, Project Manager, added: “Runtech’s project management and execution were professional, and all milestones were met on time. As we are dependent on a single turbo blower, it was very important that Runtech put a lot of effort into thorough testing during installation and commissioning before we made the final connection to the existing vacuum system. Thus, we were able to re-start after the planned maintenance stop without any delays or technical issues.”
Prior to installing the Turbo Blower system, EcoFlow measurements were carried out to analyze the existing dewatering process. At this preliminary stage, additional water savings were already identified thanks to improved management of various water flows. The new vacuum solution was installed in parallel with the operating paper machine and required only a limited footprint. From the outset, vacuum levels were optimized, and the system has been operating with power consumption significantly below the guaranteed figures.
“Our variable-speed-controlled turbo blower allows the machine operator to select vacuum levels based on the actual need. With Rondo we gain another customer who is ready to challenge the ‘status quo’ regarding their current vacuum system operation. Reference visits to three nearby mills convinced the customer to go ahead with our state-of-the-art technology. The FAT test was successfully completed in Finland, with full communication in German due to the involvement of a German project manager, local partner Flowtec, and a German sales manager. The audit took place in January 2025, and the start-up followed on November 14, 2025, achieving an impressive timeline of just 10 months from idea to operation,” stated Jelle Schuivens, Sales Manager at Runtech Systems.
The transition to EP Turbo Blowers represents a significant step forward in energy efficiency for paper machine vacuum systems. The variable-speed functionality enables continuous and precise optimization, allowing the vacuum system to be fine-tuned beyond the operational performance of conventional technologies.
By integrating advanced blowers with high-speed motors controlled by frequency converters, EP technology ensures accurate regulation of rotational speed and vacuum levels, aligning performance with the specific requirements of the papermaking process. The EP Turbo Blowers are engineered for rapid responsiveness, eliminating the inefficiencies associated with throttling and minimizing air losses.
About Rondo Ganahl Aktiengesellschaft
Rondo Ganahl Aktiengesellschaft is an Austrian family-owned company with origins dating back to 1797. Its core activities focus on the production of corrugated board packaging, corrugated case material and the collection of paper and packaging for recycling. The Rondo paper mill in Frastanz, Vorarlberg, approximately 1.5 hours west of Zurich, produces around 135,000 tonnes per year of high-quality testliner grades (white and brown) made entirely from 100% recovered paper.
