Proportion-Air Helps Power the Fountains of Bellagio

The Fountains of Bellagio are a large, choreographed water display set on the man-made lake in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Spanning 8.5 acres, the fountains combine music, light, and water in stunning displays that run daily. Each show features a unique combination of water choreography, set to a range of musical pieces, from classical to contemporary. The fountain’s jets can shoot water up to 460 feet in the air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

This world-famous water feature is made up of a combination of towering water jets driven by compressed air as well as traditional water pumps. The design and engineering behind the display involve precise calculations, efficient air supply systems, as well as programmable sequencing technology that is highly controlled and responsive.

System Components and Technologies

• Water Jets and Nozzles: The fountains have 1,214 nozzles of four types:
  • Oarsmen – shoot water 77 feet in the air
  • Mini-Shooters – shoot up to 120 feet
  • Super Shooters – shoot up to 220 feet
  • Extreme Shooters – shoot up to 460 feet
• Compressed Air System: Ten Sullair rotary screw compressors power the water shooters and air receivers, which create a mist effect with air pressures up to 510 pounds per square inch (psi).
• Music and Lighting System: The show is pre-programmed with synchronized music selections and underwater lights to illuminate the water at night with over 5,000 575-watt lights.
• Pumps and Pipes: High-powered pumps drive water through an extensive network of pipes.
• Control System: Computerized control system coordinates the choreography of water, light, and music. Controls also adjust the fountains for wind and to keep pedestrians dry.

Water Pumps and Pneumatic Power

For the fountains, engineers designed a self-contained robotic nozzle called an oarsman. It includes a variable-frequency drive, pump, and lights. Powered by water pumps, the oarsmen spin, move smoothly back and forth, and change elevation.

The pneumatically powered shooters are designed to be vertical and stationary. Their assemblies use a receiver for compressed air, a cylindrical holding tank, and control valves. During operation, water from the lake fills the holding tank when the valve opens, and the valve closes once the tank is full. The compressed air travels from the equipment room to the storage receiver where it is stored until activation. When the shooter is activated, a valve opens, forcing compressed air into the holding tank where it expands and sends water shooting out of the tank through a nozzle. The air volume quickly dumps below the volume of water causing different heights of shooting water which is proportional to the pressure of the air tank.

The Role of Proportion-Air

The Bellagio fountain system has been a long-time application project for Proportion-Air. Components in operation today include a mix of current and legacy parts in assemblies. The pilot units are QBS high pressure regulators and QBT series regulators. They even still operate some BB units, a series that was retired more than 10 years ago! The piloted volume booster is a 2-inch R-series legacy part. The proven durability and longevity of Proportion-Air products are key reasons why the Bellagio team has continued to depend on them.

See the application drawing

Proportion-Air products pressurize the three shooters: mini, super and extreme. These products provide a specific pressure to all the shooters based on the controller’s command. The pressure determines the height at which the water is shot.

Proportion-Air Delivers Accurate, Repeatable Performance

Since the Fountains of Bellagio were originally designed in the 1990’s, Proportion-Air has been involved in their operation. The team that manages the fountains has experienced excellent results with both the performance and longevity of our regulator assemblies. This accurate, repeatable performance is what brings joy to millions of Las Vegas visitors every year.

The Proportion-Air team is committed to accurate, repeatable, customizable pressure regulation that extends beyond our products to our customer support. Our team offers live application support with our experts over the phone and in-person visits. Contact us to discuss your project!