It’s not hard for a pump station’s stoppage in functioning for it to become a problem. Even though it may move wastewater and stormwater daily however, the pump station could struggle to meet peak demand. It may also require more frequent maintenance. Although the equipment is still operating however, the design it was originally designed for may no longer be appropriate for today’s conditions.
Planning infrastructure improvements is critical for city officials, developers and operators of facilities.
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The Equipment that is failing isn’t the only problem
The retrofitting process of a wastewater lift station should start by evaluating the entire system, not only the pump. Engineers should evaluate the wetwell as well as mechanical and electrical components. They must also take into consideration discharge pipes as well as current pumping needs.
The condition of the wet well is crucial. If its structure is in good condition it might be possible to retain it while replacing outdated equipment. It may be cheaper to build a new station than if you decided to preserve the existing one. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worthwhile for if it can support the changes being planned.
Has the service area changed?
The water treatment plant constructed many years ago can be used to service increasing numbers of homes, businesses and industrial operations.
These modifications could affect the flow rate and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore needs more than restoring original specifications for the equipment. Engineers must assess the expected and current flows and the overall dynamic head of equipment operating reliability, as well as the capacity.
It’s not enough to simply buy a larger pump. The new pump must be compatible with the existing piping, electrical supply and controls. If you upgrade one component there is a chance that it will cause issues with other parts of the system.
Priorities for stormwater retrofits to be different
Retrofitting a station to pump stormwater has additional concerns, since the runoff patterns are affected by rainfall and adjacent development. Stations serving detention basins may have different patterns of inflow than those that get water from storm drains. A new asphalt surface, increased parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure can also change the amount and timing of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending a stormwater station upgrade, engineers should review the contributing drainage area, expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions, and existing pump performance.
The data will allow you to determine if the station requires to be reconstructed or if the modernization of equipment is enough.
Design your project before you disrupt service
What the station’s capabilities will be when it is being renovated is a matter that is frequently left unanswered. The general rule is that wastewater systems can’t be shut down without a plan to control flow.
Construction may include installing temporary bypass pumps or the replacement of infrastructure near the station operating.
The stormwater project also requires a careful planning since the system might require maintenance during rain events that are unexpected. The engineering plan must include the sequence of installation along with temporary operations, equipment and integration.
Create the Final System Simpler to Use
Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites supply and solutions for wastewater and Stormwater Pumping Applications.
The retrofit strategy will determine which electrical, structural mechanical and communications components should be kept and which components require replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and project alternatives.
Following installation, tests for startup and commissioning are conducted after which operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation program will leave the operators with a system they can manage and comprehend.
Upgrade the System, Not Only Its Age
An older pump station isn’t always a good candidate for a complete overhaul. It’s possible that structures will continue to be operational for a long time, even if the mechanical or electrical systems need modernization. The most important thing is to figure out what can be safely and effectively preserved while ensuring the station will meet present and future needs.
Owners are able to make better investment choices by examining the operating conditions along with structural integrity, hydraulic and requirements together.
It’s not about just making an old station functional again. To ensure the system is prepared for future projects it is essential to modernize the station.