A pump station that is not in good condition doesn’t necessarily need to stop functioning to become a source of concern. The pump station might be able to transport stormwater or wastewater every day but have trouble when demands are high, require more frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are difficult to maintain. The equipment is functional, but its original design may no longer reflect the conditions surrounding it.
For municipalities, developers, and facility operators, acknowledging the differences is a crucial part of planning improvements to infrastructure.
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You should look past the equipment that’s malfunctioning.
A wastewater lift station retrofit should start with an examination of the entire system, not simply the pump experiencing difficulties. Engineers should evaluate the wetwell, the mechanical equipment, as well as electrical parts. They should also look at the discharge pipe and the current needs for pumping.
The condition of a well is vital. It could be possible, in the event that the structure is sturdy to preserve it and upgrade the equipment. Construction costs can be reduced when compared to the construction of a new station. However, retaining existing infrastructure only makes sense to support the proposed improvements.
Has the service area changed?
A water treatment plant built a few years ago may now serve additional homes, commercial buildings or industrial processes.
The changes could influence flows and operational demands. For lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers must assess the potential and current flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and performance.
The solution is not always an increase in the size of the pump. The new equipment has to work with the existing piping, wet well, electric supply and control. If one component is upgraded, this can lead to issues with other components.
Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities
A retrofit of a stormwater pumping station involves additional considerations since runoff patterns can alter dramatically in response to rainfall and the development around. Stations that serve a detention pond may experience different patterns of inflow from those receiving water directly via storm drains. The addition of new pavement, larger parking areas, or altered drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and time of runoff that reaches 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 results will help you determine if your station needs to be rebuilt or if modernizing equipment is sufficient.
Design your project before you cut off service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is often forgotten. It is not possible to stop the wastewater system without making arrangements for the flow management.
Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps or even replacing the infrastructure surrounding the station operating.
It is important to plan ahead for stormwater-related projects because the system might be needed in the event of a sudden rainstorm. A plan for engineering that is comprehensive must include installation sequencing, temporary operation, equipment integration and commissioning, not just replacement components.
Help to Make the System Easier to Operate
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering supplies and solutions for Stormwater and Wastewater Pumping Applications.
Retrofitting is a method that evaluates structural, mechanical, electronic, and communication components to determine what can be left and which needs to be replaced. The company gives owners preliminaries plans and estimates of budgets to assist them in evaluating their possible options for the project.
After installation, testing the startup the system, commissioning it, training for operators and maintenance documentation help establish that the new station is operating according to its design requirements. A successful rehabilitation effort should leave operators with a system they are able to manage and comprehend.
Upgrade your system, not just its age
It’s not necessary to replace an older pump station. Some structures may have years of useful service remaining, even if their electrical and mechanical equipment requires modernization. The key is to identify the elements that can be efficiently retained while ensuring the station can meet current and future demands.
When examining operating conditions the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction restrictions together owners can make informed investment choices.
It’s more than just getting the old station operational. The objective is to ensure that the upgraded system can cope with the new demands.