It doesn’t take a pump station to cease functioning for it to become an issue. It can still transfer water or wastewater every day but struggle to meet peak demand, require increasingly frequent maintenance, or rely on controls that are becoming difficult to manage. It may still work, but the original design of the equipment might not be in line with current needs.
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The need to plan infrastructure improvements is vital for city officials, developers and managers of facilities.
You need to look beyond the equipment malfunctioning.
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should assess the wetwell as well as mechanical equipment as well electrical components, controls, drainage piping as well as current pumping requirements and control systems.
The condition of a well is crucial. It may be possible, if the structure is sound to preserve it and replace outdated equipment. This may reduce the need for construction in comparison to building a new station. It is important to keep existing infrastructure in case improvements can be made.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area Modified?
The wastewater plant that was constructed a few years ago is now able to be used to serve increasing numbers of homes, businesses and industrial operations.
These changes can alter the flow rate and demands on operations. The successful rehabilitation of a lift facility requires more than restoring the original specifications for the equipment. Engineers must evaluate the flow of current and anticipated flows in the system, the dynamic head of the equipment as well as operational reliability and the capacity.
It’s more than enough to purchase a larger pump. The new equipment should work with existing pipes, wet well, electric supply and control. In the event that one component is improved, it can cause issues elsewhere.
Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities
A stormwater pump station retrofit adds more considerations as runoff is subject to change with rainfall and surrounding development. Stations that are part of a detention basin could differ in their flow patterns from those that get water from storm drains. The changes in drainage infrastructure like new pavement or expanded parking lots, may affect the frequency and quantity of water that is able to reach the station.
Before recommending a change to a stormwater pumping station, engineers should examine the contributing drainage area. They should also examine the expected peak flows in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
The information will help determine if the station needs to be reconstructed, or whether modernizing the equipment is enough.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operations of the station in rehabilitation is often ignored. The general rule is that wastewater systems cannot be removed without a proper plan to manage flow.
Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps or the replacement of infrastructure near the station operating.
It is also essential to prepare for stormwater projects as the system may be needed in the event of a sudden rainstorm. The engineering plans must include the sequence of installation, temporary operations and equipment integration.
The completed System is much easier to use
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering, supply and solutions for wastewater and Stormwater Pumping Applications.
Retrofitting is a method that evaluates structural, mechanical electrical, and communications components to determine which can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, budget estimates and options for projects.
After installation, the testing of startup and commissioning, as well as operator training, and operation and maintenance records help to ensure that the new station is operating as per its specifications. Operators should be able to keep the station operating and comprehend it after a successful rehabilitation.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not just its age
It’s not necessary to upgrade an old pump station. Some structures may have years of useful service remaining, even when their electrical and mechanical equipment needs modernization. It is crucial to decide what can be kept safely and cost-effectively, while making sure that the final product is compatible with future and current requirements.
In assessing the overall structure and operating conditions along with the construction requirements and hydraulic constraints, owners can to make better informed decisions.
It’s not about just making an old station operational again. The goal is to ensure that the new system is able to take on the new work.