A deteriorating pump station doesn’t have to stop working before it’s in trouble. It could still transport wastewater or stormwater every day and yet be unable to cope with periods of high demand, need frequent maintenance or rely on controls that are becoming difficult to maintain. The equipment functions, however its original design might not reflect the current conditions surrounding it.
Recognizing this difference is important for the municipalities, developers and facility owners when preparing upgrades to infrastructure.
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It is important to look beyond the equipment that is not working properly.
A retrofit of a wastewater pump station should begin with an assessment of the entire system not just the pump which is experiencing problems. Engineers should evaluate the wetwell, mechanical equipment, and electrical parts. They should also think about the discharge pipe and the current needs for pumping.
The condition of a well is vital. If its structure is in good condition and in good condition, it could be feasible to keep it in place while replacing outdated equipment. The construction costs could be lower when compared to the construction of a new station. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial for if it can support the improvements being proposed.
Has the Service Area Modified?
A wastewater facility that was constructed many years ago can now provide other commercial or residential properties, homes, or industrial operations.
These modifications can influence flows and operational demands. The rehabilitation of lift stations requires more than just restoring the original specifications of the equipment. Engineers must evaluate the flow rate and anticipated, the total dynamic head of equipment, operational reliability, and the capacity.
The solution is not always to get a larger pump. New equipment needs to work with the existing piping system as well as wet wells, electrical supply, controls and so on. If you upgrade one component, it can cause problems with other parts of the system.
The criteria for stormwater retrofits for priority are different
Retrofitting a pump station for stormwater is not without its own challenges, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall and adjacent development. The flow pattern of an area that has a detention area may differ from one that is receiving water directly through the storm drain. New pavements, expanded parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and timing of runoff entering 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.
These results help determine if equipment modernization will be sufficient or if the station is in need of more substantial reconstruction.
Design your project before you interrupt service
A common issue that is not addressed is how the current station will operate during rehabilitation. The wastewater system is generally not removed without a plan for continuous flow management.
Based on the available space and project needs Construction may require temporary bypass pumping or installing an alternative infrastructure along the existing station.
The stormwater project also requires careful scheduling as the system might be required during unplanned rain. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should be able to address installation sequence the temporary operation, installation integration, and commissioning, not just the replacement of the components.
The completed System is simpler to operate
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater pumps and wastewater.
Retrofitting is a process that evaluates structural, mechanical, electrical, and communications components to determine which can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company also offers preliminary plans and estimates for budgets to help owners evaluate project possibilities.
After installation, testing for startup and commissioning will be conducted and then followed by training for operators and documentation. Operators should be able maintain and understand the system following the successful rehabilitation.
Improve the System, Not Only Its Age
A pump station that is older might not need to be completely replaced. Even if their electrical and mechanical equipment is old certain structures could be beneficial for years to come. It is important to determine what is safe and economically, while still ensuring that the station’s finished product meets current and future needs.
By looking at the overall structure and operating conditions along with the hydraulic requirements and construction restrictions, owners are able to make more informed choices.
The goal of upgrading an old system is not to simply make it work again. It’s to make sure the upgraded system is prepared for the work ahead.