A pump station that’s not in good condition doesn’t necessarily need to stop functioning in order to become a source of concern. The pump station might be able to move wastewater or stormwater every day but have trouble when demand is high. It may require more frequent maintenance or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. The equipment operates, but its original design may not be able to reflect the changing conditions around it.
The need to plan infrastructure improvements is vital for municipal officials, developers, and the operators of facilities.
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It is important to look beyond the equipment that’s failing
The retrofitting of a wastewater lift station should start by evaluating the entire system, and not just the pump. Engineers must examine the wetwell, mechanical equipment and electrical components. They must also take into consideration discharge pipes as well as current requirements for pumping.
It is essential to observe the state of the wet well. If its structure is solid it is feasible to keep it in place while replacing outdated equipment. It’s less expensive to construct the new station than you decided to preserve the existing one. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worthwhile as long as it helps the proposed improvements.
Did the area of service change?
An old wastewater station may serve additional residential, industrial or commercial properties.
The changes could alter flow rates and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers have to assess the expected and current flows, the total dynamic head of equipment, operational reliability, and the capacity.
A bigger pump isn’t necessarily the solution. New equipment should work with the existing piping system Wet wells, wet wells and electrical supply, controls, etc. If not, enhancing one part can cause issues elsewhere.
Stormwater retrofits have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pumping station is not without its own challenges, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. The flow pattern of the station that is serving an area for detention could be different from if it gets water directly from the storm drain. The addition of new pavement, larger parking areas, or an altered drainage infrastructure could alter the quantity and frequency of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending an upgrade to a stormwater pumping station engineers should review the drainage area of the pump station. They should also examine peak flows expected as well as storage capacity and discharge conditions.
The results of these studies can help decide whether modernization of equipment is sufficient or if a facility requires more extensive reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you interrupt service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is frequently neglected. In general, wastewater systems can’t be closed without a plan for flow management.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps as well as the construction of a new infrastructure with an operating station dependent on the available space and the specific requirements of the project.
The system might be required in the event of an unexpected downpour. A comprehensive engineering plan should include installation sequencing and temporary operations, as well as the integration of equipment, and commissioning, not just the replacement parts.
The Finished System is much easier to use
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for stormwater and wastewater pumping applications.
Retrofitting is a method that evaluates structural, mechanical, electric, and communications components to determine which are best left and which needs to be replaced. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, budget estimates and project options.
Following installation, startup testing Commissioning, operator training as well as operation and maintenance documents help ensure that the upgraded station performs according to its design requirements. The successful rehabilitation process should leave operators with a system that they can maintain and understand.
Improve the System, Not Just Its Age
A pump station that is older doesn’t mean it’s a perfect candidate for replacement. It is possible that some structures will continue to be functional for many years, even if the mechanical or electrical systems need modernization. The most important thing is to figure out what can be safe and efficiently retained while ensuring the station is able to meet current and future requirements.
Owners can make better investment decisions by examining the operational conditions as well as structural integrity and hydraulic requirements in conjunction.
The purpose of upgrading an old station isn’t just to fix it again. The aim is to make sure that the newly upgraded system can be able to handle the work that is coming up.