It doesn’t take a pump station to cease functioning for it to become a problem. Even though it may move wastewater and stormwater daily however, the pump station could struggle to cope with the demand for water at its peak. It could also require more frequent maintenance. The equipment is functional, but its design may not accurately reflect the environment surrounding it.
Recognizing this difference is important for municipalities, developers and facility operators when planning upgrades to infrastructure.
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The equipment that fails isn’t the sole issue
The retrofit of a water liftstation should begin by looking at the entire system and not just the pump. Engineers must assess the wet well, mechanical components, electrical components, controls, discharge pipe, and the current requirements for pumping.
The state of a wet well is very important. It may be possible, if the structure is sound, to keep it and replace outdated equipment. It can be less expensive to construct an entirely new station than if you were to keep the current one. It is crucial to maintain the existing infrastructure, even if upgrades can be made.
Has the service area changed?
An old wastewater facility could be serving residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
The changes could influence flows and operational demands. A successful rehabilitation of a lift station is more complicated than simply restoring the original specifications for the equipment. Engineers must evaluate future and planned flows as well as the equipment’s capacity and dependability.
The answer may not be one that is bigger. The new equipment must work with the existing piping system Wet wells, wet wells and electric supply, controls and so on. If you make improvements to one part there is a chance that it will cause issues with other parts of the system.
Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. The flow pattern of a station that serves a detention area may differ from one that is receiving water directly through the storm drain. The amount of runoff that gets to the station is affected by new pavements in addition to parking space, or changed drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending a new stormwater station, engineers must analyze the drainage areas contributing to the stormwater system, peak flows expected, available storage capacity along with discharge conditions and the pump’s performance.
These findings can help determine the extent to which modernization of equipment is sufficient or if a station is in need of greater reconstruction.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is often forgotten. It is not possible to remove wastewater systems from operation without arranging for flow management.
Construction may include temporary bypass pumps as well as the installation of replacement infrastructure along with an operating station in accordance with the space available and the requirements of the project.
It is also important to prepare for stormwater projects, as the system might be needed in unexpected rainstorms. A comprehensive engineering plan should include installation sequencing, temporary operations, installation integration, and commissioning. Not just replacement of the components.
Make the Finished System Simpler to Use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and equipment for wastewater and stormwater pumps.
Its retrofit approach evaluates which mechanical, structural electronic, and communications components will remain, and which ones require replacement. The firm provides owners with preliminary designs, budget estimates as well as project options.
After installation, the tests of startup testing, operator training and commissioning are essential to ensure the newly upgraded station is functioning according to the specifications. Rehabilitation projects that are successful should provide operators with an easy-to-maintain system.
Upgrade Your System, Not Only the Age
It’s not required to replace an old pump station. There is a chance that certain structures will be functional for years, even if mechanical and electrical systems require modernization. It is important to know what is safe and cost-effectively retained while making sure the station will meet present and future requirements.
By looking at the overall operational conditions and structural integrity and the construction and hydraulic requirements limitations, the owners are able to make better informed decisions.
It’s not just about trying to make a stale station function again. It’s to make sure the new system is ready to handle the challenges ahead.