A pump station that is old doesn’t need to stop working in order for it become a concern. Although it could transfer stormwater and wastewater every day, the pump station might be unable to meet peak demand. It may also require more regular maintenance. It might still function, but the original model of the equipment may not reflect current conditions.
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Recognizing this difference is important for developers, municipalities and facility owners when preparing improvements to infrastructure.
You need to look beyond the equipment that’s failing
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers need to evaluate the water well, the mechanical equipment, electrical components, controls, discharge piping, and current pumping requirements.
It is crucial to pay attention to the condition of your wet well. If the structure is sound, it may be feasible to keep it in place in the process of replacing old equipment. Construction costs can be reduced in comparison to building a new station. It is important to keep the existing infrastructure, even if upgrades can be made.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area been changed?
An old wastewater treatment plant may be supplying additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
These changes can affect the rate of flow and operational needs. In order for lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to restore the original specifications. Engineers must assess the potential and current flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.
The solution is not always an increase in the size of the pump. The new machine must be compatible with existing piping, electrical supply and controls. Otherwise, improving one component can create problems elsewhere.
Priorities for stormwater retrofits are different
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station brings additional concerns because runoff patterns can alter dramatically in response to rainfall and the development around. A station that serves the detention pond could experience distinct inflow patterns compared to one that receives water through storm drains. The quantity of runoff that enters the station could be affected by new pavement and parking spaces, or changed drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgrade to a stormwater pumping station engineers should review the drainage area in which they are contributing. They should also examine the potential peak flows, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can be used to determine whether the modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station requires more substantial reconstruction.
Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The most often overlooked concern is how the station will be operating during rehabilitation. The general rule is that wastewater systems cannot be removed without a proper plan for flow management.
Depending on the available space and project requirements, construction may involve temporary bypass pumps or the installation of replacement infrastructure alongside the operating station.
The system may be needed during an unexpected downpour. A comprehensive engineering plan thorough should include the sequencing of installation, temporary operation installation, equipment integration and commissioning not only replacement parts.
Enhance the finished System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering supplies and solutions for Stormwater and wastewater Pumping Applications.
The retrofit process evaluates which mechanical, structural electronic, and communications components are able to remain in place and which need replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary plans and estimates for budgets for them to evaluate their alternatives for their projects.
After installation, startup testing and commissioning takes place after which operator training and documentation. The successful rehabilitation process will leave the operators with a system they can manage and comprehend.
Upgrade Your System and Not Limit Its Upgrades to it’s Age
A pump station that is older isn’t a guarantee for replacement. It’s possible that structures will be operational for a long time, even if mechanical and electrical systems need modernization. It is important to determine what is safe and economically, while making sure that the final product is compatible with future and current requirements.
Through analyzing the general working conditions and structural integrity and the construction and hydraulic requirements constraints, owners are able to make better-informed decisions.
The goal of upgrading an old station is not to just make it function again. To make sure that the station is prepared for future projects it’s essential to improve the station.