A pump station that’s old shouldn’t be forced to cease functioning in order to become a source of concern. The pump station may be able to handle the flow of stormwater or wastewater every day but have trouble when demand is high, need more frequent maintenance or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. The equipment operates, but its original design may no longer reflect the conditions around it.
Recognizing this difference is important for the municipalities, developers and facility managers when planning improvements to infrastructure.
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It is important to look beyond the equipment that’s inoperable
The retrofitting of a wastewater liftstation must begin by evaluating the entire system, and not just the pump. Engineers need to evaluate the water well, mechanical components, electrical components, controls, discharge piping as well as the current needs for pumping.
It is important to be aware of the condition of your wet well. If the structure of the wet well is intact it may be possible to change it out with a new equipment while keeping the existing structure. The construction costs could be lower in comparison to building a new station. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial if it supports the improvements being proposed.
Has the Service Area Modified?
A former wastewater plant could be supplying additional houses, industrial buildings, or commercial buildings.
These changes may affect the rate of flow and operational needs. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers should evaluate the current and anticipated flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.
It’s not enough just to buy a bigger pump. The new equipment should work alongside existing piping systems, wet well, electric supply and control. If you upgrade one component you can create problems in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
A retrofit of a stormwater pumping station brings additional concerns because runoff can change dramatically in response to rainfall and the development around. The pattern of inflow at an area that has a detention area may be different than if it receives water directly through the storm drain. New pavements, expanded parking areas or alterations to drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and timing of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending a stormwater station upgrade, engineers should look at the drainage area that is contributing to the project and the expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions and current pump performance.
These results can help determine the extent to which modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station needs greater reconstruction.
Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The most often overlooked concern is how the current station will function during rehabilitation. The general rule is that wastewater systems cannot be shut down without a strategy for flow management.
The construction process may involve the installation of temporary bypass pumps or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operating station.
The stormwater project also requires careful scheduling as the system might be required during unplanned rain. The engineering plan must include the installation sequence as well as temporary operations and equipment integration.
The final System is easier to Operate
Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites as well as supply and solutions for Stormwater and wastewater Pumping Applications.
The retrofit approach will determine which electrical, structural mechanical, communication and structural components are to be retained and which require replacement. The company gives owners initial plans and estimates for budgets to assist them in evaluating their alternatives for their projects.
Following installation, tests for startup the commissioning process, as well as training for operators are important to ensure that the upgraded station is performing according to the specifications. Operators need to be able maintain and understand the system following the successful rehabilitation.
Upgrade your system, not only the system that is old
It’s not necessary to replace an old pump station. Even if their electrical or mechanical equipment is outdated there are some structures that can be beneficial for years to come. It is essential to identify what can be kept safely and economically, while still making sure the finished product is in line with current and future demands.
Owners are able to make better investment choices by reviewing the operational conditions including structural integrity, structural integrity and hydraulic needs together.
The purpose in upgrading an older station isn’t to just make it function again. It’s about ensuring that the newly upgraded system can be able to handle the work that is coming up.