It doesn’t take a pump station to cease working for it to become an issue. It might still be able to move the water and wastewater daily however, it struggles during high demand, require more frequent maintenance or rely on controls which are becoming more difficult to manage. It may still work but the initial design of the equipment might not be a reflection of the current situation.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The planning of infrastructure improvements is crucial for city officials, developers, and managers of facilities.
The Equipment that Fails isn’t the sole issue
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must evaluate the wetwell, mechanical equipment and electrical components. They should also think about discharge pipes as well as current pumping needs.
The state of the well is vitally important. If the structure of your wet well is intact it may be possible to replace it with a new equipment while keeping its existing structure. This could reduce the construction costs compared with building an entirely new station. It is essential to maintain the existing infrastructure, even if enhancements can be made.
The area of service has been changed.
A former wastewater plant could serve additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
These modifications could influence the flow rate and demands on operations. A successful rehabilitation of a lift station will require more than just restoring original equipment specifications. Engineers should assess future and planned flows, as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.
A larger pump isn’t automatically the solution. The new equipment should be compatible with the existing pipes as well as electrical power supply and control. If you upgrade one component the problem could be with other parts of the system.
Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.
Retrofitting a station to pump stormwater is not without its own challenges, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall and adjacent development. Stations that are part of detention basins may differ in their flow patterns from those receiving water through storm drains. The amount of runoff that reaches the station can be affected by new pavement as well as increased parking or the alteration of drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgrade to a stormwater pump station engineers should review the drainage area in which they are contributing. They should also consider the expected peak flows in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
The results will help you determine if the station requires to be reconstructed or if modernizing equipment is sufficient.
Design your project before you disrupt service
One frequently overlooked issue is how the existing station will operate during rehabilitation. It is impossible to shut down wastewater systems without making arrangements for the flow management.
Construction could involve installing temporary bypass pumps or the replacement of infrastructure near the station operating.
The system might be required in the event of an unexpected downpour. The engineering plans must include the sequence of installation along with temporary operations, equipment and integration.
Enhance the finished System Easier to Operate
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater and wastewater pumps.
Retrofitting evaluates structural, mechanical electric, and communications components to determine what can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company also offers initial plans and estimates for budgets to help owners analyze project options.
After installation, testing the startup testing, operator training and commissioning are essential to ensure the newly renovated station operates according to the specifications. Operators should be able manage and comprehend the system after a successful rehabilitation project.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not just its age
It’s not necessary to upgrade an old pump station. There is a chance that certain structures will continue to be operational for a long time, even if mechanical and electrical systems need modernization. It is important to determine the things that can be maintained safely and economically, while still making sure that the final product will meet future and current requirements.
Through analyzing the general operating conditions and structural integrity as well as the hydraulic requirements and construction limitations, the owners are able to make better informed decisions.
The purpose of upgrading an old station is not just to fix it again. It’s about ensuring that the new system is able to take on the new work.
