A deteriorating pump station isn’t required to shut down before it causes problems. The pump station might be able of moving stormwater or wastewater every day however, it may struggle when demands are high, require regular maintenance or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. It may still work but the initial layout of the device may not be a reflection of the current situation.
It is vital to recognize this distinction for municipalities, developers and facility owners when preparing improvements to infrastructure.
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The Equipment that Fails is Not the Only Problem
Retrofitting an wastewater lift station must begin with a thorough evaluation of the whole system, not just the pump which is failing. Engineers should assess the wetwell as well as mechanical equipment and electrical components as well as drainage pipes, controls and current requirements for pumping and control systems.
It is crucial to be aware of the condition of your wet well. It is possible, if the structure is sound that it be kept and then replace the outdated equipment. This could reduce the construction costs when compared to building a completely new station. It is important to keep existing infrastructure if the upgrades can be made.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area Changed?
An old wastewater facility could be supplying additional residential, industrial or commercial properties.
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 must evaluate the flow of current and anticipated flows as well as the dynamic head of the equipment the operational reliability, as well the capacity.
It’s not enough to just buy a bigger pump. New equipment has to be compatible with the existing piping system as well as wet wells, control systems, electrical supply etc. If you upgrade one component the problem could be in other areas.
Retrofits to stormwater have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station requires additional considerations as runoff patterns can be affected by rain and nearby development. Stations that service a detention basin could have different flow patterns than those that receive water via storm drains. The amount of runoff that gets to the station is affected by new pavements and parking spaces, or the alteration of drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending a change to an existing stormwater pump station engineers must examine the contributing drainage area. They should also review the anticipated peak flows, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can help determine the extent to which modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station needs greater reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you interrupt service
The way the station functions when it is being renovated is a matter that is frequently left unanswered. Wastewater systems generally cannot be taken offline without arrangements to ensure that flow control is maintained.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps or the installation of a replacement infrastructure with the operating station dependent on the available space and the project requirements.
It is also essential to think ahead about stormwater projects as the system could be required during unexpected rainstorms. A complete engineering plan should include installation sequencing in addition to temporary operations, equipment integration, and commissioning. Not just replacement of the components.
Making the system more user-friendly to use
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering as well as supply and solutions for Stormwater and wastewater Pumping Applications.
Its retrofit approach evaluates the structural, mechanical, electrical and communication components can remain and which require replacement. The company also provides initial plans and estimates for budgets to help owners evaluate project possibilities.
Following installation, startup testing the system, commissioning it, training for operators and operation and maintenance documentation help establish that the newly upgraded station operates in accordance with its specifications. Operators should be able to manage and comprehend the system after a successful rehabilitation project.
Upgrade the System, Not Just Its Age
A pump station that’s older may not have to be completely replaced. Some structures may have years of use left even when their electrical and mechanical equipment requires modernization. It is crucial to know the items that can be preserved safely and economically while ensuring that the station’s finished product is in line with current and future requirements.
Owners can make better investment decisions by looking at the conditions of operation along with structural integrity, hydraulic and demands together.
The aim in upgrading an older station is not just to fix it again. The goal is to ensure that the updated system can take on the new work.