A pump station that is old shouldn’t be forced to cease working in order for it become a cause for concern. The pump station may be able to transport water or wastewater daily but have trouble when demand is high, require regular maintenance or rely on controls that are difficult to maintain. While the equipment remains in use the original design may not be suited to the current climate.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Developers, municipalities, and facility operators, acknowledging the distinction is an important part of planning improvements to infrastructure.
The Equipment that is failing isn’t the only issue
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should assess the wetwell and mechanical equipment as well as electrical components, controls, drainage piping as well as the current requirements for pumping and control systems.
The condition of a wet well is crucial. If the structure of the well is in good shape it may be possible to replace it with a new equipment while maintaining its existing structure. This will reduce the amount of construction needed when compared to building a completely new station. It is essential to preserve existing infrastructure if the upgrades can be made.
The service area has changed.
The wastewater station that was constructed a few years ago is now able to be used to provide services to more homes, businesses, and industrial activities.
These modifications could affect the operating requirements and flow rates. The successful rehabilitation of a lift facility is more complicated than simply restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must evaluate flow rates and expected flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and dependability.
It’s not enough to just buy a larger pump. The new machine must be compatible with the existing piping along with electrical and mechanical supply as well as controls. In the event that one component is improved, it can lead to problems in other components.
Stormwater retrofits have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pumping station brings additional considerations, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. Stations that service a detention basin could have different patterns of inflow than those receiving water through storm drains. The changes in drainage infrastructure, such as new pavements or the expansion of parking areas, could affect the frequency and quantity of water that is capable of reaching the station.
Before recommending an upgrade of an existing stormwater pump station engineers must examine the drainage area in which they are contributing. They should also review peak flows expected in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can help determine the degree of modernization needed or if a facility requires greater reconstruction.
Design for the Construction Before Interrupting Service
One of the most frequently ignored issues is how the current station will function during rehabilitation. Systems for managing wastewater generally can’t be shut down without plans for continued flow management.
Construction may include temporary bypass pumps, or the installation of a replacement infrastructure with the operating station, dependent on the available space and the needs of the project.
Stormwater projects also require a careful planning as the system might be needed during unexpected rainfall. A comprehensive engineering plan must cover installation sequencing, temporary operations, installation integration, and commissioning, not only the replacement of the components.
Create the Final System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for stormwater and wastewater pumping applications.
The retrofit approach determines which electrical, structural, mechanical and communication components are required to be maintained and which ones need replacement. The company also provides preliminary plans and estimates for budgets for owners to evaluate their project options.
Following installation, tests for startup, commissioning and operator training are essential to ensure the upgraded station is performing according to the specifications. Rehabilitation projects that are successful should provide operators with an easy-to-maintain system.
Upgrade your system, not only its age
A pump station that’s older isn’t necessarily a candidate for replacement. It is possible that some structures will continue to be functional for a long time even if the mechanical and electrical systems require modernization. It is essential to identify what is safe and economically, while making sure the finished product meets current and future demands.
By examining operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements and construction restrictions together owners can make more informed investment decisions.
It’s more than just getting an old station operational again. It’s to make sure the new system is ready for the task ahead.