A pump station that is aging can be shut down before it’s in trouble. The pump station might be able to handle the flow of wastewater or stormwater every day however, it may struggle when demand is high, require more frequent maintenance or rely on control systems that are hard to maintain. The equipment functions, however the design it was originally designed for may not accurately reflect the environment around it.
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For developers, municipalities, and facility operators, recognizing the distinction is an important element of planning for infrastructure improvements.
You need to look beyond the equipment failing
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should assess the mechanical and wetwell components and electrical components as well as controls, drainage piping as well as current pumping requirements and control systems.
It is crucial to observe the state of the wet well. It is possible, if the structure is sound that it be kept and then replace the outdated equipment. It can be less expensive to construct a new station than you decided to preserve the existing one. It is essential to maintain the existing infrastructure, even if improvements can be made.
Has the service area changed?
An old wastewater facility could serve additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
The changes could impact the operating requirements and flow rates. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original specifications of the equipment. Engineers should evaluate current and anticipated flows, total dynamic head equipment capacity, operational reliability.
It’s not enough to just buy a larger pump. The new pump must be compatible with the existing piping, electrical supply and controls. If you make improvements to one part you can create problems in other areas.
Priorities for stormwater retrofits are different
Retrofitting an existing pumping station for stormwater can introduce additional considerations because the runoff can be affected by nearby development and rainfall. Stations that serve a detention basin may have different flow patterns than those that are receiving water from storm drains. The amount of runoff that reaches the station could be affected by new pavements and parking spaces, or changed drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending a new stormwater pump, engineers should look over the drainage areas as well as the expected peak flows as well as the capacity of storage available along with discharge conditions and the performance of the pump.
The information will help determine if the station needs to be reconstructed or if the modernization of equipment is enough.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
What the station’s capabilities will be in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is often ignored. In general, wastewater systems cannot be shut down without a plan for flow management.
Based on the space available and the project’s requirements Construction may require temporary bypass pumping, or even installing an alternative infrastructure along the existing station.
The system could be required in the event of an unexpected downpour. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should address installation sequencing in addition to temporary operations, installation integration, and commissioning. Not just replacement of components.
The final System is much easier to use
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for wastewater and stormwater pumping applications.
Retrofitting is a process that evaluates structural, mechanical, electric, and communications components to determine which components can be left and which must be replaced. The company also offers preliminary designs and budgetary estimates to help owners evaluate project options.
After installation, startup testing and commissioning will be conducted, followed by operator training and documentation. The successful rehabilitation process should leave operators with a system they are able to maintain and understand.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not only its age
A pump station that’s older might not need to be replaced completely. It is possible that some structures will be functional for a long time regardless of whether the mechanical or electrical systems need modernization. It is crucial to determine what can be safely and cost-effectively retained while making sure the station meets current and future demands.
When they look at the overall operating conditions and structural integrity and the hydraulic requirements and construction restrictions, owners are able to make more informed choices.
The objective isn’t to make a stale station operate again. In order to ensure that the system is prepared for future projects, it’s important to upgrade the station.