A pump station that is older doesn’t have to stop functioning to become a cause for concern. The pump station may be able to move stormwater or wastewater every day but it struggles when the demand is high, need more frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are challenging to maintain. It could still function however the original design of the equipment might not be a reflection of the current situation.
Planning for infrastructure improvements is essential for municipal officials, developers and owners of facilities.
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It is important to look beyond the equipment that’s failing
Retrofitting the wastewater lift station is best done by a thorough assessment of the entire system not simply the pump experiencing difficulties. Engineers need to evaluate the wet well, the mechanical equipment and electrical components, as well as control systems, discharge pipes, as well as the current needs for pumping.
It is vital to be aware of the condition of your wet well. If its structure remains sound it might be possible to retain it in the process of replacing old equipment. This could reduce the construction costs when compared to building a completely new station. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worth it if it supports the improvements being proposed.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area changed?
A wastewater facility that was constructed years ago may now serve more commercial and residential buildings, homes, or industrial operations.
These changes can affect the flow rate as well as operating needs. The rehabilitation of lift stations requires more than just restoring the original specifications for equipment. Engineers must assess the flow rates, anticipated and current flows, head dynamics, equipment capacity, and operational reliability.
A bigger pump isn’t necessarily the solution. New equipment must work with existing pipes, wet well, electrical supply, and controls. If you upgrade one component you can create problems with other parts of the system.
Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station brings additional considerations, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. A station that serves a detention pond may experience different flow patterns than one receiving water directly through storm drains. New pavements, expanded parking areas, or altered drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and timing of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending a stormwater station upgrade, engineers should review the contributing drainage area, expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions, and existing pump performance.
The information will help determine if your station needs to be renovated or what the best option is to modernize equipment.
Design your project before you stop service
The most often overlooked concern is how the current station will operate during rehabilitation. The general rule is that wastewater systems can’t be shut down without a plan to manage flow.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps, or the installation of replacement infrastructure along with the operating station, dependent on the available space and the needs of the project.
The system could be necessary for an unexpected rainstorm. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should be able to address installation sequence in addition to temporary operations, equipment integration, and commissioning not just the replacement components.
Make the Finished System Easier to Operate
Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites, supply and solutions for Stormwater and Wastewater Pumping Applications.
The retrofit strategy determines which structural, electrical mechanical, communication and structural components will be preserved and which need to be replaced. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and project options.
After installation, startup testing and commissioning will be conducted in conjunction with operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project should provide operators with an easy-to-maintain system.
Improve the System, Not Just Its Age
A pump station that’s older might not need to be replaced completely. It’s possible that some structures will continue to be functional for a long time even if the mechanical and electrical systems require updating. The key is to determine what can be retained safely and cost-effectively while making sure the completed station is able to meet current as well as future needs.
Through analyzing operating conditions, structural integrity, hydraulic requirements and construction restrictions together, owners can make more informed investment decision.
The objective in upgrading an older station isn’t to just make it function again. The goal is to ensure that the newly upgraded system can handle the upcoming work.