It’s not that hard for a pump station’s stoppage in functioning for it to become problematic. Even though it is able to transport stormwater and wastewater on a daily basis The pump station may be unable to meet demands that are high. It might also require more frequent maintenance. The equipment functions, however its original design might not be able to reflect the changing conditions surrounding it.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Recognizing this difference is important for municipalities, developers and facility managers when planning upgrades to infrastructure.
You should look past the equipment that is malfunctioning.
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must evaluate the wet well, the mechanical equipment and electrical components, as well as controls, discharge piping as well as the current needs for pumping.
The state of a wet well is very important. It might be possible when the structure is solid, to keep it and then replace the outdated equipment. This can reduce construction requirements in comparison to building a new station. However, retaining existing infrastructure only makes sense to support the proposed improvements.
Has the Service Area Modified?
The water treatment plant constructed a few years ago is now able to be used to supply many more households, businesses and industrial activities.
These modifications could affect flow rates and operating demands. The rehabilitation of lift stations requires more than simply restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must assess the flow rate and anticipated and the overall dynamic head of equipment operating reliability, as well as the capacity.
A bigger pump isn’t always the solution. The new machine must be compatible with the existing pipes, electrical supply and controls. If you upgrade one component, it can cause problems with other parts of the system.
Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities
Retrofitting an existing stormwater pumping station can introduce additional considerations due to the fact that the runoff can be affected by nearby development and rainfall. The inflow pattern of an area that has an area for detention could be different from if it receives water directly through the storm drain. The addition of new pavement, larger parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure can also change the frequency and amount of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending an upgrade to a stormwater pump, engineers should analyze the drainage areas contributing to the stormwater system including peak flows expected 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 your construction before you interrupt service
How the station will function during rehabilitation is a question which is frequently ignored. In general, wastewater systems cannot be closed without a plan for flow management.
Construction could involve installing temporary bypass pumps or replacing infrastructure adjacent to the operational station.
Stormwater projects also require careful scheduling because the system may be required during unplanned rain. A plan for engineering that is complete should contain the sequencing of installation, temporary operation installation, equipment integration and commissioning as well as replacement components.
The final System is more user-friendly
Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites, supply and solutions for wastewater and Stormwater Pumping Applications.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies which mechanical, structural electrical, and communication elements will remain, and which ones require replacement. The company gives owners preliminaries designs and budget estimates to help them evaluate project options.
After installation, startup tests the commissioning process, as well as training for operators is essential to make sure that the new station is operating according to the specifications. A successful rehabilitation project should ensure that operators have a simple to maintain system.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not just the system that is old
An older pumping station isn’t necessarily a candidate for a complete overhaul. Even if the electrical and mechanical components are outdated there are some structures that can be of use for a number of years. The key is to determine the things that can be kept safely and economically while ensuring that the completed station is able to meet current as well as future needs.
By looking at operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction restrictions together owners can make better informed investment choices.
It’s not just about making an old station work again. It’s to ensure that the new system is ready for the task ahead.