A pump station that’s not in good condition doesn’t necessarily need to stop operating to become a concern. It can still transfer water, or even stormwater, every day and yet be unable to cope with the peak times, require frequent maintenance or rely on controls that are getting harder to support. The equipment operates, but its design may no longer reflect the conditions surrounding it.
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The planning of infrastructure improvements is crucial for city officials, developers, and the operators of facilities.
The Equipment that Fails is Not the Only Problem
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should evaluate the water well, the mechanical equipment and electrical components, as well as controls, discharge piping and current pumping requirements.
It is vital to observe the state of your wet well. It is possible, when the structure is solid that it be kept and upgrade the equipment. Costs for construction could be reduced when compared to the construction of a new station. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial when it is in line with the planned improvements.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area changed?
The wastewater plant that was constructed many years ago can be used to service more businesses, homes, and industrial facilities.
These modifications can impact the operating requirements and flow rates. In order for lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers should assess current and anticipated flows, total dynamic head capacity of equipment, as well as the operational reliability.
It’s not enough to simply purchase a bigger pump. New equipment should work with the existing system of piping, wet wells, electrical supply, controls and more. If you improve one component you can create problems in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
A stormwater pump station retrofit involves additional considerations since runoff patterns can alter dramatically in response to rainfall and the development around. The flow pattern at a station that serves the detention area could differ from when it receives water directly from the storm drain. Any changes to drainage infrastructures like new pavement or expanded parking lots, may affect the timing and amount of water that can be available to the station.
Before recommending a change to a stormwater pump station engineers must examine the drainage area in which they are contributing. They should also consider peak flows expected as well as storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These findings can help determine whether the modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station needs more extensive reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you stop service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is often forgotten. Wastewater systems generally cannot be shut down without plans for ongoing flow control.
The construction process may involve the installation of temporary bypass pumps, or even replacing the infrastructure surrounding the operational station.
The system may be needed for an unexpected rainstorm. A comprehensive engineering plan should be able to address installation sequence the temporary operation, equipment integration, and commissioning not just the replacement components.
Enhance the finished System Simpler to Use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater pumps and wastewater.
Retrofitting is a process that analyzes structural, mechanical, electrical, and communications components to determine which are best left and which must be replaced. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and project options.
After installation, startup tests testing, operator training and commissioning is essential to make sure that the upgraded station is performing as designed. Operators need to be able maintain and understand the system following a successful rehabilitation.
Upgrade your system, not just your system’s age
It’s not essential to replace an old pump station. There are some structures that have years of useful service remaining, even if their electrical and mechanical equipment requires updating. The key is to determine what is safe and economically while ensuring the final station can meet both current and future requirements.
Owners are able to make better investment choices by studying the operating conditions, structural integrity and hydraulic demands together.
The goal of upgrading an old station is not just to fix it again. The objective is to ensure that the upgraded system can take on the new work.