It doesn’t take an entire pump station to stop functioning for it to become problematic. It may still move the water and wastewater daily, yet struggle during the peak times, require frequent maintenance or rely on control systems that are getting harder to maintain. The equipment is functional, but its original design may not accurately reflect the environment around it.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for municipal officials, developers and facility managers in planning improvements to infrastructure.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
See beyond the equipment Failing
Retrofitting a wastewater lift station should start with an evaluation of the entire system and not just the pump malfunctioning. Engineers must examine the wetwell, the mechanical equipment, as well as electrical parts. They should also consider discharge pipes as well as current requirements for pumping.
The condition of the wet well is particularly important. If its structure remains sound, it may be possible to retain it when replacing equipment that is no longer in use. Construction costs can be reduced in comparison to building a new station. It is essential to maintain existing infrastructure if the upgrades can be made.
Has the Service Area been changed?
The wastewater facility that was constructed years ago can be used to provide services to increasing numbers of homes, businesses and industrial facilities.
These modifications could affect the flow rate as well as operating needs. A successful rehabilitation of a lift station needs more than restoring original specifications for the equipment. Engineers should assess flow rates and expected flows as well as equipment’s capacity and reliability.
It’s not enough to simply buy a larger pump. New equipment needs to work with the existing system of piping as well as wet wells, control systems, electrical supply and so on. In the event that one component is improved, it can lead to problems in other components.
Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. Stations that service the detention basin might have different flow patterns than those that get water from storm drains. A new asphalt surface, increased parking areas, or an altered drainage infrastructure may alter the frequency and amount of runoff entering the station.
Before recommending a change to an emergency pump station for stormwater, engineers should examine the drainage area that is contributing to it. They should also consider the expected peak flows in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can help determine the degree of modernization needed or if a station requires greater reconstruction.
Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The most often overlooked concern is how the station will operate during rehabilitation. Systems for managing wastewater generally can’t be disconnected without the need for continuous flow management.
Based on the available space and project needs Construction may require temporary bypass pumping, or even installing new infrastructure adjacent to the operating station.
It is also important to be prepared for stormwater projects since the system could be required during unexpected rainstorms. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should include installation sequencing in addition to temporary operations, equipment integration, and commissioning, not only the replacement of components.
Enhance the finished System simpler to use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and equipment for stormwater pumps and wastewater.
Its retrofit approach evaluates which structural, mechanical, electrical and communication components are able to remain in place and which need replacement. The company also offers preliminary plans and estimates for budgets to help owners evaluate project options.
Following installation, tests for startup testing, operator training and commissioning are important to ensure that the new station is operating according to its design. The successful rehabilitation process will provide the operator with a system they can maintain and understand.
Upgrade the System, Not Just Its Age
An older pump station doesn’t mean it’s a perfect candidate to be completely replaced. Some structures may have decades of use left even if their electrical and mechanical equipment requires updating. The crucial thing is to decide the things that can be kept safely and economically while ensuring the final station can meet both current and future demands.
When they look at the overall working conditions and structural integrity as well as the construction and hydraulic requirements restrictions, owners are able to make more informed choices.
The aim isn’t just to make a stale station work again. It’s about making sure that the system that has been upgraded is properly prepared for the task ahead.
