It’s not hard for the pump station to stop working to cause troublesome. The pump station may be able to move water or wastewater daily but have trouble when demand is high. It may require regular maintenance or rely on control systems that are hard to maintain. The equipment operates, but its design may no longer reflect the conditions surrounding it.
The planning of infrastructure improvements is crucial for city officials, developers and owners of facilities.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The Equipment that is failing isn’t the only problem
Retrofitting the wastewater lift station should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must assess the wet well, mechanical equipment, electrical components, controls, discharge piping and the current requirements for pumping.
The condition of a wet well is very important. If the structure of your wet well is still sound it may be possible to change it out with a new equipment while keeping its existing structure. This could reduce the construction costs when compared to building a completely new station. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worthwhile as long as it helps the planned improvements.
The service area has changed.
A water treatment plant built a few decades ago could now be serving more homes, commercial buildings or industrial facilities.
The changes could impact flow rates and operating demands. To ensure that lift stations are effectively rehabilitated, it’s not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers should evaluate the flow rates and expected flows as well as the equipment’s capacity and performance.
A bigger pump isn’t always the answer. New equipment should work with the existing system of piping and wet wells, electrical supply, controls, and so on. If one component is upgraded it could cause issues with other components.
Stormwater Retrofits have Different Priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station brings additional considerations, as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. Stations that service a detention basin may have different inflow patterns than those that are receiving water from storm drains. Modifications to drainage infrastructure, such as new pavement or expanded parking lots, may affect the frequency and quantity of water that is available to 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 whether modernizing the equipment is enough.
Plan the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is frequently neglected. The wastewater systems are generally not able to be removed without a plan to ensure that flow control is maintained.
The construction process may involve the installation of temporary bypass pumps, or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operating station.
Stormwater projects also require careful scheduling as the system might be needed during unexpected rainfall. The engineering plan must contain the installation sequence in addition to temporary operations and equipment integration.
Create the Final System simpler to use
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for wastewater and stormwater pumping requirements.
Retrofitting is a technique that analyzes structural, mechanical, electric, and communications components to determine what can be left and which needs to be replaced. The company also provides preliminary designs and budgetary estimates to help owners analyze project options.
Following installation, tests for startup and commissioning are conducted, followed by operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project should leave operators with a system they are able to manage and comprehend.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not just the system that is old
A pump station that is older isn’t always a good candidate for a complete overhaul. Certain structures could have years of service left, even if their mechanical and electrical equipment requires modernization. The crucial thing is to decide what can be retained safely and cost-effectively while making sure the constructed station meets current and future requirements.
By looking at operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and the construction limitations together owners can make informed investment choices.
The aim isn’t just to make an aging station operate again. It’s about making sure that the upgraded system is prepared for the task ahead.