A pump station that’s old shouldn’t be forced to cease functioning in order to be a problem. Although it could move wastewater and stormwater daily, the pump station might be unable to meet high demand. It could also require regular maintenance. The equipment operates, but the design it was originally designed for may not be able to reflect the changing conditions around it.
Recognizing this difference is important for the municipalities, developers and facility operators when planning upgrades to infrastructure.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The Equipment that is failing is Not the Only Problem
A retrofit of a wastewater pump station must begin with an evaluation of the whole system, not just the pump which is experiencing difficulties. Engineers must examine the wetwell, the mechanical equipment, as well as electrical components. They must also take into consideration discharge pipes as well as the current needs for pumping.
The condition of the well is vitally important. If the structure of your wet well is in good shape then you might be able to replace it with a new equipment while maintaining its existing structure. This may reduce the need for construction compared with building an entirely new station. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worthwhile for if it can support the proposed improvements.
Have the areas of service changed?
A wastewater facility that was constructed decades ago could now be serving more homes, commercial buildings or industrial activities.
These modifications could affect flows and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers have to assess the flow of current and anticipated flows in the system, the dynamic head of equipment the operational reliability, as well the capacity.
The solution is not always a bigger pump. The new equipment must be compatible with existing piping as well as electrical power supply and control. A mistake in improving one element could cause problems in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pumping station adds more considerations as runoff is subject to change depending on the amount of rainfall and development surrounding. Stations that serve an detention pond may have different flow patterns than one that receives water through storm drains. The quantity of runoff reaching the station is affected by new pavement as well as increased parking or altered drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending a stormwater pump upgrade, engineers should examine the drainage area that contributes to the system as well as the expected peak flow storage capacity, discharge conditions as well as the performance of the existing pump.
The data will allow you to determine if the station needs to be renovated or what the best option is to modernize equipment.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you disrupt service
The operations of the station in rehabilitation is frequently forgotten. In general, wastewater systems can’t be removed without a proper plan for flow management.
Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps or even replacing the infrastructure surrounding the operational station.
It is also essential to plan ahead for stormwater projects, as the system may be needed during rainstorms that are not expected. A comprehensive engineering plan should address installation sequencing and temporary operations, as well as the integration of equipment, and commissioning, not just the replacement parts.
Create the Final System Simpler to Use
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for stormwater and wastewater pumping needs.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies which structural, mechanical, electronic, and communications components are able to remain in place and which need replacement. The firm provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets as well as project options.
After installation, the testing of startup and commissioning, as well as operator training as well as operation and maintenance documentation will ensure that the newly upgraded station operates in accordance with the specifications of its design. A successful rehabilitation project should leave operators with a system they can manage and comprehend.
Upgrade the System, Not Only Its Age
A pump station that is older isn’t a guarantee for complete replacement. It is possible that some structures will continue to be operational for a long time, even if the mechanical or electrical systems require modernization. It is crucial to determine what is safe and economically retained, while ensuring that the station can meet current and future requirements.
When they look at the overall operating conditions and structural integrity and the construction and hydraulic requirements restrictions, owners are able to make better-informed decisions.
The purpose in upgrading an older system is not just to fix it again. The objective is to ensure that the upgraded system can take on the new work.
