It’s not necessary for a pump station to cease functioning to be a problem. The pump station might be able to handle the flow of water or wastewater throughout the day but it struggles when the demand is high, require frequent maintenance, or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. It might still function but the initial model of the equipment may not reflect current conditions.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Planning infrastructure improvements is critical for city officials, developers, and operators of facilities.
Find the equipment that’s Inoperable
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must evaluate the wetwell and mechanical components as well electrical components, drainage pipes, controls, current pumping requirements, and control systems.
It is important to be aware of the state of your wet well. If the structure of the well is sound, you may be able to replace it with a new equipment while maintaining its existing structure. This may reduce the need for construction when compared to building a completely new station. It is essential to maintain the existing infrastructure, even if improvements can be made.
Did the area of service change?
The wastewater station that was built years ago can now be used to provide services to more homes, businesses, and industrial activities.
These changes can affect the flow rate and operational demands. For lift stations to be successful in rehabilitation, it’s not enough to restore the original specifications. Engineers should assess flow rates, anticipated and current flows, total dynamic head equipment capacity, the reliability of operation.
The answer isn’t always an increase in the size of the pump. The new equipment should work alongside existing piping systems wet well, electrical supply, and control. If not, enhancing one part could cause problems in other areas.
Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station involves additional considerations since the runoff may change drastically in response to rainfall and the development around. The flow pattern at an area that has the area of detention may differ from when it receives water directly through the storm drain. A new asphalt surface, increased parking areas, or an altered drainage infrastructure can also change the amount and timing of runoff reaching the station.
Before recommending a new stormwater pump, engineers should review the contributing drainage areas including peak flows expected and the storage capacity available as well as discharge conditions and pump performance.
The information will help determine if the station requires to be reconstructed, or if the modernization of equipment is enough.
Plan for the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The most often overlooked concern is how the station will operate during rehabilitation. In general, wastewater systems can’t be closed without a plan to control flow.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps or construction of a new infrastructure with the operating station, dependent on the available space and the needs of the project.
It is also essential to prepare for stormwater-related projects because the system could be required in unexpected rainstorms. An engineering plan that is thorough should include installation sequencing, temporary operations installation, equipment integration and commissioning, not just replacement components.
The Finished System is much easier to use
Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites supply and solutions for Stormwater and Wastewater Pumping Applications.
Retrofitting is a method that analyzes structural, mechanical, electrical, and communications elements to determine which components can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company offers owners preliminary designs and budget estimates to help them evaluate the options for their project.
After installation, the tests of startup, commissioning and operator training are important to ensure that the newly renovated station operates according to the specifications. The successful rehabilitation process should provide operators with a system they can manage and comprehend.
Upgrade your system, not only the system that is old
A pump station that’s older might not require to be completely replaced. Even if their electrical or mechanical equipment is outdated, some structures can still be useful for many years. The most important thing to consider is the things that can be kept safely 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 as well as structural integrity and hydraulic demands together.
The aim of upgrading an old system is not to make it functional again. To ensure the system is up to date for the future it’s essential to improve the station.