An aging pump station does not have to cease operation before it becomes a problem. The pump station might be able to move water or wastewater throughout the day but struggle when the demands are high, require frequent maintenance, or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. The equipment works, but its original design might not accurately reflect the environment around it.
Developers, municipalities, and facility operators, acknowledging the distinction is an important aspect of preparing infrastructure improvements.
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You need to look beyond the equipment that’s inoperable
Retrofitting a wastewater lift station needs to start with a review of the whole system, not just the pump which is failing. Engineers must evaluate the wet well, the mechanical equipment as well as electrical components, control systems, discharge pipes, and current pumping requirements.
It is important to be aware of the condition of the wet well. It might be possible when the structure is solid, to keep it and also replace old equipment. This could reduce the construction costs as compared to the construction of a new station. However, retaining the existing infrastructure is only a good idea when it can support the proposed improvements.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area been changed?
An old wastewater station may be serving additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
These changes can affect flow rates and operating demands. The successful rehabilitation of a lift facility will require more than just restoring original specifications for the equipment. Engineers need to evaluate the flow of current and anticipated flows as well as the dynamic head of the equipment the operational reliability, as well the capacity.
It’s not enough just to buy a larger pump. New equipment needs to work with the existing system of piping as well as wet wells, electric supply, controls etc. When one part is upgraded it could cause problems with other components.
Stormwater Retrofits have Different Priorities
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. The pattern of inflow at an area that has the area of detention may differ from when it receives water directly from the storm drain. The quantity of runoff reaching the station could be affected by new pavements as well as increased parking or altered drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgraded stormwater system, engineers need to examine the drainage areas that contribute to the project, peak flows expected, available storage capacity, discharge conditions and the performance of the pump.
These findings will help to determine the degree of modernization needed or if a facility requires greater reconstruction.
Plan for the Construction Before Interrupting Service
What the station’s capabilities will be in rehabilitation is a subject which is frequently ignored. It is impossible to stop the wastewater system without having arrangements in place for flow management.
Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps, or replacing infrastructure adjacent to the operating station.
The system may be needed in the event of an unexpected downpour. The engineering plan must include the sequence of installation, temporary operations and equipment integration.
Help to Make the System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for wastewater and stormwater pumps.
The retrofit approach decides which electrical, structural mechanical, communication and structural components are to be retained and which components require replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, budget estimates and options for projects.
Following installation, tests for startup and commissioning will be conducted, followed by operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project should offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Upgrade Your System and Not Just the Age
A pump station that is older isn’t a guarantee for a complete overhaul. Even if their electrical and mechanical components are outdated Some structures may remain useful for a long time. The key is to determine the things that can be kept safely and cost-effectively while making sure the constructed station meets current and future requirements.
By looking at the overall working conditions and structural integrity in addition to the construction and hydraulic requirements constraints, owners can to make better informed decisions.
The objective isn’t to make a stale station operate again. The goal is to ensure that the new system is able to be able to handle the work that is coming up.