It doesn’t take the pump station to stop functioning for it to become problematic. The pump station may be able to transport water or wastewater throughout the day but struggle when the demand is high. It may require more frequent maintenance or rely on controls that are difficult to maintain. The equipment is functional, but its design may not reflect the current conditions around it.
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For municipalities, developers, and facility owners, being aware the difference is an essential element of planning for infrastructure improvements.
See beyond the equipment Broken
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must examine the wetwell, mechanical equipment, and electrical components. They should also think about discharge piping as well as current pumping needs.
The state of a wet well is crucial. It may be possible, if the structure is sound to preserve it and upgrade the equipment. This could reduce the construction costs when compared to building a completely new station. Retaining existing infrastructure only makes sense as long as it helps the improvements being proposed.
Have the areas of service changed?
An old wastewater treatment plant may be serving additional residential, industrial or commercial properties.
These changes can affect the operating requirements and flow rates. The successful rehabilitation of a lift facility needs more than restoring original equipment specifications. Engineers should evaluate the future and planned flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.
It’s not enough just to purchase a larger pump. New equipment needs to work with the existing system of piping as well as wet wells, electrical supply, controls, etc. If not, enhancing one part can lead to problems in other components.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
Retrofitting an existing pumping station for stormwater can introduce additional considerations because runoff is affected by surrounding development and rainfall. The flow pattern at an area that has a detention area may be different from if it receives water directly through the storm drain. The quantity of runoff that enters the station may be affected by new pavement, increased parking, or altered drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgraded stormwater station, engineers must review the contributing drainage areas, peak flows expected, available storage capacity and discharge conditions, as well as the pump’s performance.
The findings will help you determine if your station needs to be reconstructed, or if the modernization of equipment is enough.
Plan the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is often overlooked. It is not possible to remove wastewater systems from operation without having arrangements in place for flow control.
Construction may include installing temporary bypass pumps or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operating station.
It is important to plan ahead for stormwater projects since the system may be needed during unexpected rainstorms. A plan for engineering that is complete should contain installation sequencing, temporary operation system integration, commissioning and equipment integration as well as replacement components.
Making the finished system easier to use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for wastewater and stormwater pumps.
Retrofitting is a process that analyzes structural, mechanical, electronic, and communication components to determine which can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company offers owners preliminary designs and budget estimates for them to evaluate their the options for their project.
Following installation, tests for startup, commissioning, operator training and maintenance documents help ensure that the station has been upgraded according to its design requirements. The successful rehabilitation projects will offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Upgrade Your System, Not Only the Age
An older pumping station isn’t necessarily a candidate for a complete overhaul. There is a chance that certain structures will remain functional for years, even if the mechanical and electrical systems require modernization. The important decision is identifying the things that can be kept safely and economically, while also ensuring that the completed station is able to meet current and future requirements.
By looking at the overall operational conditions and structural integrity as well as the construction requirements and hydraulic restrictions, owners are able to make more informed decisions.
The goal isn’t simply to make an old station work again. To make sure the station is up to date for the future it’s essential to improve the station.