A pump station that is old doesn’t need to stop functioning in order to become a cause for concern. It might still be able to move water, or even stormwater, every day and yet be unable to cope with the peak times, require frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are getting harder to maintain. It could still function however, the original design of the equipment may not be in line with current needs.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for municipal officials, developers and facility managers in planning improvements to infrastructure.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
You need to look beyond the equipment failing
Retrofitting a wastewater lift station needs to begin with an assessment of the whole system, not just the pump which is malfunctioning. Engineers should evaluate the mechanical and wetwell components as well as electrical components, drainage pipes, controls as well as current pumping requirements and control systems.
It is important to keep an eye on the condition of the wet well. If its structure is solid, it may be possible to retain it when replacing equipment that is no longer in use. It may be cheaper to construct an entirely new station than if you kept the current one. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial if it supports the proposed improvements.
The area of service has been changed.
An old wastewater facility could be supplying additional residential, industrial or commercial properties.
The changes could impact the rate of flow and operational needs. For lift stations to be effectively rehabilitated, it’s not enough to restore the original specifications. Engineers should assess their current and future flows, head dynamics capacity of equipment, as well as the operational reliability.
The answer may not be one that is bigger. New equipment must work with existing pipes wet well, electric supply and control. If you upgrade one component, it can cause problems in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits have Different Priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station introduces additional considerations because the runoff may change drastically with rainfall and surrounding development. Stations that service a detention basin may have different patterns of inflow than those receiving water through storm drains. Any changes to drainage infrastructures, such as new pavements or expanded parking lots, can affect the timing and amount of water that can be capable of reaching 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 results will help you decide if the station has to be reconstructed or what the best option is to modernize equipment.
Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service
One of the most frequently ignored issues is how the station will function during the rehabilitation. In general, wastewater systems cannot be shut down without a strategy to manage flow.
Based on the space available and project requirements The construction process may include temporary bypass pumps or the installation of new infrastructure in conjunction with the operating station.
The stormwater project also requires a careful planning because the system may be needed in the event of an unexpected rainstorm. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should be able to address installation sequence in addition to temporary operations, equipment integration, and commissioning, not only the replacement of components.
Making the final system easier to use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for wastewater and stormwater pumps.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies the structural, mechanical, electrical, and communication elements are able to remain in place and which need replacement. The firm provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and options for projects.
After installation, initial testing and commissioning are conducted after which operator training and documentation. Rehabilitation projects that are successful should offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Upgrade Your System and Not Just its Age
It’s not essential to replace an older pump station. Even if their electrical and mechanical equipment is outdated, some structures can still be useful for many years. It is important to know what can be safely and effectively preserved while ensuring the station is able to meet current and future demands.
When they look at the overall operational conditions and structural integrity in addition to the requirements for hydraulics and construction constraints, owners are able to make better informed decisions.
The aim in upgrading an older station isn’t to just make it function again. It’s to ensure that the upgraded system is prepared to handle the challenges ahead.