The municipality has an old wastewater lift station. The pumps are approaching the expiration date of their service life, and the controls require modernization, and the access hatch has deteriorated. The concrete wet well is structurally sound.
Should the entire station be destroyed and rebuilt? Not necessarily. It is more important to consider whether the infrastructure is able to support an advanced system of pumping without compromising future capacity in terms of reliability, reliability, or accessibility.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
A thoughtfully designed retrofit of the pump station could preserve valuable infrastructure while replacing components that no longer meet functional requirements.
Begin with the Structure that nobody is Trying to Replace.
The wet well can be among the most expensive and challenging components to replace as it is submerged, connected to existing piping, and vital to wastewater collection.
If the concrete structure is usable, its retention could minimize excavation and construction work.
However, damage to the access hatch could affect your choice. Romtec Utilities has identified wet-well hatch replacement as an important retrofit. It could be more durable to replace the top layer rather than attach a new hatch to a deteriorated concrete. This option can ease access and enhance the utility of the structure without rebuilding the complete wet well.
An improved pump can alter the design
Imagine a neighborhood that has increased significantly since the lift station’s initial installation. It’s possible that current pumps are not adequate to handle the increase in the flow of wastewater.
Pumps with higher horsepower could be used to upgrade an existing pumping station, however the equipment needs to fit within the system. For pumps that are more powerful it is possible modify the discharge elbows or piping. It is also possible to replace electrical controls or valves.
Engineers should also look at the hydraulic needs of the system. This includes flow and the total dynamic pressure. A larger pump installed without checking these parameters can cause operational issues rather than solving the issues. Planning for future expansions in the your initial design process will enable you to grow later.
Ensure that the waste water is moving during construction
Retrofitting wastewater pumps is a particular challenge which is not faced by other projects. The station might need to be operational during construction.
Contractors continue to work and wastewater continues to come in. According to the type of project it is possible that temporary bypass pumps will be required to maintain operation while the old equipment is removed and new components are put in place.
Romtec Utilities accepted this challenge in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Brunswick, Georgia.
The project involved replacing two aging wastewater lifting stations while keeping the operation of the facility. Site-specific engineering packaging systems, packaged systems and bypass pumping techniques allowed for the existing station footprints as well as operational needs. The case study illustrates the need to be aware of construction sequencing before the construction process starts.
If you decide to replace, it is the best Option
Not all stations are suitable for rehabilitation. A severely deteriorated wet well, inadequate structural capacity, or major changes in hydraulic requirements may make sewer lift station replacement more appropriate than modifying the existing installation.
It is crucial that the choice taken into consideration structural requirements the compatibility of equipment and construction accessibility, as well being long-term operational needs. Romtec Utilities begins retrofit and replacement projects by determining which components will be left and which will require replacement.
The company will create site-specific engineering designs, budget estimates, and preliminary designs. Prefabricated parts can also help with installation and can reduce building requirements that are required on-site.
The Project isn’t Over Until the Pumps Are Running
Modern lift stations need to be operated as a system in one. Before returning it to regular maintenance, initial testing and commissioning will help ensure that the controls, pumps and other equipment are operating according to the approved design.
Manuals as well as training for operators are equally crucial. Maintenance personnel must be familiar with the new equipment and operating procedures, and the documents before taking responsibility for the station.
A successful retrofit preserves the infrastructure while also addressing the limitations which forced modernization.
For facility owners and municipalities it is important to look beyond the immediate repair. The best projects incorporate the latest equipment in existing structures, and maintain essential service even while construction is in progress. They also make preparations for the pumping system to keep running for a long time.