A pump station that is aging can be shut down before it becomes a problem. It might still be able to move wastewater or stormwater every day however, it struggles during peak demand, require increasingly frequent maintenance or rely on control systems that are becoming increasingly difficult to support. Even though the equipment is in use the original design may not be suitable for current conditions.
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Planning infrastructure improvements is critical for municipal officials, developers and owners of facilities.
The equipment that fails is Not the Only Problem
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should examine the mechanical and wetwell components along with electrical components, drainage pipes, controls, current pumping requirements, and control systems.
The state of the well is of particular importance. If its structure is in good condition it might be feasible to keep it in place when replacing equipment that is no longer in use. It is less costly to build an entirely new station than if you were to keep the existing one. However, maintaining the existing infrastructure is only a good idea to support the planned improvements.
The area of service has been changed.
The wastewater station that was constructed years ago can be used to service more businesses, homes, as well as industrial processes.
The changes could impact flows and operating demands. In order for lift stations to be successful in rehabilitation, it’s not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers have to assess the flow of current and anticipated flows and the overall dynamic head of equipment as well as operational reliability and the capacity.
A larger pump isn’t automatically the answer. The new equipment should be compatible with existing piping electrical supply, controls and other components. If you upgrade one component you can create problems with other parts of the system.
Retrofits to stormwater have different priorities
Retrofitting a station to pump stormwater requires additional considerations as the runoff patterns are affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. A station serving an aquisition pond might experience different patterns of inflow from those that receives water through storm drains. Any changes to drainage infrastructures like new pavement or expanded parking lots, can affect the timing and amount of water that is able to reach the station.
Before recommending a new stormwater facility, engineers must look over the drainage areas including peak flows expected in the future, storage capacity that is available along with discharge conditions and the performance of the pump.
These findings can help determine if equipment modernization is enough or if the station needs greater reconstruction.
Plan for the Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is frequently ignored. It is impossible to close down the wastewater systems without making arrangements for the flow management.
The construction could include temporary bypass pumps or the installation of replacement infrastructure along with an operating station, dependent on the available space and the needs of the project.
The system might be required during an unexpected downpour. The engineering plans must include the installation process along with temporary operations, equipment and integration.
Making the system more user-friendly to operate
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for wastewater and stormwater pumping needs.
The retrofit process evaluates which mechanical, structural electrical, and communication components should be left in place, and which will require replacement. The company also offers initial designs and budgetary estimates to help owners evaluate project possibilities.
After installation, startup tests, commissioning and operator training is essential to make sure that the new station is operating as designed. Successful rehabilitation projects should offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Improve the System, Not Only Its Age
A pump station that is older might not need to be completely replaced. It’s possible that structures will be operational for a long time, even if mechanical and electrical systems require modernization. The important decision is identifying the things that can be kept safely and economically while ensuring the constructed station meets current and future requirements.
Through analyzing the general working conditions and structural integrity and the requirements for hydraulics and construction restrictions, owners are able to make better informed decisions.
The objective in upgrading an older station isn’t just to fix it again. To make sure that the station is prepared for future projects, it’s important to upgrade the station.