It’s not hard for an entire pump station to stop working for it to become a problem. The pump station may be able to handle the flow of stormwater or wastewater every day but struggle when the demand is high. It may require regular maintenance or rely on controls that are difficult to maintain. Even though the equipment is being used the original design may not be suitable for today’s conditions.
The planning of infrastructure improvements is crucial for city officials, developers and the operators of facilities.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The Equipment that is failing isn’t the only issue
A retrofit of a wastewater pump station must begin with an evaluation of the entire system not simply the pump experiencing difficulties. Engineers must evaluate the mechanical and wetwell components as well as electrical components, control systems, drainage pipes, current pumping requirements, and control systems.
The condition of a wet well is extremely important. If its structure remains sound it might be feasible to keep it in place as a replacement for outdated equipment. This could reduce the construction costs compared with building an entirely new station. However, the idea of preserving existing infrastructure only makes sense in the context of plans for improvements.
The area of service has been changed.
A former wastewater plant could be supplying additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.
These modifications could affect the flow rate and operating needs. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers should assess their current and future flow rates, total dynamic head capacity of the equipment, and operational reliability.
A bigger pump isn’t always the answer. New equipment has to be compatible with the existing piping system Wet wells, wet wells and electrical supply, controls and more. If you upgrade one component the problem could be in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station has additional concerns, since runoff patterns can be affected by rainfall and adjacent development. Stations serving detention basins may have different patterns of inflow than those receiving water through storm drains. The amount of runoff that reaches the station may be affected by new pavement as well as increased parking or the alteration of drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgrade of an emergency pump station for stormwater, engineers should examine the drainage area in which they are contributing. They should also consider peak flows expected, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can be used to determine whether modernization of equipment is enough or if the station is in need of more extensive reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you interrupt service
The way the station functions during rehabilitation is a question which is frequently ignored. The general rule is that wastewater systems cannot be shut down without a plan to manage flow.
In accordance with the space available and the project’s requirements the construction could involve temporary bypass pumps or the installation of new infrastructure adjacent to the operating station.
Stormwater projects also require a careful planning as the system might be needed in the event of an unexpected rainstorm. The engineering plan must contain the installation process in addition to temporary operations and equipment integration.
Enhance the finished System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater pumps and wastewater.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies which mechanical, structural electronic, and communications components can remain and which require replacement. The company gives owners preliminaries plans and estimates of budgets for them to evaluate their alternatives for their projects.
After installation, testing the startup testing, operator training and commissioning are essential to ensure the newly renovated station operates as designed. Rehabilitation projects that are successful should offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Improve the System, Not Only Its Age
It’s not required to replace an older pump station. There are some structures that have years of use left even if their electrical and mechanical equipment requires updating. It is essential to identify what is safe and cost-effectively, while making sure the finished product will meet future and current needs.
Owners are able to make better investment choices by studying the operational conditions as well as structural integrity and hydraulic requirements together.
The goal isn’t simply to make an aging station perform again. To ensure the system is ready for future work it is essential to modernize the station.