It’s not hard for a pump station to cease functioning for it to become troublesome. It can still transfer the water and wastewater daily, yet struggle during periods of high demand, need frequent maintenance or rely on control systems that are becoming difficult to manage. While the equipment remains being used, its original design might not be suitable for the current climate.
Recognizing this difference is important for developers, municipalities and facility owners when preparing upgrades to infrastructure.
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You must look beyond the equipment that is inoperable
The retrofit of a water lift station should start by evaluating the entire system, and not only the pump. Engineers should assess the wetwell and mechanical equipment as well as electrical components, drainage pipes, controls, current pumping requirements, and control systems.
It is essential to be aware of the state of your wet well. It may be possible, when the structure is solid to preserve it and replace outdated equipment. This can reduce construction requirements when compared to building a completely new station. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial as long as it helps the proposed improvements.
Have the areas of service changed?
An old wastewater treatment plant may serve additional homes, industrial buildings or commercial buildings.
These modifications could influence flow rates and operational demands. To ensure that lift stations are successfully rehabilitated, it is not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers need to evaluate the current and expected flows as well as the dynamic head of equipment operating reliability, as well as the capacity.
It’s not enough just to purchase a larger pump. New equipment must work with the existing piping wet well, electrical supply, and control. If one component is improved, this can lead to problems with other components.
The priorities for retrofitting stormwater systems are different
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. The pattern of inflow at stations that serve an area for detention could differ from one that gets water directly from the storm drain. The amount of runoff that reaches the station could be affected by new pavements as well as increased parking or the alteration of drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgrade of a stormwater pumping station engineers must examine the drainage area in which they are contributing. They must also look at the anticipated peak flows in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
The results of these studies can help decide the degree of modernization needed or if a station is in need of greater reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you disrupt service
The way the station functions in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is often overlooked. In general, wastewater systems cannot be closed without a plan to manage flow.
Construction may include installing temporary bypass pumps, or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operational station.
The system may be needed for an unexpected rainstorm. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should include installation sequencing in addition to temporary operations, the integration of equipment, and commissioning not just the replacement of the components.
Help to Make the System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering supply and solutions for Stormwater and wastewater Pumping Applications.
Retrofitting is a technique that examines mechanical, structural, electronic, and communication components to determine what can be left in place and which need to be replaced. The company provides owners with preliminary plans and estimates of budgets to help them evaluate possible options for the project.
After installation, testing for startup and commissioning is conducted after which operator training and documentation. The successful rehabilitation projects will give operators a simple-to-maintain system.
Upgrade the System, Not Only Its Age
It’s not necessary to replace an older pump station. Even if electrical and mechanical components are outdated there are some structures that can be beneficial for years to come. The most important thing is to figure out what can be safe and cost-effectively retained while making sure the station meets current as well as future needs.
When examining operating conditions structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction restrictions together owners can make more informed investment decision.
It’s not about just making an old station operational again. In order to ensure that the system is prepared for future projects it is essential to modernize the station.