A pump station that’s old doesn’t need to stop operating to become a cause for concern. It can still transfer the water and wastewater daily but struggle to meet the peak times, require frequent maintenance or rely on controls that are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Although the equipment is still in use, its original design might not be adequate for the present conditions.
For municipalities, developers, and facility managers, understanding the differences is a crucial part of planning improvements to infrastructure.
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It is important to look beyond the equipment not working properly.
Retrofitting the wastewater lift station must begin with an evaluation of the whole system, not just the pump with issues. Engineers need to evaluate the wet well, the mechanical equipment electric components, controls, discharge piping and the requirements for current pumping.
It is vital to observe the condition of the wet well. If its structure is in good condition and in good condition, it could be feasible to keep it in place in the process of replacing old equipment. Costs for construction could be reduced compared to building a brand new station. Retaining existing infrastructure is only worthwhile as long as it helps the proposed improvements.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area been changed?
A wastewater station designed years ago may now serve additional homes, commercial buildings or industrial activities.
These modifications could alter flow rates and operational demands. Rehabilitation of a lift station requires more than just the restoration of original specifications for equipment. Engineers must evaluate current and anticipated flows as well as the equipment’s capacity and performance.
A bigger pump may not be the solution. The new equipment must be compatible with existing piping as well as electrical power supply and control. If you make improvements to one part the problem could be in other areas.
Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. Stations that serve detention basins may have different inflow patterns than those receiving water through storm drains. New pavement, expanded parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and time of runoff that reaches the station.
Before recommending a change to a stormwater pump station engineers should look at the contributing drainage area. They must also look at the potential peak flows in the area, storage capacity and discharge conditions.
These results can be used to determine whether the modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station needs larger reconstruction.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
The operation of the station during rehabilitation is often ignored. The general rule is that wastewater systems cannot be shut down without a plan for flow management.
Depending on the available space and the project’s requirements Construction may require temporary bypass pumps or the installation of new infrastructure in conjunction with the operating station.
The stormwater project also requires a careful planning as the system might be needed during unexpected rainfall. A comprehensive engineering plan must address installation sequencing the temporary operation, the integration of equipment, and commissioning, not only the replacement of the components.
Making the finished system easier to use
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for wastewater and stormwater pumping applications.
The retrofit process evaluates which structural, mechanical, electrical, and communication elements will remain, and which ones require replacement. The company also provides initial plans and estimates for budgets to help owners analyze project alternatives.
After installation, testing the startup testing, operator training and commissioning are crucial to ensure that the newly renovated station operates according to its design. Successful rehabilitation projects should ensure that operators have a simple to maintain system.
Upgrade Your System and Not Just the Age
It’s not required to replace an old pump station. There are some structures that have years of use left even when their mechanical and electrical equipment needs modernization. It is crucial to determine the elements that can be cost-effectively retained while making sure the station will meet present as well as future needs.
When examining operating conditions the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction restrictions together owners can make better informed investment decisions.
The objective in upgrading an older station isn’t to make it functional again. To make sure that the station is ready for any future projects, it’s important to upgrade the station.