An aging pump station can be shut down before it’s in trouble. The pump station might be able to handle the flow of water or wastewater daily but have trouble when demand is high. It may require frequent maintenance, or rely on controls that are challenging to maintain. While the equipment is operating, its original design might not be suited to today’s conditions.
For municipalities, developers, and facility operators, acknowledging the difference is an essential element of planning for infrastructure improvements.
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Take a look beyond the equipment that’s Failing
The retrofit of a water lift station should start by evaluating the entire system and not just the pump. Engineers must examine the wetwell, mechanical equipment, and electrical components. They should also look at discharge piping as well as the current needs for pumping.
The condition of the well is vitally important. If the structure is sound and in good condition, it could be feasible to keep it in place while replacing outdated equipment. Construction costs can be reduced compared to building a brand new station. However, maintaining the existing infrastructure is only a good idea in the context of proposed improvements.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area been changed?
A wastewater plant that was built years ago may now serve additional homes, commercial buildings or industrial activities.
The changes could impact the flow rate and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers have to assess the current and expected flows as well as the dynamic head of equipment as well as operational reliability and the capacity.
A bigger pump may not be the solution. New equipment should work with the existing piping system, wet wells, electrical supply, controls and more. If not, enhancing one part could cause problems in other areas.
Retrofits to stormwater have different priorities
Retrofitting a stormwater pump station requires additional considerations as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. The inflow pattern of a station that serves an area for detention could differ from one that receives water directly from the storm drain. The quantity of runoff reaching the station may be affected by new pavement as well as increased parking or changed drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending a major upgrade of the stormwater station, engineers must review the contributing drainage areas, peak flows expected, available storage capacity as well as discharge conditions and the performance of the pump.
These results can be used to determine whether modernization of the equipment will suffice or if the station is in need of greater reconstruction.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
How the station will function in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is frequently left unanswered. In general, wastewater systems can’t be shut down without a strategy to control flow.
Construction may include installing temporary bypass pumps, or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operational station.
The system might be required to be used in an emergency downpour. A comprehensive engineering plan must cover installation sequencing the temporary operation, integration of equipment and commissioning. Not just replacement of the components.
Making the final system easier to use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and equipment for wastewater and stormwater pumps.
The retrofit process evaluates which mechanical, structural electrical, and communication components should be left in place, and which will require replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary plans and estimates of budgets to assist them in evaluating their alternatives for their projects.
Following installation, tests for startup, commissioning, operator training as well as operation and maintenance documentation help establish that the new station is operating as per its specifications. A successful rehabilitation project should ensure that operators have a simple to maintain system.
Upgrade Your System, Not Only it’s Age
A pump station that is older doesn’t mean it’s a perfect candidate for a complete overhaul. Some structures may have years of use left even if their mechanical and electrical equipment needs modernization. The key is to identify what can be safely and economically retained, while ensuring that the station meets current and future needs.
When examining operating conditions the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements as well as construction constraints owners can make more informed investment decision.
The aim isn’t just to make an old system perform again. It’s about ensuring that the new system is able to handle the upcoming work.