It’s not hard for an entire pump station to stop functioning for it to become troublesome. It might still be able to move water or wastewater every day but struggle to meet the peak times, require frequent maintenance, or rely on controls that are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. It may still work, but the original layout of the device may not be a reflection of the current situation.
For municipal governments, developers and facility operators, acknowledging the differences is a crucial part of planning improvements to infrastructure.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Look Beyond the Equipment That’s Broken
The retrofitting of a wastewater liftstation must begin by evaluating the entire system, not only the pump. Engineers must evaluate the water well, the mechanical equipment as well as electrical components, controls, discharge piping, and the requirements for current pumping.
The condition of the wet well is particularly important. If the structure of the wet well is sound and in good condition, it could be possible to replace it with new equipment while keeping the existing structure. This may reduce the need for construction when compared to building a completely new station. It is important to keep the existing infrastructure, even if improvements are possible.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area Modified?
A wastewater plant that was built years ago may now serve more commercial and residential buildings, homes, or industrial operations.
These modifications can impact the flow rate and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must evaluate the expected and current flows in the system, the dynamic head of equipment, operational reliability, and the capacity.
A bigger pump may not be the solution. The new machine must be compatible with the current piping system as well as electrical power supply and control. If you upgrade one component there is a chance that it will cause issues in other areas.
Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities
A retrofit of a stormwater pumping station adds more considerations as the runoff may change drastically in response to rainfall and the development around. The flow pattern of a station that serves an area for detention could differ from when it receives water directly through the storm drain. New pavements, expanded parking areas or alterations to drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and time of runoff entering the station.
Before recommending an upgrade to a stormwater facility, engineers must examine the drainage areas that contribute to the project and peak flows anticipated, available storage capacity as well as discharge conditions and the pump’s performance.
These results can help determine if equipment modernization is enough or if the station needs greater reconstruction.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
The most often overlooked concern is how the station will function during rehabilitation. It is impossible to remove wastewater systems from operation without making arrangements for the flow control.
The construction process may involve the installation of temporary bypass pumps or even replacing the infrastructure surrounding the station operating.
The system could be required for an unexpected rainstorm. A plan for engineering that is comprehensive must include the sequencing of installation, temporary operation, equipment integration and commissioning and not just replacing components.
The Finished System is much easier to use
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater pumps and wastewater.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies the structural, mechanical, electronic, and communications components should be left in place, and which will require replacement. The company also offers initial plans and estimates for budgets to help owners evaluate project possibilities.
After installation, startup tests testing, operator training and commissioning are crucial to ensure that the newly renovated station operates according to its design. The successful rehabilitation projects will give operators a simple-to-maintain system.
Improve the System, Not Just Its Age
A pump station that is older isn’t necessarily a candidate for replacement. Even if their electrical and mechanical equipment is outdated, some structures can still be useful for many years. The crucial thing is to decide what can be retained safely and economically, while also ensuring that the finished station meets present and future demands.
Owners can make better investment decisions by looking at the operating conditions including structural integrity, structural integrity and hydraulic needs together.
The objective isn’t to make a stale station operate again. In order to ensure that the system is ready for future work it’s essential to improve the station.