A pump station that is older doesn’t have to stop working in order for it become a concern. The pump station may be able of moving water or wastewater throughout the day however, it may struggle when demand is high. It may require frequent maintenance, or rely on controls which are difficult to maintain. It could still be functional however, the original layout of the device may not be a reflection of the current situation.
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Planning for infrastructure improvements is essential for municipal officials, developers, and managers of facilities.
It is important to look beyond the equipment that is malfunctioning.
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers should examine the wetwell and mechanical equipment as well electrical components, controls, drainage piping and current requirements for pumping and control systems.
The condition of the well is particularly important. If the structure of the wet well is in good shape, you may be able to upgrade it with new equipment while maintaining its existing structure. Costs for construction could be reduced as compared to constructing a new station. Retaining existing infrastructure only makes sense for if it can support the planned improvements.
Have the boundaries of the Service Area changed?
The water treatment plant built years ago can now be used to service many more households, businesses as well as industrial processes.
These modifications could affect the flow rate as well as operating needs. For lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to restore the original specifications. Engineers should assess potential and current flows, as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.
The answer isn’t always a bigger pump. New equipment needs to work with the existing piping system as well as wet wells, control systems, electrical supply etc. When one part is upgraded, it can cause problems with other components.
Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.
Retrofitting a stormwater pumping station is not without its own challenges, as runoff patterns can be affected by rainfall and adjacent development. Stations that service detention basins may have different flow patterns than those that get water from storm drains. Changes in drainage infrastructure, such as new pavement or larger parking lots, may affect the frequency and quantity of water that can be allowed to flow into the station.
Before recommending a stormwater station upgrade, engineers should look at the drainage area that contributes to the system, expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions and current pump performance.
These results help determine if modernization of the equipment will suffice or whether the station requires more extensive reconstruction.
You should plan your construction in advance of when you interrupt service
How the station will operate in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is frequently left unanswered. It is impossible to shut down wastewater systems without arranging for flow control.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps, or the construction of a new infrastructure with an operating station, depending on the space available and the project requirements.
Stormwater projects also require careful scheduling because the system may be needed during unexpected rainfall. The engineering plan should include the sequence of installation as well as temporary operations and equipment integration.
The finished System is more user-friendly
Romtec Utilities is a provider of site-specific engineering supply and solutions for stormwater and wastewater Pumping Applications.
The retrofit approach decides which electrical, structural mechanical, and communication elements should be kept and which need to be replaced. The company gives owners initial plans and estimates for budgets to assist them in evaluating their project options.
Following installation, tests for startup, commissioning and operator training are essential to ensure the newly renovated station operates in accordance with its specifications. The successful rehabilitation projects will offer operators with a simple maintenance system.
Upgrade Your System and Not Just it’s Age
A pump station that is older isn’t a guarantee to be completely replaced. Even if electrical and mechanical equipment is old-fashioned there are some structures that can remain useful for a long time. The key is to identify what can be safe and economically retained, while ensuring that the station meets current as well as future needs.
Through analyzing the general operating conditions and structural integrity along with the requirements for hydraulics and construction restrictions, owners are able to make more informed decisions.
The goal isn’t simply to make an aging station function again. To make sure that the station is up to date for the future it is essential to modernize the station.