A pump station that’s older doesn’t have to stop working in order for it become a concern. The pump station may be able to transport stormwater or wastewater every day but it struggles when the demands are high, require more frequent maintenance or depend on controls which are difficult to maintain. Even though the equipment is operational however, the design it was originally designed for may no longer be appropriate for the present conditions.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
For municipalities, developers, and facility owners, being aware that difference is an important part of planning infrastructure improvements.
The Equipment that Fails isn’t the sole issue
A wastewater lift station retrofit should begin with an assessment of the complete system, not simply the pump experiencing problems. Engineers must evaluate the wet well, the mechanical equipment as well as electrical components, controls, discharge pipe, and current pumping requirements.
It is vital to keep an eye on the state of the wet well. If the structure is sound it might be feasible to keep it in place in the process of replacing old equipment. This could reduce the construction costs as compared to the construction of a new station. However, maintaining existing infrastructure only makes sense when it can support the plans for improvements.
Is the service area changing?
The wastewater station that was constructed many years ago can be used to provide services to more homes, businesses, as well as industrial processes.
These changes can affect the rate of flow and operational needs. For lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to restore the original specifications. Engineers must assess the current and anticipated flow rates, total dynamic head, equipment capacity, and the reliability of operation.
It’s not enough to just purchase a bigger pump. The new equipment should work with existing pipes, wet well, electric supply and control. When one part is improved it could cause issues with other components.
Stormwater retrofits have different priorities
A retrofit of a stormwater pumping station involves additional considerations since runoff is subject to change in response to rainfall and the development around. Stations that are part of a detention basin may have different patterns of inflow than those receiving water through storm drains. The changes in drainage infrastructure like new pavement or expanded parking areas, could affect the timing and amount of water that is available to the station.
Before recommending a new stormwater facility, engineers must analyze the drainage areas contributing to the stormwater system as well as the expected peak flows in the future, storage capacity that is available, discharge conditions and the performance of the pump.
These results help determine if the modernization of equipment is sufficient or whether the station requires larger reconstruction.
Make sure you plan your construction prior to when you stop service
The way the station functions in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is often ignored. Systems for managing wastewater generally can’t be shut down without plans for continuous flow management.
Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the operational station.
It is also important to plan ahead for stormwater projects as the system could be needed during rainstorms that are not expected. A plan for engineering that is comprehensive should include installation sequencing, temporary operations as well as equipment integration and commissioning as well as replacement components.
Making the final system easier to operate
Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater and wastewater pumps.
The company’s retrofit strategy identifies the structural, mechanical, electronic, and communications components will remain, and which ones require replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary plans and estimates of budgets to help them evaluate possible options for the project.
After installation, startup tests the commissioning process, as well as training for operators are crucial to ensure that the upgraded station is performing as designed. Operators must be able to maintain and understand the system after a successful rehabilitation.
Upgrade your system, not just the system that is old
A pump station that’s older might not require to be replaced completely. There are some structures that have years of reliable service, even when their electrical and mechanical equipment requires modernization. The most important thing is to figure out the elements that can be effectively preserved while ensuring the station will meet present and future needs.
By looking at operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements and construction constraints together owners can make informed investment decision.
The purpose of upgrading an old station isn’t to make it functional again. The goal is to ensure that the new system is able to cope with the new demands.