A pump station that’s old doesn’t need to stop working in order for it become a concern. While it can transport stormwater and wastewater daily it could be unable to meet the demand for water at its peak. It might also require more frequent maintenance. The equipment is functional, but the design it was originally designed for may not accurately reflect the environment surrounding it.

It is vital to recognize this distinction for developers, municipalities and facility managers in planning improvements to infrastructure.

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The Equipment that is failing isn’t the sole issue

The retrofitting process of a wastewater liftstation should begin by looking at the whole system, not only the pump. Engineers must assess the wet well, mechanical equipment electric components, controls, discharge pipe, and the current requirements for pumping.

The condition of a well is extremely important. It may be possible, if the structure is sound in its current condition, to maintain it and then replace the outdated equipment. This will reduce the amount of construction needed compared with building an entirely new station. It is essential to preserve the existing infrastructure even if improvements are possible.

The service area has changed.

The wastewater facility that was constructed many years ago can be used to supply more homes, businesses, as well as industrial processes.

These changes can affect the flow rate and demands on operations. In order for lift stations to be successfully rehabilitated, it is not enough to revert back to original specifications. Engineers must assess the their current and future flows, the total dynamic head capacity of equipment, as well as the operational reliability.

A bigger pump isn’t always the solution. New equipment must work with existing pipes wet well, electrical supply, and control. If one component is upgraded the result could be problems with the other components.

Priorities for stormwater retrofits to be different

A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. A station that serves an detention pond may have different patterns of inflow from those receiving water directly through storm drains. Any changes to drainage infrastructures, such as new pavement or larger parking spaces, could alter the timing and amount of water that’s available to the station.

Before recommending an upgrade to an emergency pump station for stormwater, engineers should examine the drainage area that is contributing to it. They should also consider the anticipated peak flows as well as storage capacity and discharge conditions.

These results can be used to determine whether equipment modernization will be sufficient or if the station is in need of greater reconstruction.

Design your project before you interrupt service

The operation of the station during rehabilitation is frequently ignored. The wastewater system is generally not shut down without plans for continued flow management.

Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps, or the replacement of infrastructure near the station operating.

It is important to be prepared for stormwater projects since the system may be needed in the event of a sudden rainstorm. The engineering plans must include the installation process as well as temporary operations and equipment integration.

The final System is much easier to use

Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for stormwater and wastewater pumping requirements.

The retrofit strategy decides which electrical, structural, mechanical and communication components are required to be maintained and which ones need replacement. The company gives owners preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and project options.

After installation, testing the startup, commissioning and operator training are essential to ensure the newly upgraded station is functioning according to its design. Rehabilitation projects that are successful should ensure that operators have a simple to maintain system.

Upgrade your system, not just your system’s age

A pump station that is older isn’t always a good candidate to be completely replaced. There is a chance that certain structures will be functional for a long time regardless of whether the mechanical or electrical systems need modernization. It is crucial to know what is safe and cost-effectively, while ensuring that the station’s finished product is compatible with future and current demands.

Through analyzing operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements as well as construction constraints owners can make better informed investment decision.

It’s more than just getting an old station work again. It’s about ensuring that the updated system can be able to handle the work that is coming up.