A deteriorating pump station doesn’t have to stop working before it becomes a problem. It might still be able to move water or wastewater every day, yet struggle during the peak times, require frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. While the equipment is operational but its original design might not be suited to current conditions.

The importance of recognizing this difference is for the municipalities, developers and facility operators when planning upgrades to infrastructure.

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The Equipment that Fails isn’t the only problem

Retrofitting the wastewater lift station ought to start with an evaluation of the entire system and not just the pump not working. Engineers should evaluate the wetwell and mechanical components along with electrical components, control systems, drainage pipes as well as current pumping requirements and control systems.

The state of the wet well is vitally important. It is possible, if the structure is sound that it be kept and replace outdated equipment. It can be less expensive to construct an entirely new station than if you decided to preserve the current one. Retaining the existing infrastructure is only beneficial for if it can support the planned improvements.

The service area has changed.

A wastewater facility that was constructed years ago may now serve more homes, commercial buildings or industrial facilities.

These modifications could alter flow rates and operational demands. Rehabilitation of a lift station requires more than just restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must evaluate the future and planned flows, head dynamics capacity of equipment, as well as operational reliability.

A larger pump isn’t automatically the answer. New equipment should work with the existing piping system Wet wells, wet wells and electrical supply, controls and so on. Otherwise, improving one component can cause issues elsewhere.

Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities

Retrofitting a stormwater pump station requires additional considerations as runoff patterns may be affected by rainfall and adjacent development. Stations that serve a detention basin may have different inflow patterns than those that get water from storm drains. The changes in drainage infrastructure like new pavement or expanded parking spaces, could alter the frequency and quantity of water available to the station.

Before recommending a stormwater station upgrade, engineers should review the contributing drainage area, expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions, and existing pump performance.

These results can help determine whether modernization of equipment is sufficient or if the station needs greater reconstruction.

Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service

A common issue that is not addressed is how the existing station will operate during rehabilitation. The wastewater system is generally not taken offline without arrangements for continued flow management.

Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps or the installation of a replacement infrastructure with the operating station, according to the available space and the requirements of the project.

It is important to be prepared for stormwater projects as the system could be required in the event of a sudden rainstorm. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should be able to address installation sequence in addition to temporary operations, integration of equipment and commissioning. Not just replacement parts.

Making the system more user-friendly to operate

Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and equipment for wastewater and stormwater pumps.

The company’s retrofit strategy identifies which mechanical, structural electronic, and communications components can remain and which require replacement. The company also provides preliminary plans and estimates for budgets for owners to evaluate their project possibilities.

After installation, startup testing and commissioning takes place, followed by operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project will leave the operators with a system they are able to manage and comprehend.

Make sure you upgrade your computer, not only the system that is old

An older pumping station isn’t necessarily a candidate for complete replacement. It is possible that some structures will continue to be functional for years, even if the mechanical or electrical systems need modernization. It is important to know what can be safely and cost-effectively retained while making sure the station can meet current as well as future needs.

Owners are able to make better investment choices by looking at the operating conditions along with structural integrity, hydraulic and requirements together.

The objective in upgrading an older station isn’t just to fix it again. It’s to make sure the new system is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.