An aging pump station can be shut down before it causes problems. The pump station may be able to handle the flow of stormwater or wastewater every day however, it may struggle when demand is high. It may require more frequent maintenance or depend on control systems that are hard to maintain. Even though the equipment is being used however, the design it was originally designed for may not be suitable for the current climate.
Planning infrastructure improvements is critical for municipal officials, developers, and managers of facilities.
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See beyond the equipment Broken
The retrofitting of a wastewater lift station should start by evaluating the entire system and not just the pump. Engineers must assess the wet well, mechanical equipment electric components, controls, discharge piping, and the requirements for current pumping.
The condition of a wet well is very important. If the structure of the wet well is sound it may be possible to replace it with a new equipment, while maintaining its current structure. This will reduce the amount of construction needed in comparison to building a new station. However, retaining existing infrastructure only makes sense to support the plans for improvements.
Has the Service Area changed?
The water treatment plant constructed a few years ago is now able to be used to provide services to increasing numbers of homes, businesses and industrial activities.
These changes can affect the flow rate and operating requirements. In order for lift stations to be properly rehabilitated, it’s not enough to get back to the original specifications. Engineers should assess potential and current flows, as well as the equipment’s capacity and performance.
A bigger pump isn’t necessarily the answer. The new equipment should work with existing piping, wet well, electric supply and control. If you upgrade one component you can create problems with other parts of the system.
Stormwater retrofits have different priorities
A stormwater pump station retrofit introduces additional considerations because runoff can change dramatically with rainfall and surrounding development. The inflow pattern of the station that is serving the area of detention may differ from when it receives water directly through the storm drain. The quantity of runoff that enters the station may be affected by new pavement, increased parking, or changed drainage infrastructure.
Before recommending an upgraded stormwater station, engineers must analyze the drainage areas contributing to the stormwater system, peak flows expected in the future, storage capacity that is available and discharge conditions, as well as the performance of the pump.
These results help determine if modernization of the equipment will suffice or if the station needs greater reconstruction.
Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service
A common issue that is not addressed is how the station will operate during rehabilitation. The wastewater systems are generally not able to be taken offline without arrangements to ensure that flow control is maintained.
Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps, or the construction of a new infrastructure with the operating station in accordance with the space available and the requirements of the project.
Stormwater projects also require careful scheduling because the system may require maintenance during rain events that are unexpected. An engineering plan that is comprehensive should include installation sequencing, temporary operation as well as equipment integration and commissioning not only replacement parts.
Make the Finished System easier to operate
Romtec Utilities provides site-specific engineering and supply solutions for wastewater and stormwater pumping needs.
Retrofitting is a technique that evaluates structural, mechanical, electronic, and communication components to determine what can be left and which must be replaced. The company gives owners preliminaries plans and estimates of budgets for them to evaluate their possible options for the project.
Following installation, startup testing the system, commissioning it, training for operators as well as operation and maintenance documentation will ensure that the upgraded station performs in accordance with its specifications. A successful rehabilitation project should give operators a simple-to-maintain system.
Make sure you upgrade your computer, not only its age
A pump station that is older might not need to be replaced completely. Even if their electrical or mechanical equipment is old, some structures can still be of use for a number of years. The crucial thing is to decide what can be retained safely and economically while ensuring that the finished station meets present and future requirements.
By looking at the overall operating conditions and structural integrity and the hydraulic requirements and construction constraints, owners can to make more informed decisions.
The purpose of upgrading an old system is not to just make it function again. It’s about ensuring that the new system is able to handle the upcoming work.