A deteriorating pump station does not have to cease operation before it becomes a problem. Even though it may transport stormwater and wastewater daily, the pump station might struggle to meet high demand. It might also require regular maintenance. It might still function but the initial model of the equipment may not reflect current conditions.

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

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The equipment that fails isn’t the only problem

Retrofitting an wastewater lift station must start with a review of the whole system, not just the pump which is malfunctioning. Engineers should evaluate the water well, mechanical components, electrical components, controls, discharge pipe, as well as the current needs for pumping.

The condition of a well is crucial. It may be possible, in the event that the structure is sturdy in its current condition, to maintain it and upgrade the equipment. It may be cheaper to construct an entirely new station than if you decided to preserve the existing one. But, keeping existing infrastructure only makes sense to support the proposed improvements.

Did the area of service change?

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

These modifications could affect the flow rate and operating needs. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must assess the potential and current flow rates as well as the equipment’s capacity and dependability.

It’s not enough to just buy a larger pump. The new equipment must work with the existing system of piping as well as wet wells, electrical supply, controls etc. If you make improvements to one part the problem could be with other parts of the system.

Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities

Retrofitting a pump station for stormwater is not without its own challenges, as runoff patterns can be affected by rainfall and nearby development. A station that serves an aquisition pond might experience distinct inflow patterns compared to one that receives water through storm drains. New pavements, expanded parking areas, or an altered drainage infrastructure could alter the quantity and frequency of runoff entering the station.

Before recommending a station for stormwater upgrade, engineers must review the contributing drainage area the anticipated peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions, and current pump performance.

The results of these studies can help decide the degree of modernization needed or if a station is in need of greater reconstruction.

Plan your construction before you cut off service

How the station will operate during rehabilitation is a question which is frequently ignored. Wastewater systems generally cannot be removed without a plan for continuous flow management.

Construction can include temporary bypass pumps or installation of new infrastructure along with the operating station, according to the available space and the requirements of the project.

The system may be needed during an unexpected downpour. A comprehensive engineering plan must cover installation sequencing the temporary operation, the integration of equipment, and commissioning not just the replacement of the components.

The final System is easier to Operate

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

The retrofit process determines which electrical, structural, mechanical and communication components should be kept and which ones need replacement. The company provides owners with preliminary designs, budget estimates and project options.

Following installation, tests for startup and commissioning is conducted and then followed by training for operators and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project will leave the operators with a system that they can manage and comprehend.

Upgrade your system, not just the system that is old

A pump station that is older may not have to be replaced completely. Some structures may have decades of use left even if their electrical and mechanical equipment is in need of modernization. It is crucial to determine what can be safe and efficiently retained while ensuring the station meets current as well as future needs.

Through analyzing the general operating conditions and structural integrity and the construction requirements and hydraulic constraints, owners are able to make better informed decisions.

It’s not just about trying to make an old station work again. In order to ensure that the system is up to date for the future it’s essential to improve the station.