A pump station that is old doesn’t need to stop functioning to be a problem. It may still move the water and wastewater daily however, it struggles during periods of high demand, need frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The equipment works, but its original design might not reflect the current conditions around it.

The planning of infrastructure improvements is crucial for municipal officials, developers and operators of facilities.

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Take a look beyond the equipment that’s Inoperable

The retrofitting of a wastewater liftstation must begin by evaluating the entire system, not just the pump. Engineers must assess the wet well, mechanical equipment electric components, control systems, discharge pipes, as well as the current needs for pumping.

The state of the wet well is of particular importance. If the structure of the wet well is in good shape, you may be able to upgrade it with new equipment while keeping the existing structure. Costs for construction could be reduced compared to building a brand new station. However, the idea of preserving the existing infrastructure is only a good idea in the context of proposed improvements.

Did the area of service change?

A wastewater station designed years ago may now serve other commercial or residential properties, homes or industrial facilities.

These changes can affect flows and operating demands. Rehabilitating a lift station is more than just restoring the original specifications for the equipment. Engineers should assess future and planned flow rates, total dynamic head capacity of the equipment, and the reliability of operation.

The solution is not always a bigger pump. The new equipment should be compatible with existing piping electrical supply, controls and other components. In the event that one component is improved, it could cause problems in other areas.

Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities

Retrofitting an existing stormwater pumping station could result in additional challenges due to the fact that runoff is influenced by surrounding development and rainfall. The flow pattern of a station that serves the detention area could be different from if it is receiving water directly through the storm drain. New pavement, expanded parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure could also alter the quantity and frequency of runoff that reaches 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.

The data will allow you to determine if the station needs to be renovated or what the best option is to modernize equipment.

Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service

What the station’s capabilities will be in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is often overlooked. Wastewater systems generally cannot be taken offline without arrangements for continuous flow management.

Construction can include temporary bypass pumps as well as the installation of replacement infrastructure along with the operating station, in accordance with the space available and the project requirements.

It is also important to be prepared for stormwater projects as the system may be needed in the event of a sudden rainstorm. An engineering plan that is comprehensive should include the sequencing of installation, temporary operation installation, equipment integration and commissioning as well as replacement components.

Making the finished system easier to use

Romtec Utilities is a provider of engineering services for sites supplies and solutions for wastewater and Stormwater Pumping Applications.

Retrofitting is a process that analyzes structural, mechanical, electrical, and communications components to determine what can be kept and which should be replaced. The firm provides owners with preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and project alternatives.

After installation, initial testing and commissioning are conducted after which operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation effort will provide the operator with a system that they can maintain and understand.

Upgrade your system, not only the system that is old

A pump station that’s older doesn’t mean it’s a perfect candidate to be completely replaced. It is possible that some structures will remain operational for a long time, even if the mechanical and electrical systems need modernization. The crucial thing is to decide the things that can be kept safely and economically while ensuring that the constructed station meets current and future requirements.

By looking at the overall operational conditions and structural integrity as well as the construction and hydraulic requirements limitations, the owners are able to make more informed choices.

It’s not only about making an old station operational again. The aim is to make sure that the new system is able to handle the upcoming work.