A pump station that’s older doesn’t have to stop functioning to become a source of concern. Even though it is able to move wastewater and stormwater daily, the pump station might struggle to keep up with peak demand. It might also require frequent maintenance. It might still function however the original design of the equipment may not be a reflection of the current situation.

For developers, municipalities, and facility owners, being aware the difference is an essential aspect of preparing infrastructure improvements.

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You need to look beyond the equipment that is inoperable

Retrofitting the wastewater lift station is best done by a thorough assessment of the entire system not just the pump with issues. Engineers must assess the wetwell, mechanical equipment and electrical components. They should also consider the discharge pipe and current pumping needs.

It is essential to keep an eye on the state of the wet well. If the structure of the well is in good shape, you may be able to replace it with new equipment, while maintaining its current structure. The construction costs could be lower when compared to the construction of a new station. It is essential to preserve existing infrastructure if the improvements can be made.

Did the area of service change?

The water treatment plant constructed years ago can be used to serve many more households, businesses and industrial facilities.

These modifications can impact the operating requirements and flow rates. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers should assess flow rates and expected flows as well as the equipment’s capacity and reliability.

It’s more than enough to buy a larger pump. New equipment needs to be compatible with existing piping and wet well, as well as the electric supply and control. A mistake in improving one element can lead to problems in other components.

Stormwater retrofits may have different priorities

Retrofitting an existing stormwater pumping station could bring additional concerns because the runoff can be affected by nearby development and rainfall. Stations serving detention basins may have different inflow patterns than those receiving water through storm drains. Any changes to drainage infrastructures, such as new pavement or larger parking lots, can affect the timing and amount of water that’s able to reach the station.

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

These findings will help to determine if equipment modernization is enough or if the station needs more extensive reconstruction.

You should plan your construction in advance of when you disrupt service

One of the most frequently ignored issues is how the existing station will be operating during rehabilitation. In general, wastewater systems can’t be shut down without a strategy to manage flow.

Construction could involve temporary bypass pumps or installation of replacement infrastructure along with the operating station, dependent on the available space and the needs of the project.

The system might be required to be used in an emergency downpour. An engineering strategy that is comprehensive should cover installation sequencing, temporary operations, integration of equipment and commissioning, not only the replacement of components.

Enhance the finished System Simpler to Use

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

Retrofitting is a method that evaluates structural, mechanical electrical, and communications elements to determine what can be left and which needs to be replaced. The company gives owners preliminary designs, estimates of budgets and options for projects.

After installation, testing for startup and commissioning will be conducted and then followed by training for operators and documentation. Operators must be able to manage and comprehend the system after a successful rehabilitation project.

Upgrade your system, not only your system’s age

An older pumping station isn’t necessarily a candidate for a complete overhaul. Certain structures could have years of use left even when their electrical and mechanical equipment requires modernization. It is important to know what can be safely and effectively preserved while ensuring the station will meet present and future needs.

By examining operating conditions, structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction constraints together owners can make informed investment decision.

The goal of upgrading an old station isn’t just to fix it again. The aim is to make sure that the new system is able to handle the upcoming work.