The wastewater lift station of a municipality is old. Pumps are about to expire their service life, and controls require modernization and the access hatch must be replaced. The concrete wet well is sturdy and solid.
Do you think the station should be completely demolished? Not necessarily. The more important issue is whether the infrastructure in place can support a modern pumping system, without compromising availability, reliability and capacity.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
A carefully engineered pump station retrofit can preserve valuable infrastructure while replacing components that no longer meet operational requirements.
Start With the Structure Nobody wants to replace.
It’s expensive and time-consuming to change the wet well because it is in the ground, connected to pipes and is vital for wastewater collection.
If the concrete structure is serviceable, retaining it may make it easier to dig and build.
However, deterioration around the access hatch may complicate the decision. Romtec Utilities says that wet well hatches are often replaced in retrofits. Instead of affixing a hatch to cement that has deteriorated, replacing the whole top layer could be a better option. This option can be utilized to increase accessibility and the usability of the structure without the need for rebuilding the entire wet well.
A new pump improves the design
Imagine that the area of residence has exploded in size from the time of the first lift station installation. The pumps that are in place may not be adequate for the increasing flow of wastewater.
Pumps that have higher horsepower can be used to improve a pumping station, but the equipment should also be incorporated within the system. Pumps with higher horsepower may require modifications to discharge elbows, piping and pipework as well as electrical controls, valves, and other parts.
Engineers must also take into consideration the hydraulic needs of the system. This is a consideration for flow as well as the total dynamic pressure. The installation of a bigger pump without evaluating the situation could cause more problems than it resolves. The ability to plan future capacity in the designing the initial design makes expansion later easy.
Keep the water moving during construction
Retrofitting an existing wastewater pump station could be the challenge of a completely new one. As with other equipment replacement projects, this one will need to continue operating for the duration of construction.
When contractors aren’t busy and preparing for the next project, wastewater is still arriving. According to the report an interim bypass pumping system might be required to ensure service is maintained as existing equipment is removed or new equipment is installed.
Romtec Utilities faced this kind of issue at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
The project involved the replacement of two wastewater lift stations that were in use in the meantime, and maintaining the operation of the facility. Specialized engineering on site packages, bypass pumping techniques allowed for the existing station footprints and operational requirements. This example demonstrates how the order of construction should be carefully considered before installation.
If you think replacement is the better alternative
Some stations may not be suited for rehabilitation. Sewer lift stations could need to be replaced when they have a seriously damaged or insufficiently functioning wet well. capacity for structural strength.
It is crucial that the decision made takes into account structural factors along with equipment compatibility, accessibility to construction, as well in the long-term requirements for operation. Romtec Utilities starts retrofitting and replacing projects by identifying the elements that will remain and those that must be replaced.
From there, the firm creates engineering solutions that are specific to the site including preliminary designs, as well as budgetary estimates. Prefabricated components also aid in with installation and can reduce construction-related requirements on site.
The project won’t be finished until the pumps begin to run.
Modern lift stations have to be operated as an integrated system. Before returning it for regular maintenance, start-up testing and commissioning will help ensure that the controls, pumps and other equipment are operating according to the specifications of the design.
Training and manuals for operators are equally crucial. Before they can assume responsibility for a station, maintenance personnel must understand the latest equipment, procedures, and the documentation.
Retrofitting infrastructure can preserve its value while fixing the issues that caused modernization.
Municipalities and property owners have to be aware of the need for more than just immediate repairs. Most successful projects blend new equipment into existing structures. They provide essential services during construction and prepare the pumping systems for years of continuous operation.