Engineering would be much easier if the water would always arrive at the same time.

It’s not.

The quantity of wastewater that goes into a water system can change throughout the day. Industrial and commercial facilities can encounter peak operating times. Stormwater can change dramatically with the weather. The need for clean water is also different dependent on the purpose for which it is used.

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So, designing the pump station isn’t merely it’s a matter of finding a flow number and selecting equipment capable of meeting it. Engineers must understand the variety of conditions that the system will be exposed to.

Consider operating conditions and not just the maximum capacity

The maximum flow is important however it’s just one aspect of the station’s operations. Suppose a wastewater system is designed to accommodate a high flow. In most cases the flow of incoming water can be less. The station still needs to function properly during these normal timeframes.

This raises questions such as wet-well sizing and the size of the pump and control system of head condition, how to adapt equipment when the demand for it changes.

A properly engineered package pumping system brings these elements together around the actual requirements of the location, instead of thinking of maximum pump capacity as the primary design goal.

The daily rhythm of wastewater

The influent conditions at a wastewater liftstation serving households and businesses, or infrastructure for municipal use will change as a result of its operation.

The system is required to take in wastewater and then activate its pumps in accordance with the plan of control that is set for the station. The dimensions of the structural components, the pumping equipment, piping and pumps and electrical components and controls, all play part in this process.

The design might also include factors specific to the area. Romtec Utilities will incorporate any auxiliary systems, such as grinders vaults and odor-control devices in the event of need. This results in a station that is designed specifically for the needs of the project, rather than being a general design that can be applicable to all wastewater sites.

Stormwater can change much faster

A stormwater lift station may see relatively little activity during dry conditions and then face substantially greater inflow during a weather event. Stations are often a part of larger flood control, detention or treatment strategies which is why the stormwater plan is an important component of system design.

Romtec Utilities evaluates factors including the flow rates required along with head conditions, size of the system and site requirements. environmental considerations when developing the systems.

A station serving a commercial development may therefore look quite different from one engineered for municipal stormwater use.

The Head Conditions are Important Along with Flow

Engineers need to be aware of where the water is going and what obstacles they have to overcome. Engineers must be aware of the direction of the water and the amount of resistance they will face.

The head condition of the pump is affected by several factors which include elevation variations, piping configurations, discharge conditions and other aspects.

The relationship between head and flow is yet another reason why selecting the right pump solely on its rating isn’t enough. The technology of the pump and station layout should be able to meet the requirements of hydraulics of the application.

Create a design for the conditions the Station will Experiece

Romtec Utilities creates customized pumping system for wastewater, stormwater and clean water systems. They also design systems for industrial, booster and other purposes. The process starts with initial design, budgeting, plan sets and system equipment, as well as documentation, starting and testing.

The idea behind the design is quite simple pumps don’t have to work for the rest of their lives under the same set of conditions.

They must contend with shifting flows, changing demand and the specific requirements of each project. A successful station must be engineered for that reality.