It’s not necessary for the pump station to stop functioning for it to become troublesome. It could still transport water or wastewater every day and yet be unable to cope with periods of high demand, need frequent maintenance or depend on controls which are becoming more difficult to support. The equipment is functional, but its design may not reflect the current conditions around it.

Planning infrastructure improvements is critical for city officials, developers, and operators of facilities.

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You need to look beyond the equipment that’s inoperable

A retrofit of a wastewater pump station must begin with an evaluation of the entire system, not just the pump which is experiencing problems. Engineers should assess the wetwell and mechanical components along with electrical components, controls, drainage piping and current requirements for pumping and control systems.

The condition of the well is of particular importance. It could be possible, in the event that the structure is sturdy to preserve it and replace outdated equipment. Construction costs can be reduced as compared to constructing a new station. It is essential to preserve existing infrastructure in case improvements are possible.

Did the area of service change?

A former wastewater plant could be supplying additional residential, industrial or commercial buildings.

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

It’s not enough just to purchase a bigger pump. The new equipment should be compatible with the current piping system as well as electrical power supply and control. If one component is upgraded, it can cause problems with other components.

Stormwater retrofits are a different matter.

Retrofitting a stormwater pumping station involves additional considerations since runoff patterns can alter dramatically in response to rainfall and the development around. A station that serves an aquisition pond might experience different patterns of inflow from those receiving water directly via storm drains. New pavements, expanded parking spaces, or a change in drainage infrastructure could alter the amount and timing of runoff that reaches the station.

Before recommending a stormwater pump upgrade, engineers should review the contributing drainage area, expected peak flows, storage capacity, discharge conditions and current pump performance.

The information will help determine if the station needs to be rebuilt or what the best option is to modernize equipment.

Plan Construction Before Interrupting Service

The most often overlooked concern is how the station will be operating during rehabilitation. In general, wastewater systems can’t be shut down without a plan for flow management.

Construction may include installing temporary bypass pumps, or relocating infrastructure that is adjacent to the station operating.

The system could be necessary for an unexpected rainstorm. A comprehensive engineering plan should be able to address installation sequence, temporary operations, equipment integration, and commissioning. Not just replacement parts.

Making the final system easier to operate

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

Retrofitting examines mechanical, structural, electronic, and communication components to determine what can be left and which needs to be replaced. The company offers owners preliminary designs, estimates of budgets as well as project options.

After installation, the testing of startup and commissioning, as well as operator training and operation and maintenance documentation will ensure that the new station is operating in accordance with its specifications. A successful rehabilitation program will leave the operators with a station they can maintain and understand.

Upgrade your system, not just its age

An older pump station isn’t a guarantee to be completely replaced. Some structures may have years of use left even if their mechanical and electrical equipment requires modernization. The key is to identify the elements that can be effectively preserved while ensuring the station is able to meet current and future needs.

By looking at the overall working conditions and structural integrity along with the construction and hydraulic requirements restrictions, owners are able to make more informed decisions.

The goal in upgrading an older station is not to simply make it work again. In order to ensure that the system is up to date for the future It is crucial to modernize the station.