A pump station that is aging does not have to cease operation before it causes problems. It may still move wastewater or stormwater every day, yet struggle during high demand, require more frequent maintenance or rely on control systems that are becoming difficult to support. The equipment works, but its design may not accurately reflect the environment surrounding it.

It is vital to recognize this distinction for developers, municipalities and facility managers when planning improvements to infrastructure.

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The equipment that fails isn’t the only issue

Retrofitting an wastewater lift station must begin with an assessment of the whole system, not just the pump that is operating improperly. Engineers must evaluate the wetwell and mechanical equipment and electrical components as well as controls, drainage piping, current pumping requirements, and control systems.

The state of the wet well is particularly important. If its structure is solid it is possible to retain it as a replacement for outdated equipment. It’s less expensive to build a new station than if you kept the current one. However, the idea of preserving the existing infrastructure is only a good idea when it can support the enhancements that are planned.

Has the Service Area Modified?

The wastewater facility that was constructed years ago can be used to service many more households, businesses and industrial activities.

These changes can alter flows and operational demands. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers must evaluate the flow of current and anticipated flows and the overall dynamic head of the equipment as well as operational reliability and the capacity.

The answer isn’t always a bigger pump. The new equipment should work with the existing piping wet well, electrical supply, and controls. If you modify one of the components, it can cause problems in other areas.

Stormwater retrofits have different priorities

Retrofitting an existing pumping station for stormwater may bring additional issues due to the fact that runoff is influenced by surrounding development and rainfall. Stations that serve an detention pond may have different patterns of inflow from those receiving water directly through storm drains. Changes in drainage infrastructure like new pavement or larger parking spaces, could alter the timing and amount of water that can be able to reach the station.

Before recommending the upgrade of a stormwater pump station, engineers should examine the drainage area that is contributing to it. They must also look at the potential peak flows as well as storage capacity and discharge conditions.

These results help determine if equipment modernization will be sufficient or if the station requires more extensive reconstruction.

Design your project before you stop service

How the station will function in the event of rehabilitation is a concern that is often ignored. The wastewater system is generally not taken offline without arrangements for ongoing flow control.

Construction can involve installing temporary bypass pumps, or replacing infrastructure adjacent to the operational station.

The system might be required to be used in an emergency downpour. A complete engineering plan should cover installation sequencing the temporary operation, equipment integration, and commissioning, not only the replacement components.

Making the final system easier to use

Romtec Utilities offers site-specific engineering solutions and supplies for stormwater pumps and wastewater.

Its retrofit approach evaluates which structural, mechanical, electronic, and communications components will remain, and which ones require replacement. The company also offers preliminary plans and estimates for budgets to help owners evaluate project alternatives.

Following installation, startup testing, commissioning, operator training and maintenance documentation help establish that the newly upgraded station operates as per its specifications. The successful rehabilitation projects will give operators a simple-to-maintain system.

Improve the System, Not Only Its Age

A pump station that’s older may not need to be replaced completely. Even if their electrical and mechanical components are outdated there are some structures that can be useful for many years. The crucial thing is to decide the things that can be kept safely and economically, while also ensuring that the final station can meet both current and future demands.

By looking at operating conditions, the structural integrity, hydraulic requirements, and construction restrictions together owners can make more informed investment decision.

The objective in upgrading an older station isn’t just to fix it again. The aim is to make sure that the upgraded system can handle the upcoming work.