A municipality has an outdated wastewater lift station. The pumps are nearing the maximum lifespan The controls are old as well as the access hatch is deteriorated. The concrete wet well is sturdy and solid.
Do you think the station should be completely destroyed? Not necessarily. The most important question is whether the existing infrastructure can accommodate a new pumping system without compromising the reliability, accessibility to maintenance or future capacity.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
A carefully engineered pump station retrofit can preserve valuable infrastructure while replacing components that no longer meet operational requirements.
Begin With the Structure No One Wants to Replace
The wet well can be one of the more expensive and challenging components to replace, as it’s located underground, linked to existing pipes, and crucial for wastewater collection.
Retaining a concrete construction that is still usable could make it easier to dig and build.
The deterioration of the area surrounding the access hatch may make this difficult. Romtec Utilities identifies wet well hatch replacement as a typical retrofit requirement. Instead of attaching a hatch to cement that is degrading replacing the entire top layer may be a better option. This will allow for greater access to the structure as well as prolong its utility, without having to completely rebuild the wet well.
The design of a more powerful pump is distinct
Imagine a place that has exploded in size since the original lift station installation. It’s possible that current pumps aren’t sufficient to handle the increasing flows of wastewater.
The upgrade of a pumping device could be accompanied by higher horsepower equipment, however this can’t be accomplished without taking into consideration the system around it. For more powerful pumps, you may need modify the discharge elbows or pipe. It is also possible to replace electrical controls or valves.
The engineers should also take into consideration the hydraulic requirements of the system, such as the flow rate as well as the dynamic head total. A larger pump installed without reviewing these conditions can create problems with operation rather than addressing these. Planning for future capacity during the initial design phase can help later expansions to be much easier.
Make sure that the waste water is flowing during construction
Retrofitting an existing wastewater pump station can be a new challenge. Contrary to other equipment replacement projects, this one will need to continue operating during construction.
It is still a problem for wastewater to enter the system even while contractors are working. Based on the nature of the project the temporary bypass pumps could be required to ensure services during removal and the installation of the existing equipment.
Romtec Utilities fought this kind of problem in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
The project required the replacement of two wastewater lift stations that were in poor condition while also maintaining the operation of the facility. Specific engineering for the site and packaged replacement systems and bypass pumping techniques helped allow for the existing station footprints as well as operational demands. This case illustrates how important it is to think about the sequence of construction before installing.
When Replacement Becomes the Better Alternative
Not every station is suited for rehabilitation. If the sewer lift station is in need of replacement because of a severely degraded well, structural limitations or major changes in hydraulic requirements, it might be better to replace instead of modify.
It is vital that the choice taken into account structural factors as well as equipment compatibility and construction accessibility, as well as long-term operational requirements. Romtec Utilities starts retrofitting and replacing projects by identifying components that will be retained as well as those that require to be replaced.
The company then develops engineering solutions tailored to the site, as well as preliminary designs as well as budget estimations. Prefabricated components are also beneficial to facilitate installation and reduce some on-site requirements.
The Project Isn’t Completion until the Pumps Have Started
A modernized lift station must work as a complete system. Prior to returning the lift station to service, tests of startup and commissioning tests will ensure that the pumps, controls and other equipment perform as per the approved design.
Operator training, as well as maintenance and operation manuals are equally important. Before they can assume responsibility for the station, personnel responsible for maintenance must know about the latest equipment, procedures and the documentation.
A successful retrofit preserves the infrastructure, while addressing the limitations which made modernization necessary.
For facility owners and municipalities it is important to look beyond the immediate repair. The most successful projects incorporate the latest equipment with the existing structures. They will maintain the vital services throughout construction and set up the pumping system to last for a long time.