An old pump station can be shut down before it’s in trouble. The pump station might be able to transport water or wastewater daily however, it may struggle when demand is high. It may require more frequent maintenance or depend on controls that are challenging to maintain. Although the equipment is still in use the original design may no longer be appropriate for the present conditions.

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

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Find the equipment that’s Broken

Retrofitting a wastewater lift station should begin with an assessment of the entire system not simply the pump experiencing issues. Engineers must evaluate the water well, the mechanical equipment, electrical components, controls, discharge piping and current pumping requirements.

The condition of a well is very important. If its structure remains sound, it may be suitable to keep it even while replacing outdated equipment. This will reduce the amount of construction needed compared with building an entirely new station. It is crucial to maintain existing infrastructure if the enhancements can be made.

Have the boundaries of the Service Area been changed?

An old wastewater facility could serve additional homes, industrial buildings or commercial buildings.

These modifications can impact the operating requirements and flow rates. Successful lift station rehabilitation therefore requires more than restoring the original equipment specifications. Engineers should evaluate the potential and current flows as well as equipment’s capacity and dependability.

It’s more than enough to purchase a larger pump. New equipment must work with the existing piping and wet well, as well as the electrical supply, and control. If you improve one component there is a chance that it will cause issues in other areas.

Stormwater Retrofits Have Different Priorities

Retrofitting a stormwater pump station brings additional considerations, as runoff patterns can be affected by rainfall as well as nearby development. Stations that serve detention basins may have different flow patterns than those receiving water through storm drains. Modifications to drainage infrastructure like new pavements or the expansion of parking spaces, could alter the frequency and quantity of water that’s capable of reaching the station.

Before recommending an upgrade of a stormwater pumping station engineers should review the contributing drainage area. They should also consider the anticipated peak flows storage capacity, discharge conditions.

These findings will help to determine the degree of modernization needed or if a station is in need of greater reconstruction.

Design the Construction Before Interrupting Service

A common issue that is not addressed is how the current station will function during rehabilitation. The wastewater system is generally not disconnected without the need to ensure that flow control is maintained.

The construction could include temporary bypass pumps or the construction of a new infrastructure with the operating station depending on the space available and the needs of the project.

The system could be necessary during an unexpected downpour. An engineering plan that is comprehensive should include the sequencing of installation, temporary operation installation, equipment integration and commissioning, not just replacement components.

Making the finished system easier to use

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

The retrofit process will determine which electrical, structural mechanical and communications components will be preserved and which ones need replacement. The company gives owners initial plans and estimates of budgets for them to evaluate their the options for their project.

After installation, startup testing and commissioning takes place after which operator training and documentation. A successful rehabilitation project should offer operators with a simple maintenance system.

Upgrade your system, not just your system’s age

A pump station that is older may not need to be replaced completely. There are some structures that have years of reliable service, even when their electrical and mechanical equipment needs modernization. The key is to determine what can be retained safely and economically while ensuring the constructed station meets current as well as future needs.

When they look at the overall structure and operating conditions as well as the hydraulic requirements and construction restrictions, owners are able to make better informed decisions.

It’s not about just making an old station functional again. The objective is to ensure that the updated system can cope with the new demands.