The wastewater lift station of the municipality is old. The pumps are nearing the end of their life expectancy, the controls are outdated, as well as the access hatch is worn out. The concrete wet well is solid and sturdy.
Do you think the station should be destroyed and rebuilt? Not necessarily. The more important question to consider is whether or not the existing infrastructure can accommodate the pumping system of current standards without compromising reliability or future capacity.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Retrofitting a pump station could be a fantastic method to maintain infrastructure and replace elements which are no longer in use.
Begin with the Structures that nobody Would Like To Replace
The wet well is often one of the most expensive and challenging components to replace since it is hidden, connected to the existing pipes, and crucial to the collection of wastewater.
The concrete structure can be retained to help in reducing excavation work and construction.
However, the deterioration around the access hatch could affect your choice. Romtec Utilities has identified wet-well hatch replacement as an essential retrofit. Instead of affixing a fresh hatch to concrete that is deteriorating, replacing the entire top slab might offer a more long-lasting solution. This approach can be employed to increase access and improve the usability of the structure without needing to rebuild the entire wet well.
An improved pump can alter the way engineers work.
Consider a neighborhood that has seen a substantial expansion since the establishment of the lift station. The current pumps may not be able to cope with the growing flow of wastewater.
An upgrade to the pumping station could involve higher-horsepower pumps, but the choice of equipment cannot be made independently of the rest of the system. For more powerful pumps there is a possibility that you will need modify the discharge elbows or the piping. You may also need to upgrade electrical controls and valves.
Engineers should also look at the hydraulic needs of the system. This is a consideration for flow as well as total dynamic pressure. Installing a larger pump without taking a look at these requirements could cause problems in operation instead of resolving the issues. Planning for future expansions in the your initial design process will help you to expand in the future.
Make sure that the waste water is flowing during construction
Retrofitting a wastewater pump station poses a challenge which normal project for replacement of equipment may not face: the station might require to be operational throughout construction.
Even when contractors are busy they continue to receive wastewater. According to the report it is possible that a temporary bypass pumping system may be necessary to maintain service as the equipment that is in use is removed or new equipment is installed.
Romtec Utilities faced this kind of problem at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
The project involved the replacement of two wastewater lift stations that were in use, while still maintaining the operation of the facility. Site-specific engineering, packaged replacement systems, and bypass pumping techniques helped accommodate the station’s footprints and operational demands. This example shows the importance of taking time to take into consideration the sequence of construction before constructing.
When replacing is the most efficient option
Some stations may not be suited for rehabilitation. A severely deteriorated wet well, inadequate structural capacity, or major changes in hydraulic requirements may make sewer lift station replacement more appropriate than modifying the existing installation.
It is essential to take into account structural conditions along with equipment compatibility, accessibility to construction, as longer-term operational requirements. Romtec Utilities begins retrofits and replacements by identifying the components to be left in place and those that need to be replaced.
The business will then design site-specific engineering designs as well as budget estimates as well as preliminary designs. Prefabricated parts are a great way to facilitate installation and help reduce the time spent on construction.
The Project Doesn’t End When the Pumps Start
The modern lift station must be able to function as a system. Before returning a lift facility to normal service, startup testing, commissioning, as well as verification of equipment are required to confirm that all pumps, controls and other equipment are operating in accordance with their design.
Training and manuals for operators are equally crucial. Maintenance personnel must know the latest equipment, operating procedures, and the documentation prior to taking over for the station.
Retrofitting infrastructure successfully preserves its value while addressing limitations that led to modernization.
Municipalities and facility owners must think beyond repairs that are immediate. The most successful projects combine new equipment with existing structures. They ensure essential services during construction and set up the pumping system for a lifetime of operation.
