The municipality has an old wastewater lift station. The pumps are nearing the maximum lifespan and the controls are inefficient, as well as the access hatch is deteriorated. While the concrete wetwell is structurally sound, it needs to be updated.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Should the entire station be destroyed and rebuilt? Not necessarily. It is more important to determine if the infrastructure is able to support a modern system of pumping without compromising capacity in the future in terms of reliability, reliability, or accessibility.
A thoughtfully designed retrofit of a pump station can help preserve valuable infrastructure while replacing components which no longer meet the functional requirements.
Start With the Structure Nobody is Trying to Replace.
The wet well is typically among the most expensive and disruptive parts to replace as it is submerged, connected to existing piping and is essential to the process of removing wastewater.
If the concrete structure is functional, it is possible to make it easier to dig and build.
The deterioration of the area around the access hatch might make this difficult. Romtec Utilities identifies wet well hatch replacement as a standard retrofit requirement. It could be more durable to replace the top layer instead of attaching a new hatch onto deteriorated concrete. This approach can be employed to increase access and improve the usability of the structure without the need to replace the whole wet well.
A more powerful pump alters the Engineering
Think about a community that has experienced significant increase in population since the construction of its lift station. The current pumps might not be adequate for increased flows of wastewater.
Pumps with more horsepower may be used to upgrade a pumping station, but the equipment has to be integrated within the system. To make the pumps more powerful it is possible change 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 includes flow and total dynamic pressure. If you choose to upgrade a pump and do not consider these aspects it could create operational issues rather than solve them. Planning future capacity in the designing the initial design makes expansion later considerably easier.
Make sure that the wastewater is kept moving during Construction
A wastewater pump station retrofit introduces a challenge that ordinary equipment replacement projects may not face: the station may need to remain operational throughout construction.
Contractors continue to work, and wastewater continues to come in. In the case of the project temporary bypass pumps might be required to keep service during removal and installation of existing equipment.
Romtec Utilities was able to take on this difficult task in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Brunswick, Georgia.
The project involved the replacement of two of the old wastewater lift stations in the meantime, and maintaining the operation at the facility. The project was able to adapt to the footprints of existing stations as well in operational requirements, using local-specific engineering and integrated replacement systems. This example shows the importance of focusing on construction sequencing prior to the installation process begins.
When Replacement Becomes the Better Choice
Some stations may not be suited for rehabilitation. If the sewer lift station requires replacement due to a seriously degraded well, structural problems or significant changes in hydraulic needs, it may be more beneficial to replace rather than alter.
The decision must take into consideration structural health, equipment compatibility construction access along with service continuity and long-term operating requirements. Romtec Utilities starts retrofitting and replacing projects by identifying the elements that will remain and those that will need to be replaced.
From there, the firm develops site-specific engineering solutions initial designs, as well as budgetary estimates. Prefabricated components can also help organize installation and reduce some needs for construction on site.
The Project isn’t Over Until the Pumps Get Started
The modern lift station must work as a whole. Before returning a lift facility to normal service, startup tests, commissioning as well as verification of the equipment are essential to confirm that all pumps, controls, and related equipment operate according to design.
The manuals as well as the training of operators are equally vital. Maintenance workers must be aware of the new equipment, operating procedure, and other documentation before they take over responsibility for the station.
Retrofitting infrastructure successfully preserves its value, while also solving the shortcomings that led to modernization.
Municipalities and facility owners must look beyond immediate repair. The most successful projects incorporate new equipment and existing structures. They will maintain the essential services while construction is underway and prepare the pumping systems to last for a long time.