A decrepit wastewater liftstation is located in a municipal. The pumps are approaching the end of their useful life span, the controls require modernization as well as the access hatch has deteriorated. Even though the concrete wetwell is structurally sound, it’s time to be upgraded.
Should the station be completely gone? Not necessarily. It is essential to ask if the infrastructure that is in place will be able to support the modern pumping system without compromising capacity in the future and reliability or maintenance accessibility.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Retrofitting an pumping station that has been precisely designed can help save infrastructure and also replace parts that are no longer in compliance with the operational standards.
Begin with the Structure that nobody Wants to Replace
The wet well is often one of the most expensive and disruptive components to replace since it is hidden, connected to the existing piping, and essential for wastewater collection.
A concrete structure which is still functional could minimize the digging and construction.
The deterioration of the area around the access hatch might complicate this decision. Romtec Utilities has identified wet-well hatch replacement as an important retrofit. It might be more reliable to replace the top slab rather than attach a new hatch on concrete that has deteriorated. This approach can improve access and extend the structure’s usefulness without having to rebuild the entire wet well.
The engineering of pumps that are more powerful is distinct
Imagine a place that has seen a significant increase in population since the original lift station installation. It’s possible that the existing pumps are no longer adequate to handle the increase in water flow.
A pumping station upgrade could involve higher-horsepower pumps, but equipment selection cannot happen independently of the surrounding system.
The engineers should also take into consideration the requirements for hydraulics of the system, including the rate of flow and the dynamic head total. A larger pump without evaluating the situation can cause more problems than it resolves. Planning future capacity in the initial design can make future expansion easy.
Make sure that the waste water is moving during construction
Retrofitting wastewater pumps has its own unique challenges, that is not encountered in other projects. The station may have to be operational for the duration of construction.
Even when contractors are working they continue to receive wastewater. According to the type of project the temporary bypass pumping might be required to maintain services while existing equipment is removed and new components are installed.
Romtec Utilities was able to take on this challenge at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Brunswick, Georgia.
The work involved replacing two old wastewater lift stations in the meantime, and maintaining the operation of the facility. Site-specific engineering packages, bypass pumping techniques allowed for the existing station footprints as well as operational needs. This illustrates why it is important to take into consideration the sequence of construction before constructing.
When replacement is the better alternative
Some stations may not be suited to be renovated. If the sewer lift station needs to be replaced due to a badly deteriorated well, structural problems or significant changes in the needs for hydraulics, it may be more beneficial to replace rather than modify.
In making a final decision, it is crucial to take into consideration the structural integrity of the building, its compatibility equipment, its accessibility to construction sites, service continuity and long-term requirements. Romtec Utilities starts retrofitting and replacing projects by identifying the components to be kept and those that must be replaced.
The company will create specific engineering plans for the site as well as budget estimates as well as preliminary designs. Prefabricated components are also able to help to organize installation and decrease some on-site construction requirements.
The Project isn’t Over Until the Pumps Get Started
Modernized lift stations must be operated as a system in one. Before returning a lift facility to normal service, start-up tests, commissioning and verification of equipment are required to confirm that all pumps, controls and related equipment operate in accordance with the specifications.
Operator training and operation and maintenance manuals are equally crucial. Maintenance workers must be aware of the latest equipment, operating procedures, and documentation before taking responsibility for the station.
A successful retrofit helps preserve structures that are still useful while addressing the limitations which led to the need for modernization.
For municipal facilities and facility owners This means looking beyond immediate repairs. Most successful projects blend the latest equipment with the existing structures. They will maintain the vital services throughout construction and then prepare the pumping systems for a lifetime of operation.