The sewer lift station of municipal facilities is outdated. Pumps are about to expire their service life, and controls require modernization and the access hatch should be replaced. While the concrete wetwell is solid in its structure, it is in need of to be upgraded.
Should the station be completely gone? Not necessarily. The better question to consider is whether or not the existing infrastructure will be able to support a pumping system that meets current standards without compromising reliability and capacity.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The retrofitting of the pumping station well-designed can help save precious infrastructure, while also replacing components that no longer meet operational requirements.
Start With the Structure Nobody wants to replace.
It’s expensive and time-consuming to replace the wet well since it is submerged in the ground and connected to pipes, and is necessary for wastewater collection.
A concrete structure which is still functional could make it easier to dig and build.
However, damage to the access hatch can make the process. Romtec Utilities identifies wet well hatch replacement as a standard retrofit requirement. It is possible to be more durable to remove the top slab instead of constructing a new hatch on concrete that has deteriorated. This will allow for greater access to the structure and extend its lifespan, without needing to replace the entire structure as well.
A More Powerful Pump Changes the Engineering
Imagine a neighborhood which has seen a substantial growth since the installation of the lift station. It’s possible that the current pumps are not adequate to handle the increase in water flow.
A change to the pumping station may be accompanied by higher horsepower pumps. However, equipment selection cannot happen independently of the surrounding system. Higher horsepower pumps might need adjustments to elbows for discharge, piping valves, electrical controls, and other components.
The engineers must also assess the hydraulic requirements of the system, including the rate of flow and the dynamic head total. Installation of a larger pump before evaluating the conditions may cause more issues than it solves. Planning for future capacity during the initial design process can allow for later expansion much more easily.
Ensure that the waste water is moving throughout the construction process
Retrofitting a wastewater pump station is a particular challenge that is not encountered in other projects. The station could need to be operational during construction.
Even if contractors are busy and preparing for the next project, wastewater is still arriving. In the case of the project, temporary bypass pumps may be required to ensure the service throughout the removal and installation of the existing equipment.
Romtec Utilities faced this kind of challenge at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
The work involved replacing two wastewater lift stations that were in use and ensuring the operation at the facility. The project was able adapt to the existing footprints of stations as well in operational requirements, using specific engineering for the site and packaged replacement systems. This case illustrates how the order of construction should be carefully considered before installation.
If replacement is the best alternative
Some stations are not suitable to be renovated. 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.
In making a decision, it is crucial to look at the structural integrity of the building, its compatibility with equipment, access to construction, continuity of service and long-term needs. Romtec Utilities begins retrofits and replacements by identifying parts which are expected to stay and those which need replacement.
From there, the company creates engineering solutions that are specific to the site initial designs, as well as budgetary estimates. Prefabricated components are also beneficial to organize installation and reduce the number of on-site requirements.
The project won’t be finished until the pumps kick in
The modern lift station must work as a whole. Prior to returning it back to normal service, it is necessary to start testing and commissioning will help ensure that the controls, pumps, as well as the equipment that is associated with them, are in accordance to the established design.
Manuals for maintenance and operation along with the training of operators are essential. Before taking on the responsibility of a station, maintenance personnel must be aware of the latest equipment, procedures, and documents.
An effective retrofit will preserve structures that are still useful as well as addressing the weaknesses which led to the need for modernization.
For facility owners and municipalities This means looking beyond the immediate repair. The most effective project is one that integrates new equipment into existing structures, keeps up with essential services during construction, and also prepares the pumping system for years of continual operation.