The sewer lift station of a municipality is old. The pumps have reached the maximum lifespan, the controls are outdated, and the access hatch is deteriorated. However, the concrete wet well remains robust and solid.
Do you think the station should be destroyed and rebuilt? Not necessarily. It is more important to determine if the infrastructure is able to support modern pumps without compromising future capacity and reliability or maintenance accessibility.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
The retrofitting of pumps that are precisely designed can help save infrastructure and also replace components that no longer meet operational requirements.
Start with the structure that no one wants to replace
It’s expensive and time-consuming to change the wet well since it is submerged in the ground, linked to pipes, and is necessary for the collection of wastewater.
If the concrete structure remains serviceable, retaining it may make it easier to dig and build.
However, deterioration around the access hatch may complicate the process. Romtec Utilities says that wet well hatches are usually replaced in retrofits. It could be more durable to replace the top slab instead of constructing a new hatch on concrete that has deteriorated. This option can be utilized to increase access and improve the usability of the structure without the need to replace the whole wet well.
A Powerful Pump Changes the Engineering
Imagine that the area of residence has grown significantly since the original lift station installation. The current pumps may not be able to deal with increased wastewater flows.
Pumps with higher horsepower could be used to upgrade an existing pumping station, however the equipment should also be incorporated into the system. For pumps that are more powerful you might need to make changes to the discharge elbows or pipe. You may also need to alter electrical controls and valves.
Engineers must also think about the hydraulic requirements of the system. This includes flow and the total dynamic pressure. A larger pump without evaluating the situation can cause more problems than it solves. The planning for future expansions at the time of designing the initial design can help you to build later on.
Make sure that the Wastewater is moved during Construction
Retrofitting wastewater pumps is a particular challenge which is not faced by other projects. The station could need to be operational for the duration of construction.
Even while contractors are working. According to the scope of the project temporary bypass pumps might be required to keep the service throughout the removal and installation of the existing equipment.
Romtec Utilities took on this kind of challenge in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Brunswick, Georgia.
The project involved replacing two wastewater lift stations that were in use in the meantime, and maintaining the operation at the facility. Specific engineering for the site packaging systems, packaged systems and bypass pumping techniques allowed for the existing station footprints as well as operational needs. This case illustrates the reasons why the sequence of construction must be considered carefully prior to installation.
In the event that replacement is not an option, it’s the best alternative
Each station is not able to be rehabilitated. 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 crucial that the decision taken takes into consideration structural conditions along with equipment compatibility, accessibility to construction, as as long-term operational requirements. Romtec Utilities begins retrofits and replacements by identifying the components which are expected to stay and those which need replacement.
The company will then create custom-designed engineering plans, budget estimates, and initial designs. Prefabricated components are also useful in arranging installation and decreasing certain requirements on site.
The Project isn’t Complete until the Pumps Start
Modern lift stations must operate as an integrated system. Before returning a lift facility to normal service, restart testing, commissioning, as well as verification of equipment are required to make sure that all pumps, control systems, and equipment work in accordance with their design.
Maintenance and operation manuals and also instruction for operators are crucial. Maintenance workers must be aware of the new equipment, operating procedures and documentation before taking responsibility for the station.
A successful retrofit preserves the infrastructure that is still valuable and addresses the shortcomings which led to the need for modernization.
Municipalities as well as facility owners must consider more than just immediate repairs. Most successful projects blend new equipment with existing structures. They ensure essential services while construction is underway and then prepare the pumping systems for a lifetime of operation.