A deteriorating wastewater liftstation is located in a municipal. Pumps are nearing the end their usefulness, the controls require modernization and the access hatch should be replaced. The concrete wet well is sturdy and solid.
Should the entire station be demolished and rebuilt? Not necessarily. One of the most important questions to consider is whether or not the existing infrastructure can support a pumping system that meets the latest standards, without compromising reliability or future capacity.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Retrofitting a pump station can be a fantastic way to protect infrastructure and replace elements which are no longer in use.
Start with the Structures That Nobody Wants To Replace
It’s costly and inconvenient to change the wet well due to its location in the ground, connected to pipes and essential to collect wastewater.
Retaining a concrete structure which is still functional could reduce the excavation and construction.
The loss of space close to the access hatch could affect this decision. Romtec Utilities has identified wet-well hatch replacement as an important retrofit. Instead of attaching a brand new hatch to the deteriorated concrete replacement of the entire top layer could offer a more long-lasting solution. This technique can be utilized to increase accessibility and enhance the structure’s usability without the need for rebuilding the whole wet well.
A more powerful pump alters the Engineering
Imagine that a residential area has seen a significant increase in population since the original lift station installation. The current pumps might not be sufficient for increased wastewater flows.
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 flow rate as well as the dynamic head total. The installation of a bigger pump without taking a look at these requirements could cause problems with operation rather than addressing them. Planning for future expansion during initial design will help you to add more capacity later.
Make sure that the wastewater is kept moving during Construction
Retrofitting an existing wastewater pump station can be challenges that are new. In contrast to other replacement projects, this one will need to continue operating for the duration of construction.
Even when contractors are busy they continue to receive wastewater. According to the plan the project, a temporary bypass pumping system may be required to ensure service is maintained as the old equipment is removed, or new equipment is installed.
Romtec Utilities tackled this type of challenge at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
The work involved replacing two of the old wastewater lift stations and ensuring the operation of the facility. The site-specific engineering as well as packaged systems and bypass pumping techniques were used to accommodate existing station footprints and operational requirements. The example illustrates the importance of focusing on construction sequencing before installation begins.
If replacement is the best option, replace it.
There are many stations that can be rehabilitated. Sewer lift stations may need to be rebuilt in the event of a badly damaged wet well or a lack of capacity for structural strength.
The decision should account for structural condition, equipment compatibility, construction access along with service continuity and long-term operational requirements. Romtec Utilities begins retrofits and replacements by identifying elements that will remain as well as those which need replacement.
The business will then design sites-specific engineering designs as well as budget estimates and preliminary designs. Prefabricated parts are a great way to make installation easier and less time-consuming, as well as reduce construction on site.
The Project Doesn’t End When the Pumps Start
Modern lift stations should function as a complete system. Before returning the lift station back to service, testing the startup and commissioning can help to ensure that the pumps and controls as well as other equipment perform as per the accepted specifications.
Operator training and maintenance and operation manuals are equally crucial. Maintenance personnel need to understand the latest equipment, operating procedures and documentation before taking responsibility for the station.
Retrofitting infrastructure effectively preserves its value while solving the shortcomings that led to modernization.
Municipalities and facility owners need to think beyond immediate repairs. The most successful projects incorporate the latest equipment in existing structures and keep essential services running while construction is underway. They also plan the pumping system so that it can continue in operation for a number of years.
