A disused wastewater liftstation can be situated in a municipality. Pumps are about to expire their useful life, while controls need to be modernized and the access hatch should be replaced. Although the concrete wetwell appears structurally sound, it’s time to be modernized.
Should the station be totally demolished? Not necessarily. The most important question is whether the existing infrastructure is able to support a modern pumping system without compromising availability, reliability or capacity in the future.
Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Retrofitting a pumping station that is meticulously designed could save valuable infrastructure, while also replacing components that no longer meet functional requirements.
Start with the Structures That Nobody Would Like To Replace
It is expensive and disruptive to replace the wet well since it is submerged in the ground and connected to pipes and is vital to collect wastewater.
If the concrete structure is serviceable, retaining it may make it easier to dig and build.
The loss of space surrounding the access hatch may make this difficult. Romtec Utilities identifies wet well hatch replacement as an usual retrofit requirement. It could be more durable to replace the top slab instead of attaching a new hatch to a deteriorated concrete. This option can ease access and increase the usefulness of the structure without rebuilding the complete wet well.
A More Powerful Pump Modifies the Engineering
Imagine that the area of residence has increased significantly since the lift station’s initial installation. The current pumps may not be able to cope with the increased flow of wastewater.
A pumping station upgrade could involve higher-horsepower pumps, but equipment selection cannot happen independently of the surrounding system.
Engineers should also evaluate the requirements for hydraulics of the system, which includes the flow rate as well as the dynamic head total. Installation of a larger pump prior to assessing the requirements could cause more problems than it solves. The planning of future capacity at the initial design can allow for later expansion much more easily.
Keep waste water moving during construction
Retrofitting an existing water pump station can present an entirely new challenge. Contrary to other equipment replacement projects, the station will require continued operation during construction.
Contractors continue to work, and the wastewater will continue to flow. According to the plan the project, a temporary bypass pumping system is required to ensure service is maintained as the existing equipment is taken down or new equipment is installed.
Romtec Utilities fought this kind of problem in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at Brunswick, Georgia.
The work involved replacing two of the old wastewater lift stations and ensuring the operation at the facility. The project was able to accommodate the footprints of existing stations as well the operational needs by utilizing specific engineering for the site and system for replacement that is packaged. This case illustrates why the sequence of construction should be carefully considered before installation.
If replacement is the best alternative
Not every station is suited for rehabilitation. Sewer lift stations may need to be rebuilt if they have a severely damaged wet well, or have a low capacity for structural strength.
The decision must take into consideration structural integrity, equipment compatibility construction access, service continuity, and long-term operating needs. Romtec Utilities begins retrofit and replacement projects by determining what components will be retained and which need to be replaced.
The company develops engineering solutions specific to the location, initial designs as well as budget estimations. Prefabricated components are also useful in arranging installation and decreasing certain requirements on site.
The Project Doesn’t End When the Pumps Start
The modernized lift station should work as a whole. Prior to returning a lift station to normal service, restart testing, commissioning, as well as equipment verification are necessary to confirm that all pumps, control systems, and other equipment are operating in accordance with the specifications.
Operator training, as well as maintenance and operation manuals are equally crucial. Maintenance personnel need to understand the new equipment, operating procedure, and documentation before taking responsibility for the station.
Retrofitting infrastructure can preserve its value while eliminating the limitations that prompted modernization.
Municipalities and property owners have to be aware of the need for more than just immediate repairs. The most successful projects are those that integrate the latest equipment in existing structures to continue to provide essential services during construction. They also prepare the pumping system to keep service for a long period of time.