The efficiency of a lift station can be established long before it is a concrete structure containing pumps, pipes and valves. The design is determined by several elements, such as flow calculations, site elevation system pressure, the properties of wastewater and top conditions access to maintenance controls, and the future capacity.
When it comes to comparing the design of a lift station to build a project it’s not about who is able to specify pumps. What is the best way to translate site conditions into a practical, complete system that is simple to set up, maintain and run?
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The Limits of Gravity
Gravity is usually the most efficient way to move wastewater. But terrain and building patterns can make this difficult. The new residential, commercial and industrial sites are often too low or too far away from the gravity sewer infrastructure.
A lift station will provide the force needed to transfer water from one location in the collection system to another. It is important to consider both the standard operating conditions as well as those that are less efficient, like the peak inflows, pump maintenance and equipment breakdown, as well as an increase in demand for the future.
Companies considered among the best wastewater designers should therefore evaluate the entire conveyance problem rather than treating the station as an isolated piece of equipment.
Existing infrastructure makes the problem more complicated
The issue isn’t new construction. A lot of municipalities are required to modernize or replace their old facilities to ensure that the essential wastewater infrastructures in place.
Existing infrastructure, such as wet wells and control systems, force mains site boundaries, downstream infrastructure, may limit the design. Engineers must determine what can be left in place, what will require replacement, and how new components are to be incorporated into the current system.
Romtec Utilities offers pumping solutions for private, municipal industrial, commercial and retrofit applications. Pumping systems are designed to meet the unique requirements of every project.
Stormwater is subject to different rules
The best stormwater system designers need to use the search terms to solve an issue with a different hydrologic. Stormwater systems have dramatic volume changes depending on rainfall and other elements such as the area of drainage as well as the capacity of detention and discharge rate.
Stations that are serving detention basins for instance, could need to temporarily store the runoff before pumping it out at a set rate. Engineers need to consider the rate of flow, the head condition, the environmental requirements, the flood-management objectives, as well as the specifics of the drainage system receiving it.
Prefabrication is a way to take the work off-site
The difficulty of field assembly can result in scheduling conflicts, errors in installation, change orders, and even delays. Romtec Utilities uses substantial prefabrication prior to equipment arriving at the construction site.
In order to complete more assembly and quality control work in a controlled environment this can decrease the amount of work required in the ground. According to Romtec’s project approach, certain construction projects that normally would take weeks to complete can be completed in just a few days depending on the requirements of the project.
Commitment to engineering success includes commissioning
A station isn’t proven simply because every component has been installed. Romtec Utilities is an installation advisor who will guide the construction process from start-up, through control panel check, pump operation, testing the system, and personnel training. The documentation also provides operators with information that they can refer to when maintaining the system or contemplating any future expansion.
Owners who are looking for the top designers of lift stations should pay attention to this stage. Good engineering should produce more than an acceptable set of drawings. The proprietor should be left with a functional system that is well-trained, a competent staff, helpful documentation, and equipment that is designed to meet the daily operating conditions of the facility.