On paper, it could appear straightforward: the water is pumped to different location. In actuality, the distance between these two points can be influenced by elevation changes in the area, pressure requirements and solids, as well as storage capacity, control, electrical equipment, site restrictions and changes in flows.
Romtec Utilities’ strategy for designing a pump station is to first determine the operating conditions. This is accomplished prior to selecting the equipment. Then, preliminary design and budgetary details could be formulated according to what the requirements of the project are.
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Let’s start with one question How are We Moving?
The engineering is changed immediately.
There can be significant fluctuations in the flow rate of wastewater that is used for domestic use. A wastewater lift station must move that wastewater reliably when gravity conveyance is unavailable or insufficient. Engineers have to be aware of the following: expected inflow and peak conditions, pumping capacity, behavior of the wet well discharge requirements, and how the equipment is operated and maintained.
The challenges of industrial water are various. Fluids that are caustic or oily or have high temperatures and pressures might be required by a processing or manufacturing facility. Romtec Utilities creates industrial systems which are utilized in applications ranging from data centers, oil and gas facilities and food processing facilities power generation, as well as pharmaceutical waste.
Rainfall creates a completely different Operating Cycle
Stormwater systems are often inactive for extended periods but then suddenly they face massive volumes during storms.
A stormwater lift station linked with a detention basin for instance, should work with the site’s larger drainage plan. The water that flows into the basin. Temporary storage is used to regulate the volume instantly. The pumping system transfers the water to an approved outlet.
Romtec Utilities offered this type of solution to an Norco, California business park. The pumping equipment was needed to drain the detention basin and discharge it into the stormwater system. The station was intended to function as a part of a development’s drainage system rather than an individual piece of equipment.
“Package” Doesn’t need to Be Off-the-Shelf
A lot of people think that a system for pumping packages is merely a predetermined collection of parts.
In the instance of an engineered infrastructure packaging can mean that all major components are incorporated into a single system. Pumps and valves can be determined based on the duty requirements.
That approach becomes especially useful when a new system must connect with existing infrastructure. In municipal and industrial buildings, there is rarely unlimited space available or a totally clean space for installation. Equipment may need to be adapted around existing piping systems, structures as well as electrical systems, and operating schedules.
Capacity Planning Can Have Real Consequences
If facilities grow in size, undersizing becomes a significant expense.
In Portland International Airport, Romtec Utilities provided a sewer interceptor lift station to support the PDX Next expansion. The new station is designed to increase the capacity at peak flows of the existing system, when airport facilities expand.
It demonstrates a key engineering principal: design specifications shouldn’t just be what a building manages on a typical afternoon. Engineers also need to understand the impact of high demand.
The job isn’t finished until the equipment is delivered.
At some point, calculations and drawings have to become an operating system. Installation coordination with startup and testing, documentation and understanding are all crucial for long-term efficiency.
What happens after the building of a pumping system determines the quality of the system. When flows increase when a major storm hits or equipment requires repair the choices made during the initial design process become evident.
Romtec Utilities combines these decisions to create a complete pumping solution for a specific project. It assists in turning equipment into infrastructure that is designed specifically for the conditions for which it is employed.