On paper, it could seem simple: water is then pumped to a different location. In reality there are a variety of variables that affect the distance between two locations, including: elevation as well as flow rate, solids, pressure, storage capacity, and access for maintenance.
For Romtec Utilities, the design of a pump station starts with defining those operating conditions rather than selecting equipment from a catalog. Then, preliminary designs and budgetary requirements can be formulated based on the requirements of is required by the project.
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Start by asking a simple question: How are we doing?
The answer changes immediately the engineering.
The flow of household sewage is subjected to significant fluctuations throughout the day. A wastewater lift station must move that wastewater reliably when gravity conveyance is unavailable or insufficient. Engineers should therefore take into consideration the expected inflow and maximum conditions, pumping capacities as well as wet-well behaviour and discharge specifications, and the way in which equipment is maintained and operated.
There are a variety of challenges that arise with industrial water. Fluids that are oily, caustic or have high temperatures and pressures may be needed by a processing or manufacturing facility. Romtec Utilities designs systems for industrial applications that range from food processing to power generation to data centers, pharmaceutical waste and oil and gasoline facilities.
Rainfall has a completely distinct Operating Cycle
Stormwater systems can be able to endure long periods of a lack of activity and then face substantial volumes during a storm.
A stormwater lift station associated with a detention basin for example, must work within the overall drainage strategy. As the water flows into the basin and temporary storage manages the volume immediately, and a pumping system then moves the water that is collected to an approved discharge point.
Romtec Utilities supplied this type of service for a commercial park development in Norco, California. A pumping system was needed to drain the detention basin and then discharge it into the stormwater system. The station was to be designed as a part of the drainage infrastructure that is part of the development, rather than as a separate piece equipment.
“Package” Doesn’t have to Be Off-the-Shelf
There is a widespread misconception that a pumping system for packages is just a collection of components that are predetermined.
In the case of engineered infrastructure, packaging could also mean coordinating the key components into one specific project. Valves and pumps are determined based on the duty requirements.
This is especially beneficial when the new system needs to be linked with an existing infrastructure. Industrial plants and established municipal facilities rarely offer unlimited space or clean installation conditions. It is possible to adapt equipment around existing structures, piping, electrical systems and schedules.
The Real Consequences of Capacity Planning
It is especially costly when facilities grow.
Romtec Utilities, a Portland International Airport utility company, has designed and constructed an interceptor for sewers to the PDX Next project. The station was developed to provide double the peak flow capacity of the existing system as airport facilities expanded.
It demonstrates an important engineering principal: design specifications shouldn’t just be what a building can handle on a normal afternoon. Engineers must also be aware of what happens during peak demand.
The job isn’t finished until the Equipment is delivered
Then, drawings and calculations need to be transformed into an operating system. Installation coordination, startup and testing, documentation, and operator understanding are all vital to ensure long-term success.
What happens after the building of a pumping device determines its value. The choices made during preliminary design are very evident as flows rise, major storms arrive, or maintenance is required.
Romtec Utilities integrates these decisions into a pumping system that is tailored to a particular project. This allows the transformation of individual equipment into a system designed to withstand the challenges they have to face.