On paper, the idea of a pumping project might appear straightforward. Water is required to be pumped from one location to the next. In practice the distance between these two points could be a matter of shifting flow rates, elevation differences, solids, pressure requirements, storage capacity, control electric equipment, access to maintenance, and site restrictions.
Romtec Utilities’ strategy for developing a pump station is to first define the operating conditions. This is followed by selecting the appropriate equipment. The preliminary designs and budgetary data can then be developed around the requirements of the project.
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Consider: Where are we going?
The technology is changed immediately.
The flow of household sewage is subjected to significant daily variations. A wastewater lift station must move that wastewater reliably when gravity conveyance is unavailable or insufficient. Engineers must be aware of the following aspects: expected flow, peak condition, pumping capacity, behavior of the wet well discharge requirements and how equipment is operated and maintained.
The difficulties of industrial water are different. The water used in a manufacturing or processing facility might need to be caustic, oily, or heated with high pressure or temperature. Romtec Utilities designs industrial systems that can be used for everything from food processing and power generation to data centers, pharmaceutical waste, and oil and gas facilities.
Rainfall can create a completely new operating cycle
Stormwater systems can spend long periods handling little activity and then face substantial amounts during a storm.
For instance, a stormwater lift station that is associated with a basin of detention is required to be in line with the drainage plan for the site. Runoff enters a basin. Storage temporarily regulates the amount immediately. The pumping system takes the water it collects into an approved outlet.
Romtec Utilities offered this type of solution to a Norco, California business park. A pumping system was required to drain the detention basin and discharge it into the stormwater system. The station was designed to be part of the drainage system for a particular development rather than as an independent part of the equipment.
“Package” Doesn’t need to mean Off-the-Shelf
There is a widespread misconception that a pumping device for packages is simply a set of predetermined parts.
In the case of engineering infrastructure packaging could mean that all major components are coordinated into one system. Controls, pumps and meters along with the structural elements and other equipment, can be chosen depending on the conditions of use.
This strategy is particularly beneficial when a brand new system needs to connect with existing infrastructure. In industrial plants and municipal buildings, there’s usually an infinite amount of space or completely clean environment for installation. Equipment might need to be positioned within existing structures, piping electric systems, as well as operational plans.
The real effects of capacity Planning
In particular, undersizing can be costly as facilities expand.
Romtec Utilities supplied a sewer lift station located at Portland International Airport for the PDX Next extension. The new station was developed to double the peak-flow capability of the current system when airport facilities expand.
It demonstrates a key engineering concept: design conditions should not be limited to what a facility handles on an ordinary afternoon. Engineers should be aware of the conditions that occur during peak demand.
The job isn’t finished until the equipment arrives.
At time, drawings and calculations must become an operational system. Installation coordination starting and testing, documentation, and operator understanding are all vital for the long-term performance.
After a few years, the success of an engineered pumping systems is determined. The decisions taken during the preliminary design are very evident when flows increase as major storms hit or when maintenance is needed.
Romtec Utilities integrates these options in order to develop a complete pumps solution for a specific project. It assists in transforming equipment into infrastructure specifically designed for the conditions in which it will be employed.