New Development Means New Flow: Planning the Pumping System Around the Project

The engineering would be much simpler if the water travelled exactly at the same time.

It’s not.

The amount of wastewater entering the residential system can vary throughout the day. Commercial and industrial facilities could encounter peak operating times. Stormwater flow is affected by weather conditions. Demand for clean-water also fluctuates according to the type of application.

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As a result, designing a pump station isn’t simply a matter of identifying one flow number and selecting equipment capable of meeting it. Engineers have to understand the range of conditions the system is expected to meet.

Consider the Operating Conditions and not just the Maximum Capacity

It is evident that maximum flow is important however, it’s only one aspect of station operations. Imagine a wastewater system that was designed for a high peak flow. In most cases, incoming flow may be much lower. During those normal operating periods the station must be functioning properly.

This raises questions such as wet-well sizing and the size of the pump as well as control, head condition, and the best way to modify equipment when the demand for it changes.

When designing a package pumping system, it is important to consider the requirements for the specific site and not only the capacity of the pump.

The daily routine of wastewater

Throughout the life of the wastewater lift station conditions for the influent may change.

The system has to collect the wastewater and turn on its pumps according to the strategy of control established by the station. The structural dimensions, the pumps and the piping, as well as electrical components and controls, all play an important role in this process.

The design may also include factors specific to the area. Romtec Utilities will incorporate any extra systems, including grinders vaults and odor-control devices when needed. This results in a station that is designed to meet the requirements of the project rather than a generic configuration which is used at every wastewater site.

Stormwater can alter much more quickly

Stormwater is a completely different process. A stormwater lift-station may have a low level of activity during dry weather conditions, but it will experience substantially greater inflow during a weather-related event. The station could be a part of a comprehensive flood-control plan or as a detention, treatment or drainage plan.

Romtec Utilities evaluates factors including flow rates that are required and head conditions, system size and site requirements. environmental factors when designing these systems.

The design of a station for commercial purposes could differ from the design of a station designed to handle stormwater for municipal areas.

Head conditions are important along with Flow

The challenge of transporting 1,000 gallons is not the only challenge for engineers. Engineers also need to know the direction of the water and what resistance the pumping system will have to overcome.

The head of the pump can be affected by a number of factors, including elevation changes, piping configurations, discharge conditions, and other system aspects.

This relationship between head and flow is the reason why choosing a pump based on a capacity rating doesn’t suffice. The technology of the pump and station layout must match the hydraulic requirements of the particular application.

Plan for the conditions that the station will experience

Romtec Utilities designs and develops custom pumping systems that meet the requirements of wastewater treatment stormwater management clean water, industrial applications, boosters, and more. The process may include the preliminary design and budgeting process plans, complete sets of plans, system supply, documentation as well as startup, testing and commissioning.

The principle behind the design is quite simple Pumping systems don’t spend their entire lives working under the same set of conditions.

They have to contend with shifting flows, changing requirements, and project-specific hydro needs. It is crucial to design a station that can manage this challenge.