Pump Stations for the Future: Innovations in Assessment, Retrofitting, and Operations

Aging Infrastructure, Evolving Demands: A Call for Innovation
Deteriorating sanitary sewer collection systems are being subjected to demands that exceed their designed lifespan, posing increasing issues for utilities. Aging pumping facilities exhibit significant complexity, functioning under antiquated assumptions regarding asset durability, capacity demands, and maintenance necessities. This requires:
1) Extracting maximum value from existing assets while extending their useful life.
2) Planning for dynamic future conditions, including population growth, climate impacts, and operational variability.
3) Implementing upgrades that seamlessly integrate with current operation and maintenance (O&M) practices.

This presentation based on real world application provides a road map for utilities to rethink their pumping infrastructure, from condition evaluations to innovative retrofits, resulting in solutions that improve performance, lower costs, and increase resilience.

Extending the Life of Aging Assets - Advanced methods for evaluating structural, mechanical, and electrical components, as well as pipelines and ancillary systems, play a crucial role in answering this question. Identifying assets that can be rehabilitated for decades of additional service allows for optimized investments and minimized risks, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable solutions for aging infrastructure.

#Planning for Changing Flows and Needs — Hydraulic modeling is no longer a luxury-it's a necessity. Reconciling current flow management requirements with future uncertainty necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of system dynamics. Modeling dry and wet weather scenarios can reveal concealed capacity constraints, especially in hydraulically linked systems, allowing utilities to devise sustainable and scalable solutions that meet both present demands and future expansion.

Retrofitting Strategies - Addressing specific challenges when increased capacity is required within the confines of existing hydraulic structures. CFD modelling of innovative configurations may be needed to address Hydraulic Institute standards. Additional challenges are in addressing current building code requirements when updating older facilities. Many require new approaches to addressing current NFPA 820, Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities.

#Addressing Modern O&M Challenges — Extensive coordination with operations and maintenance (O&M) staff is required for addressing issues such as ragging, pump accessibility, controls and equipment requirements is critical for achieving success in the design development process. New technologies and approaches are available to address current issues, although the value and applicability of each may be highly dependent on a utility's needs and practices.

#Technology Improvements — New technologies for pumps, grinders, valves, controls and electrical systems allow for restored and retrofitted pump stations to convey more flow than originally designed. These technologies also allow facilities to be more reliable, with improved emergency operation and address concerns related to flooding resilience. Learn how these technologies can elevate aging infrastructure to meet modern demands.

In-line Booster Station Conversions: A Paradigm Shift - A changing approach to manifolded force main systems incorporates in-line wastewater booster stations. Many booster stations are converted from traditional open wet well pump stations into closed pipes with inline pumps. These require complex control systems and supporting systems to address the full range of dry / wet weather flows. These stations can be prone to ragging and require a proper understanding of operating conditions along with implementing appropriate technologies to reduce associated maintenance efforts.

#Case Studies and Practical Applications
#This presentation will include multiple case studies that demonstrate how utilities have effectively evaluated, retrofitted, and optimized pump stations in difficult situations. The following are the highlights:
- Transforming large wet-well/dry-well systems into efficient, modern configurations.
- Converting traditional pump stations into in-line booster systems to improve flow management and reduce maintenance.
- Employing innovative techniques to combat ragging and enhance flood resilience, including above-grade installations and new mechanical designs.
- Achieving increased pumping by as much as 50% within the confines of existing facilities, leveraging mentioned improvement strategies and technologies.

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Future
This presentation will enable utilities to undertake pump station modifications with assurance, innovation, and an emphasis on enduring value. Through the utilization of customized evaluations, sophisticated modeling, state-of-the-art technology, and cooperative planning, utilities may convert outdated infrastructure into robust, efficient systems that can satisfy contemporary and future demands.

The table 1 attached summarizes critical focus areas, their objectives, actionable takeaways, and potential quantitative benefits.