If you draw an outline around the lift station on a civil map it’s easy to envision it as a part of self-contained equipment.

In reality, water arrives from somewhere, passes through the station and flows to a different location. Controls, power, access to the site as well as connections with surrounding infrastructure are also crucial.

For teams in search of the most effective lift station designers A good question to ask is whether the engineering considers these interfaces, and not just what happens inside the station.

Image credit: romtecutilities.com

Begin to move upstream of the Wet Well

Think about a development for residential use. The waste water flows through the collection systems towards the lift station. The flow conditions in the incoming system as well as elevations of the site help determine the amount of waste that the station is expected to handle.

When the wastewater is in the well, a new set of engineering choices are made. The valves, pumps, piping structures, controls, and perhaps auxiliary equipment need to be designed for the purpose.

Romtec Utilities engineers wastewater systems specifically for individual sites, such as municipal, commercial, industrial and development.

The project-specific approach is important because changing what happens upstream can alter the goals that the pumping facility needs to accomplish.

Be sure to follow the water past the pumps

The engineering problem doesn’t end with the liquid leaving the well. The pumping systems have to be able to push the liquid to meet the hydraulic requirements of the downstream systems. The flow requirements and head conditions thus influence the pump selection as well as station setup.

That connection is particularly important when evaluating the best wastewater designers. The specifications of a pump are impressive, however their effectiveness must be considered within the entire hydraulic system.

Romtec Utilities has the ability to design the structural elements that comprise mechanical components, electrical components, as well the communication systems of a pumping stations as a complete package. This allows the system to be integrated to meet the specifications of the particular project.

Stormwater is a network of its own

Stormwater is an intricate infrastructure puzzle. Runoff can flow into the collection system via developed surfaces and move on to treatment, detention, or drainage infrastructure. Where pumping is required, the station becomes a single link to the overall stormwater management strategy.

When organizations are looking for the most effective stormwater system engineers, they should consider evaluating site conditions, flow rate head requirements, and environmental considerations together.

Romtec Utilities provides customized stormwater pumping systems for residential as well as commercial projects.

Coordination Extends Above Ground Too

Not all interfaces require pipe. Electrical service must support the equipment. Control and communications systems must be adapted to the requirements of the project. Contractors must have appropriate plans and documents. Installation, startup and maintenance might require access to a physical location.

The system documentation is important because these connections could be involving multiple disciplines and people. Romtec Utilities can provide complete plan of work and documentation, in addition to support for its systems throughout beginning, testing and commissioning.

See Beyond the Station Boundary

A lift station may be constructed correctly as a separate facility, but remain part of a badly coordinated project if its external connections haven’t been given enough consideration.

A better perspective of design will follow the water. Where is its origin? What conditions should it fulfill in order to get there? What happens while it is there? Where does it go following? What infrastructure is needed to support the whole process?

If you can answer these questions, the design of lift stations is something more than just a piece of equipment. It’s now part of infrastructure engineering.