On paper, the idea of a pumping project might seem straightforward: water is required to be pumped from one location to the next. In reality there are numerous factors that affect the distance between two locations, including: elevation, flow rate solids, pressure storage capacity and maintenance access.

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For Romtec Utilities, designing a pump station begins by defining those operating conditions rather than selecting equipment from a standard catalog. The project specifications can be used to create initial designs and budgetary figures.

Start with a simple question: What are we doing?

The solution immediately alters the technology.

There could be a significant fluctuation in the flow rate of wastewater that is used for domestic use. When gravity conveyance is not working or is insufficient the wastewater lift station is required to transport the wastewater. Engineers must consider the anticipated inflow and the conditions of peak, pumping capacity, wet-well behaviour, discharge requirements, as well as how equipment will be maintained and operated.

Industrial water poses a variety of challenges. A manufacturing or processing facility may require moving high-temperature, caustic or oily or high-pressure fluids. Romtec Utilities designs systems for industrial applications, ranging from food processing and power generation, data centers, pharmaceutical waste and gasoline and oil facilities.

Rainfall has a totally different operating cycle

Stormwater systems could for long periods be inactive and unable to handle activity and then face substantial quantities during a hurricane.

For instance, a stormwater lift station with a detention basin must be compatible with the larger drainage strategy for the location. The water that flows through the basin for detention, and the temporary storage handles the immediate volume and the pumping system moves the water collected to a designated discharge point.

Romtec Utilities supplied this type of solution to a business park located in Norco, California. The development required an emptying pumping station a detention facility into the public stormwater drainage network. The station was planned to function as a part of the drainage system used by a developer rather than an individual part of the equipment.

“Package” Doesn’t Have to mean Off-the-Shelf

The most common misconception is that a system of pumping packages is simply a predetermined collection of parts.

Packaging can be used to integrate the main components into a project-specific system. Pumps, valves, meters control, communications, structural elements, as well as other equipment are able to be selected based on the specific duty requirements.

This approach is particularly useful in situations where a new system has to be connected to existing infrastructure. Municipal and industrial plants facilities usually do not provide a lot of space or completely clean installation conditions. Equipment may need to be built around existing structures, piping systems or electrical systems as well as operating schedules.

The Real Consequences of Capacity Planning

If facilities grow over the years, undersizing can be very costly.

Romtec Utilities supplied a sewer lift station located at Portland International Airport for the PDX Next extension. The new station is designed to double the capacity for peak-flow of the existing system when airport facilities expand.

It illustrates an important engineering principle: design conditions should not represent only what a facility can handle on a normal afternoon. Engineers should be aware of what happens during peak demand.

The Job isn’t Complete When the Equipment is delivered

At some point, calculations and drawings have to become an operating system. Installation coordination starting and testing, documentation and operator understanding are all crucial to ensure long-term success.

After a few years, the success of an engineered pumping system can be determined. If the flow increases when a major storm hits, or equipment requires maintenance, the decisions made during the initial design process become evident.

Romtec Utilities integrates these decisions into a pumping system that is specific to a project. This allows the transformation of individual equipment into a system designed for the specific conditions it will be confronted with.