Although a pumping station looks as a simple building from the outside, in reality, each project is different. A pump station may require the transport of water from a development upwards, whereas a different site might require pressure to be maintained across a commercial building with changing elevations. Depending on whether the project is municipal, industrial, or private, each one has its own set of design requirements, regulations, and longer-term operational goals.
This is the reason that pumping systems aren’t constructed to be based on an “one-size-fits all” mentality. The success of a station depends on the specifics of the location and its flow requirements. It is also based on the requirements of the owner as well as the future plans for the property. Romtec Utilities works from that perspective, designing each package pumping system to fit the exact needs of the project rather than forcing the project to fit a generic system.
A good pumping design involves more than just moving water.
At its core, pumps are designed to move water or waste that gravity alone can’t do the job. It is not sufficient to develop a system that simply works. It should also be efficient, reliable, easy to maintain, and fully compliant with state and local requirements. It must function not only on paper, but also in the daily reality of the people responsible for operating it.
This encompasses everything from structural designs and wet-well sizes, to electrical systems, communications equipment as well as the accessibility for maintenance teams. The system can be plagued with operational issues for years in the event that even one component is not planned properly. This is one reason engineers and owners put the most importance in working with top lift station designers. It is important to have the right experience when trying to balance the hydraulic performance, durability, time budget and site restrictions simultaneously.
Romtec Utilities combines these fields together under one roof. Instead of having customers manage multiple vendors for various aspects of the station Romtec Utilities manages the structural, mechanical, electrical, and communication components as a total system. This single source approach typically saves time during design, reduces confusion in the process of purchasing and allows for a smoother route to installation.
When designed properly, packaged pumping systems are easier to design.
A packaged pumping system makes infrastructure projects since it integrates key components into a single solution. However, the real value is from the way in which that package is designed. Unmatched systems can result in performance issues, oversized equipment cost, excessive costs, or lengthy maintenance issues.
Romtec Utilities views each package as more of a solution, not being merely a standard product. This means choosing the best pumps, controls, valves as well as enclosure options based on real requirements of the site. It is also important to consider how the system is expected to operate, be monitored and maintained. In the case of utility infrastructures, thoughtful coordination from the beginning of the design phase often prevents much larger problems later.
Booster pumps solve a completely different kind of infrastructure problem
There are many projects that focus on water. In many projects, maintaining water pressure is just as important as moving sewer. This is where booster pump stations play a critical role. These systems are designed for water to flow effectively through a system even when pressure is low due to changes in elevation, long pipes or the high demand.
The design of booster systems is often different from other types of systems. They may require control structures, variable-frequency drives, SCADA integration and telemetry. Romtec Utilities designs the stations in the same way that wastewater systems do to ensure that the final result is both functional as well as operational.
A smarter strategy can lead to a better performance over the long run
Early design support is considered to be one of the most valuable aspects of Romtec Utilities’ process. The initial engineering and design support helps project teams to better understand the scope, configuration and cost of an installation before they move too far in procurement or construction. It can make a significant difference for consultants, developers and public agencies who are trying to ensure that projects stay on time and within budget.
Whether the need is a wastewater lift station a package pumping system, or one of several customized booster pump stations, the key to success is designing. A good design partner can do more than just supply equipment. They can help create a solution which is reliable and appropriate for the location and the needs of the owner, and lasts over time.
In terms of utility work, typically the most effective systems are ones that are invisible to the public since they’re working. Such reliability rarely occurs by luck. It’s the result of meticulous engineering, a good coordination and a clear ability to customize each system according to the needs of the project.