Modern Pumping Today December 2024 - 24

PUMP SOLUTIONS
A NEW LOOK AT ABOVE
GROUND PUMP STATIONS
The growing common-sense trend for wastewater collection
Part 1 of 2
BY RICH MACGREGOR
he growing trend towards above ground pump
stations is transforming wastewater collection
systems, empowering operators to rise above
the challenges of conventional submersible pumps. It's
common sense that relocating pumps above ground,
away from constant exposure to corrosive and hazardous
sewage, safeguards the mechanical and electrical
components of the pumps, as well as the workers who
handle them. This strategic move simplifies maintenance
by making the equipment more accessible and eliminates
the need for workers to enter dangerous, confined spaces,
thus improving safety.
Additionally, it reduces wear and tear on equipment
and minimizes breakdowns. By dramatically improving
reliability, pump efficiency and longevity, the increasing
adoption of above ground systems aligns with
sustainability goals by eliminating the costly problems
of frequent stocking, replacement and disposal of
submersible pumps.
T
The longevity of above ground pump stations is
evident in their decades-long lifespan, markedly
outperforming the brief lifespan of a few years typical of
submersible pumps. The longer service life and easier
maintenance add up to a significantly lower total cost
of ownership.
RELIABILITY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND
OPERATOR SAFETY
Let's explore the vital role of pump stations and their
key requirements. Wastewater pump stations are crucial
in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
for effective wastewater management and to prevent
sewage backups and overflows. Throughout the United
States, countless pump stations perform an essential
role: they pump wastewater from lower to higher
elevations in situations where gravity flow is impractical.
Pump station facilities comprise a receiving well (wetwell)
that is equipped with pumps, pipes, valves, power
supply, and control systems and may include a screen
or other specialized components designed to mitigate
against heavy clogging materials along with systems
for odor control and ventilation. Typically, pump stations
employ at least two pumps for redundancy, alternating
between the lead and lag roles to ensure both efficiency
and reliability.
The trend toward above ground pump stations, exemplified by the Smith &
Loveless Everlast™ Pump Stations (pictured here), offers a commonsense
solution to problems with submersible pumps, such as the frequent pulling
and replacement due to clogs and failures, and the hazards of accessing
confined spaces.
24 | DECEMBER 2024
Reliability
The reliability of wastewater lift stations is vital for
public health and environmental protection. A failure
can result in sewage backups, untreated wastewater
overflow, and severe flooding, leading to odor issues,
health risks, environmental harm, and property damage.
Considering the potentially severe consequences that
can arise from pump station failures, it is imperative that
these systems be designed with a focus on robustness
to guarantee their long-term reliability and efficiency.
Pump stations must also be designed for easy access,
facilitating regular inspection and maintenance to
prevent failures and performance degradation and to
prolong system life.
MPT
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Modern Pumping Today December 2024

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