Lift Stations and Conveyance

Lift stations contain the pumps, valves and electrical equipment necessary to move sewage from low to high elevation, making them an essential component of many municipal sewer systems. Here are several stations on the market, along with the individual components that keep them operating, including pumps, meters, valves, control panels and SCADA systems.
Lift Stations and Conveyance
Lift station shredder pump

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Lift stations contain the pumps, valves and electrical equipment necessary to move sewage from low to high elevation, making them an essential component of many municipal sewer systems. Here are several stations on the market, along with the individual components that keep them operating, including pumps, meters, valves, control panels and SCADA systems.

Lift Stations/Components

  Vertical auger screen

The Vertical Auger Monster screening system from JWC Environmental fits inside pump stations to screen, clean and convey debris straight up and out of the sewer system before they can clog pumps, eliminating the time and expense needed to de-rag. When attached to the wall of the pump station next to the influent pipeline, it captures rags, wipes, plastics and trash before they get inside the wet well. A custom-built screen fits every site and can screen up to 1 mgd. It can also be installed as a headworks screen for small treatment plants or lagoon systems. 800/331-2277; www.jwce.com.

  Fiberglass shelter

Strong, lightweight, super-insulated fiberglass shelters from Orenco Systems safely house lift stations, equipment, chemicals, controls and workers. Standard sizes are 8 feet tall, 4 to 16 feet wide and up to 42 feet long. Features include structural foam-core fiberglass walls (2 to 4 inches thick); weatherproof, watertight structure; insulation value up to R24; a high resistance to chemicals and corrosion; a roof structure rated up to 100 psf; and field or factory assembly. Custom options are available, including skid-proof floors, windows, roll up doors, HVAC, load centers, multi-color schemes and OLS control panels that contain integrated variable-frequency drives, which can optimize lift station operation and reduce energy usage by reducing hard starts and water hammering. Multiple drives can be configured for access through one user-friendly, easy-to-understand human-machine interface. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.

  Lift station inside drops

The use of controlled inside drops in lift stations from RELINER/Duran allows pump life to be extended by preventing aerated influent from being directly drawn into the pumps, the primary cause of cavitation. Their use can lead to dramatic reductions in pump-related problems, as well as reduced general maintenance and odor complaints. The drop pipe should always be extended below the low limit level and cut to follow the slope of the base fillet. If there is no fillet, cut the pipe at 45 degrees and in all cases maintain a distance from the floor or fillet of one pipe diameter. This will create a diffuser by directing the flow back against the structure, thus deaerating the influent. The simple arrangement is easy to maintain, as there is nothing to collect rags and debris and they can be cleaned from above. 800/508-6001; www.reliner.com.

  Underground pump station

The CAPSULAR underground pump station from Smith & Loveless can meet large-flow pumping system needs with pump sizes ranging from 4 to 12 inches. Designed with internal HVAC systems, spacious interiors and SAFE-STAIR entry, the station promotes safe, continuous human occupancy. Functional options inside the pump station include sinks, shelving and work desks. The design philosophy and non-clog pump stimulates long-lasting, reliable operation, energy savings and hassle-free maintenance. The fluted wall design, with 50-year cathodic protection, provides structural support and durability with VERSAPOX coating to enhance corrosion protection. Complete factory-tested stations arrive on site ready for connection. Capacities range from 75 to 20,000 gpm. 800/898-9122; www.smithandloveless.com.

  Standby lift station system

Permanently installed standby pump units from Thompson Pump & Manufacturing continue pumping despite power loss or primary pump failures. The automatic self-priming pump set can meet system demands during wet weather, routine maintenance, new construction or emergency repair. The system includes the Thompson Pump Enviroprime System, which actively prevents sewage spills. It utilizes programmable electronic controls, which make use of sensors that monitor levels in the wet well and initiate backup pumping as programmed. In addition to these SCADA-capable controls that send an alarm to alert the operator, pumps are available with the Silent Knight canopy that reduces sound levels for residential areas. 800/767-7310; www.thompsonpump.com.

Pumps

  Lift station shredder pump

Model SK22 submersible shredder pumps from BJM Pumps can handle up to 240 gpm of wastewater at heads up to 59 feet. They use carbide-tipped cutting impellers which rotate against a spiral-shaped impeller plate to shred solids. A stainless steel motor housing protects the pumps from corrosion, abrasion and premature wear. 877/256-7867; www.bjmpumps.com.

  Portable non-clog pump

The Dri-Prime NC150 pump from Godwin, a Xylem brand, is engineered to deliver non-clog performance, sustained high efficiency and long-term energy/fuel savings. It is an extremely powerful yet compact pump with flow capabilities up to 1,767 gpm and discharge heads up to 195 feet. It features Flygt N-technology with a self-cleaning impeller. The automatic self-priming system primes and reprimes from dry up to 28 feet without operator assistance or foot valve control. It features a dry-running high-pressure oil bath mechanical seal with abrasion-resistant silicon carbide faces. It can be customized with a diesel engine or electric motor on a highway trailer or skid-mount, or in a quiet enclosure. 800/247-8674; www.godwinpumps.com.

  Pump backup system

Designed to deliver all the benefits of sound-attenuated silent pumps, the ReliaPrime emergency bypass station from Gorman-Rupp Company operates on natural gas, making it a quiet, efficient and environmentally friendly option. It features a 6-inch Super T Series pump capable of passing a 3-inch spherical solid, and offers a soundproof lightweight aluminum enclosure with lockable door panels that can be removed for maintenance. It is a complete backup package, ready for hookup for emergencies and power outages, primary pump repair and additional pumping capacity. 419/755-1011; www.grpumps.com.

  Solids-handling pump

The HPE Series of premium-efficient solids-handling pumps from Pentair Water - Hydromatic has been engineered for lower life cycle costs, increased serviceability and increased pump life. They offer the lowest cost of ownership using a premium-efficient, oil-filled motor. This allows for not only less power consumption, but also decreased operating temperatures and permanently lubricated bearings for extended pump life. Features include switchable seal design (easily change between Type 2 and cartridge seal), optional quick-disconnect cord (no rewiring needed), optional shaft-grounding ring for use with VFDs (eliminates bearing fusion caused by shaft currents), bronze sleeve bearing (eliminates the labyrinth ring), and a Hydromatic seal-leak detector (alerts prior to water entry into the motor). 888/416-9513; www.hydromatic.com.

  Single-stage centrifugal pump

The CRP overhung single-stage centrifugal pump from Ruhrpumpen is ideally suited for the chemical and petrochemical market, and can also be utilized in tank farms, HVAC, power plants and lift stations. It is available in 33 hydraulic combinations capable of reaching every operating condition required, and conforms to the standard DIN EN ISO 2858, with standardized operating points and dimensions. Known as “Chemienormpumps,” they offer advantages regarding service, supply of spare parts and maintenance. 918/627-8400; www.ruhrpumpen.com.

  Vertical immersion sump pump

The Series 800 immersion vertical sump pump from Vertiflo Pump Co. is ideal for service in water, corrosive chemicals, hazardous liquids, sump drainage, flood control and process drainage to meet EPA and OSHA requirements. It is designed for minimal maintenance at heads to 230 feet, temperatures to 350 degrees F, pit depths to 26 feet and up to 3,000 gpm. Features include carbon graphite line shaft bearings, semi-open impeller with external adjustment, high-thrust angular contact ball bearing, 416 stainless steel shafts to 1 15/16 inches and standard NEMA C face motor. Available construction materials are cast iron, 316 stainless steel, alloy 20, Hastelloy and CD4Mcu. 513/530-0888; www.vertiflopump.com.

  Grinder pump

The 915 Shark grinder system from Zoeller Engineered Products is a fraction horsepower grinder pump that significantly eliminates the worries associated with a clogged pump and the damage it may cause to a lift station or piping system. It utilizes a compact yet powerful 1/2 hp grinder pump with scissor-action, TriSlice cutter technology. The motor uses a low amount of energy (8 amps). Requiring a standard 115V power source, the system can be installed almost anywhere. It offers either an indoor or outdoor basin for use in new construction or as a retrofit for an existing system. Duplex systems using two alternating pumps are available, extending the life of the lift station as well as offering a backup pump. A high-water alarm is included, and an alternating panel serves similarly for the duplex system. A 1.25-inch silent check valve eliminates water hammer in the line. Each package is shipped fully assembled and ready to drop in the ground. 800/928-7867; www.zoeller.com.

Meters

  Vortex shedding flowmeter

The Coolpoint vortex shedding flowmeter from Universal Flow Monitors features an Intrinsic Safety option. It has no moving parts to stick or coat, eliminating potential for clogging. The transmitter with Intrinsic Safety is a two-wire 4-20 mA transmitter that has approved barriers and no display, alarm or pulse output. It conforms to requirements for NEC Class I, Division 1, Group D environments. Features include a brass body with viton seals and PVDF sensors, availability in pipe sizes to 4 inches, flow repeatability +/- 0.25 percent, +/- 2 percent full-scale accuracy at maximum flow and a turndown ratio of 10:1. 248/542-9635; www.flowmeters.com.

Valves/Pipe Cleaning

  Wafer check valves

WCV Series wafer check valves from Hayward Flow Control feature all thermoplastic molded construction, including angle seat and disc design for high flow capacities. The valves fit both ANSI 150 and PN10 flanges and are available in PVC and CPVC in 2- to 8-inch diameters with a maximum pressure rating of 150 psi non-shock at 70 degrees F. 888/429-4635; www.haywardflowcontrol.com.

  Gate valve

The ZTS Gate Valve from KSB utilizes a fine-grained, homogenous hammer-forged body design that can withstand some of the highest pressure (up to 8,700 psi) and temperature (up to 1,200 degrees F) ratings. It is equipped with a movable, double-wedge design that prevents the wedge halves from additional actuating moments and additional loads on the seat/disc interface. The result is flexible and precise wedge movement with reliable operation. A confined graphite gland prevents packing from creeping into the clearance between the valve’s stem and body. Flexible stainless steel caps protect the graphite from oxidation above temperatures of 1,000 degrees F, further increasing service life and reducing risk of leakage. 804/222-1818; www.ksbusa.com.

  Grease removal blocks

FOG Blocks from Martech Research are designed to lower fats, oils and grease in a convenient and easy-to-use block. The formula results in a smoother, more efficient and effective flow with a 90 percent reduction in pumping volume. They are biodegradable, nontoxic and nonhazardous. 803/428-2000; www.martechresearch.com.

  Sewage relief valve

The Pneumatic Dynamic Lifter (PDL) from Singer Valve is a responsive compact sewage relief valve with 100 percent surge protection resulting from pump or power failures which in turn can lead to pipe bursts. It can handle high pressures, and uses a compressed air cylinder to hold the valve closed. It is fitted with a relief pilot that is normally closed as long as the line pressure is lower than the set point. If pressure rises above the set point, the relief pilot opens, causing the air in the cylinder to vent, which in turn opens the valve. The valve closes drip tight when pressure falls below the set point. It has been designed to minimize maintenance and keep costs low. The piston and closing speed controls operate separately from the sewage, in a clean noncontaminating environment, and easily open through the actuator to flush out unwanted buildups. 604/594-5404; www.singervalve.com.

Control Panels

  Advanced duplex pump controller

The APX pump controller from Franklin Control Systems supports lead/lag and alternating pump operation, and is ideal for applications where redundancy or variable-capacity pumping are required. It has HOA switches for local or remote control, along with dual run pilot lights, which indicate motor operation. It’s capable of controlling between three and five float switches, which provides redundancy and allows for flexible operation. A door-mounted alarm pilot light indicates two alarm conditions: high level and float switch failure. In the case of a float failure, the alarm pilot light indicates the specific faulty float switch. Lag start delay and alternation settings are adjustable for maximum flexibility and customization. 800/962-3787; www.franklin-electric.com.

  Pump station manager

The MultiSmart pump station manager from Multitrode, a xylem brand, combines PLCs, RTUs and pump controllers into one comprehensive intuitive package and integrates numerous control panel components, lowering control panel costs. It also includes preprogrammed logic specifically designed to significantly reduce operating cost for the municipal water and wastewater industry worldwide. With out-of-the-box functionality designed for fast and easy deployment, it combines thousands of dollars in technology, components and engineering into one device. 704/409-9700; www.multitrode.com.

  Low-voltage motor control center

Allen-Bradley NEMA motor control centers from Rockwell Automation are available with embedded EtherNet/IP, giving utilities access to production information throughout the enterprise. With EtherNet/IP integrated into them, engineers can access more detailed data allowing them to predict potential problems and prevent equipment failures – ultimately resulting in higher asset availability, improved productivity and reduced maintenance costs. Leveraging a single, standard network simplifies communication and provides users with the flexibility to control, configure and collect data from any point in the system. 414/382-2000; www.rockwellautomation.com/industries/water.

  Lift station control panel

The 331 lift station control panel from SJE-Rhombus is designed to fit and click the appropriate overload module into the starter for standard duplex applications. It features a lockable stainless steel or fiberglass wall-mount enclosure, single-point power connection, IEC hp-rated motor starter with adjustable overload module, Class 10 ambient compensated overload relay, pump short-circuit disconnect and overload reset accessible through the inner door, tri-voltage step-down control transformer, separate alarm/control fuses, override circuit to operate lag pump if lead fails, alternator relay for even run time, seal leak circuits for single or double probe pumps, red flashing alarm beacon and audible horn, pump run and seal leak lights, alarm silence/test push button, hand-off-auto selector switches, overtemp shutdown for motor winding temperature switches (auto reset), lag delay timing relay and elapsed time meters. It utilizes standard float operation (off, lead start, lag start, high level), and is UL/cUL listed. 888/342-5753; www.ecosmartpanel.com.

SCADA Systems

  Obsolescence-proof SCADA system

The TAC II SCADA System from Data Flow Systems features user-friendly HMI software, no-cost SCADA software licenses, a plug-and-play design, ease of integration, durability in harsh environmental conditions and a three-year lightning warranty. The system provides a true obsolescence-proof solution, in which all new products maintain a downward compatibility with all older versions, allowing a utility to maximize their investment in SCADA over the long term. 321/259-5009; www.dataflowsys.com.

  Managed SCADA system

The managed SCADA system from Mission Communications is a complete monitoring and controls system that allows municipalities to better manage, operate and maintain collection and distribution systems. Real-time alarms are delivered by any combination of voice phone calls, text messages, emails, faxes and pagers, and each alarm is logged on the Web portal. Because the system is Web-based, enhancements and new features are immediately available at no extra cost. Compare pump station flow with local rainfall, analyze pump run times for anomalies or track site access with reports tailored to the water and wastewater industry. Reports assist with preventing noncompliant events from occurring. The Web portal can be accessed anytime, anywhere from any Web-enabled device. 877/993-1911; www.123mc.com.



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