On paper, it could seem simple: water is pumped to different location. However there are a variety of variables that affect the distance between two locations, including: elevation, flow rate solids, pressure storage capacity and maintenance access.
Romtec Utilities begin the development of the pumping station with defining the operating conditions instead of choosing the equipment from an inventory. After that, initial designs and budgetary requirements can be designed based on what the needs of the project.

Image credit: romtecutilities.com
Begin with a single question: What Are We Moving?
The technology is changed immediately.
Domestic sewage is often contaminated with solids, and can experience a variety of variations in flow. If gravity conveyance fails or isn’t sufficient the wastewater lift station will be required to transfer the wastewater. Engineers need to take into account the expected flow, the conditions of peak, pumping capacity, wet-well behaviour, discharge requirements as well as how the facility will be used and maintained.
The water challenges faced by industrial facilities are diverse. Fluids that are oily, caustic or possess high temperatures or pressures might be required by a manufacturing or processing facility. Romtec Utilities creates industrial systems that are utilized in applications ranging from data centers, installations for oil and gas, food processing power generation, as well as pharmaceutical waste.
Rainfall creates a completely different Operating Cycle
Stormwater systems might spend long periods handling little activity only to be faced with massive volumes during a storm.
For instance, a rainwater lift station that is associated with a basin of detention must be compatible with the larger drainage strategy for the area. Runoff enters the basin and storage in temporary mode controls the volume immediately and a pumping system moves the collected water towards an authorized discharge point.
Romtec Utilities provided this solution for the creation of an Norco business park in California. A pumping system was needed to drain the detention basin and discharge it into the stormwater network. The station was designed to function as a part of a development’s drainage system and not as a separate part of the equipment.
The term “package” doesn’t necessarily refer to off-the-shelf
A common misconception is that a package pumping system is simply a predetermined collection of components.
Packaging is a method to organize the primary components of a particular project. Meters, valves, pumps and controls, communications structural components, and other equipment may be chosen based on the required duty conditions.
This method is particularly useful in situations where the new system has to be linked with an existing infrastructure. Industrial plants and existing municipal facilities rarely offer unlimited space or even clean installation conditions. The equipment could need to be built around existing piping systems, structures electric system, as well as operating schedules.
Capacity Planning Has Real Consequences
In particular, undersizing can be costly as facilities grow.
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 current system as airport facilities expand.
This example illustrates a key engineering concept: Design conditions shouldn’t be restricted by the limitations of what a building can manage on a typical afternoon. Engineers should be aware of the conditions that occur during peak demand.
The work isn’t complete until the Equipment is delivered
Drawings and calculations will eventually be an operating system. Installation coordination starting and testing, documentation, and operator understanding are all crucial for the long-term performance.
After a few years, the success of an engineered pumping systems is determined. When flow rates increase or a storm of major magnitude arrives, or equipment requires maintenance the decisions made in the initial design process become evident.
Romtec Utilities combines these decisions to provide a complete pumping solution for a specific project. It assists in transforming equipment into infrastructure designed specifically for the conditions for which it is employed.