From the purpose of a pumping station to the different types to choose from, there are a number of questions commonly asked about pumping stations.
If you have a project that requires a pumping station it’s important to understand what’s involved with the systems to help you choose the right one for your requirements.
What is the purpose of a pumping station?
A pumping station incorporates a storage or collection chamber to hold liquid. Stormwater, sewage or wastewater is collected and stored in the chamber and then once a predetermined level is reached, an integral pump uses pressure to lift the sewage through a discharge pipe system and the liquid is pumped to a separate location, generally a gravity sewer or treatment system.
A pump station is commonly used to lift and distribute sewage or wastewater when gravity is not enough to move the water away. There are some cases in which a pumping station can be a more cost-effective solution than a traditional gravity sewage system.
Stormwater pump stations help protect areas by pumping away large volumes of water. They can move water away from flooded areas and help prevent future flooding.
A pumping station can be used in domestic, commercial, industrial and mining settings. They are available in a range of sizes to suit various site requirements. Systems may use one or more pumps depending on the application.
Pumping stations are used for a wide variety of applications including housing developments, commercial sites, hospitals and schools. Cities and municipalities located on or nearby bodies of water require pumping systems.
How do you know what pumping station you need?
Choosing the right pumping station can be a complex process. The type of pumping station required will depend on the intended location, conditions of the site, the inflow required and the project budget.
Depending on the project you may need to adhere to certain requirements for commercial or industrial use, and you may need to obtain permission to discharge into the sewage network. If the pumping station is located on your own private property, you may not be subject to the same requirements.
There are numerous factors to consider when determining what type of pumping station will suit your project requirements.
Consider the application of the pumping station. What kind of operation is the pump station needed for? This will impact the type and size of your pump station.
Sizing is a big issue to consider. When choosing a pumping station you need to understand the volume needed to hold and how much volume is needed to pump the liquid. You need to install a pump station that is able to process the required volume of liquid, it can cause serious problems otherwise. Get expert advice on the required flow rates and total capacity that is right for your project.
Another key aspect to consider is the pump station material. The type of unit you require will determine the most suitable material of your pump station. Pump stations are made from materials designed to provide durability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Concrete, polyethylene and fibreglass are common materials used to construct pump stations.
What are the types of pumping stations?
There are different types of pumping stations and there can be a significant difference between a pumping station designed for an industrial facility compared to one designed for private property. When choosing between concrete, fibreglass and polyethylene pumping stations it is important to understand your site requirements to help you choose the best option.
Precast concrete pump stations
Precast concrete pump station solutions are custom designed for stormwater, sewage, effluent and trade waste.
These types of pumping stations are most commonly used for large volume applications. Due to its weight, once set in place, a concrete pumping station will not move regardless of groundwater pressure.
Fibreglass pump stations
A resilient material, fibreglass is resistant to chemicals and is ideal for small to midsize pump stations. Fibreglass pump stations are suitable for industrial wastewater or stormwater applications.
They can be customised to site requirements, making them a useful solution in applications where unusual tank shapes are required or where depth is limited. Fibreglass pumping stations are also good for applications where crane access is limited.
Polyethylene pump stations
A durable material used in many residential and industrial applications, polyethylene is moulded into the tank shape and volume required.
As the material is light and easy to handle, polyethylene pump stations involve simple installation.
Installation of a pumping station
Installation can differ depending on whether the pumping station is fibreglass, concrete or polyethylene. Fibreglass and polyethylene can be relatively easy to install, however, a concrete pump station is often more complex and may involve the assistance of a crane.
Proper installation of a pumping station is essential, so it is generally recommended to get professional help to correctly install your pumping station. An expert will evaluate your site to help you determine the right pumping station to suit your requirements, and then can assist with installation.
Contact the team at QMAX to find and install the right pumping station for your project.