How does a pumping station work?
A sewage pumping station is a facility that ensures that wastewater is transported to the wastewater treatment plant.
A sewage pumping station is located at the lowest point in an area. The station pumps wastewater from that area over a longer distance or to a higher-elevation area. A so-called terminal pumping station collects water from multiple areas. From this terminal pumping station, the water is sent to the wastewater treatment plant.
Parts
A sewage pumping station typically consists of:
- a receiving cellar;
- a small control building or control cabinet (the familiar green boxes with a red light);
- one or more pumps.
The pumps in a pumping station are almost always electrically powered. The municipality of Moerdijk is divided into so-called drainage areas, each of which has a local pumping station. There are about forty of them in total. Some are housed in attractive buildings, but most are small, unassuming pumping stations. In total, there are as many as 500 pumping stations in the municipality of Moerdijk.
Main Station (Pumping Station Control System)
Nowadays, most pumping stations can be operated remotely. In addition, they are monitored using a system known as telemetry. This involves a computer at a central control station monitoring the operation of the pumping stations. This helps detect malfunctions. The computer can also provide recommendations for preventive maintenance. The municipality of Moerdijk monitors and analyzes this central control station entirely under its own management.
Installations and Renovations
Pumping stations contain electrical and mechanical systems. To keep these systems in top condition, the municipality of Moerdijk periodically invests in renovations. This ensures that the pumping stations remain up to date.
The electrical system of a pumping station lasts about 15 years, while the mechanical system lasts about 30 years. After such a long period, it is difficult to find the right replacement parts. A complete replacement and upgrade to a modern system is then an alternative.
Sustainable Renovation
Sustainability is a top priority in renovation projects. This means reusing materials and reducing the energy consumption of systems. The pumps are the biggest energy consumers in a pumping station. By implementing a number of measures, such as energy-efficient motors, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 10 to 20 percent. Ultimately, 90 percent of the main pumping stations will be equipped with energy-efficient, high-efficiency motors. This will result in significant cost savings and a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
Unnoticed
Incidentally, the neighborhood hardly notices the pumping station renovation. A temporary pumping system ensures that wastewater continues to be collected and transported through the sewer system as usual. This allows residents to continue flushing their toilets without interruption.