Wastewater pumping stations

In wastewater transport, pumping stations are designed to collect and transport wastewater to a point of higher elevation. Pumping stations are also known as lift stations. 

A pumping station is typically designed to handle wastewater that is fed from underground gravity pipelines and stored in an underground pit or wet well. The wet well is equipped with electrical instrumentation to detect the level of wastewater present. When the wastewater level rises to a predetermined level, the pumping station commences operation: A pump starts to lift the wastewater upwards through a pressurised pipe system that discharges the wastewater into a gravity manhole. Here, the cycle starts again until the wastewater reaches its destination – usually a wastewater treatment plant. 

In the event of high-water flows into the well (for example during peak flow periods and wet weather) additional pumps will start in parallel. In terms of their size, pumping stations are normally categorised as pressurised pumping stations (small), network pumping stations (medium) or main pumping stations (large). 

Prefabricated pumping stations 

Prefabricated pumping stations can be designed by customers online, ensuring a wastewater pumping station suited to specific needs. Prefabricated pumping stations can handle all sorts of wastewater, from effluent, drainage and sewage from domestic, commercial, municipal and industrial properties to surface water from highways and roads. 

Generally, prefabricated pumping stations are used in two main types of sewer systems: 

Pressurised sewer systems: This is ideal for sparsely populated areas and areas where ground conditions make gravity installations too expensive. The wastewater pumping station is fitted with efficient and reliable grinder pumps to prevent clogging in the small-diameter pipes or hoses typically found in these systems. 

Gravitational sewer systems: Prefabricated pumping stations are used as lift stations in traditional gravitational sewer systems as a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly and highly reliable alternative to expensive concrete solutions – both in new-build and in refurbishment projects. 

Grundfos supplies wastewater pump stations with pumps, controls and monitoring for prefabricated pumping stations (PPS) and larger network and main pumping stations.

Prefabricated pumping stations from Grundfos live up to the following requirements

CE-certified modules. Declaration of performance in accordance with Annexe III of Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (Construction Product Regulation).

CE-certified complete system. EC declaration of conformity in accordance with the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) EN ISO 12100: 2010.

EN 12050-1, Wastewater lifting plants for buildings and sites. Principles of construction and testing. Lifting plants for wastewater containing faecal matter.

EN 752, Annexe F. Drain and sewer systems outside buildings.

EN 124, Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas. Design requirements, type testing, marking, quality control.

EN 14396, Fixed ladders for manholes.

EN 1917, Concrete manholes and inspection chambers, unreinforced, steel fibre and reinforced.