bCHAPTER 6 SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS

There are two types of sewerage pumping stations

(i) Lift stations – sewage is merely raised to a higher level for subsequent gravity
flow.
(ii) Stations which discharge into pumping mains i.e. long distances
The function of a particular station may be to:
a. Pump sewage from low lying parts of a drainage area
b. Avoid excessive depth of a sewer by periodically raising the sewage in flat areas.
c. Overcome some obstacles which make gravity flow impractical e.g. a hill.
d. Cater for the new building development in an area too low to allow gravitational
discharge into existing sewage system.
e. Lift sewage to the head of a treatment works i.e. head required for the process e.g.
coarse screening.
Pumps
(1) Rotodynamic Pumps e.g. - Centrifugal Pumps
- Mixed flow pumps
- Axial ‘’ ‘’
The latter two are non-clog made specifically for pumping liquids with large suspended
solids.

(2) Screw Pumps – These operate on the principle of Archimedean screw and comprise an
inclined screw which rotates relatively slowly within a trough. The rotation of the
screw slowly raises the sewage between the open threads which are made of sheet
metal and the trough floor.
- Capacity 10 – 1300 l/min
- Maximum lift (limitation)- 6 m – Used in series for larger lifts
- Can operate at zero flow
(3) Pneumatic Ejection – An ejector comprises of a closed tank into which sewage flows by
gravity. When certain depth is reached, an automatic control introduces compressed
air which forces sewage up the pumping main. When the tank is emptied, the valve on
the compressed air inlet is closed and the cycle is repeated.
Note : - No clogging
- No continuous pumping - only when the tank is full and so economical
- Capacity less than 360 l/min, Head about 12 m
-
(4) Air Lift Pumps
Head – about 6 m
Capacity – depends on amount of compressed air forced into the system.
PUMPING STATIONS
1) Dry Well station
The substructure of such station comprises two compartments, (i) a dry well to house
the pumps and (ii) a sewerage sump.

2) Wet well stations

In such stations, the pumps are suspended in the wet well. This ensures that the pumps
are always primed. In wet well installation, pump maintenance and removal of
blockages is a constant problem. Several manufactures are producing water-tight
submersible portable pumping sets which can easily be installed in a manhole and are
easy to maintain.
Pump Control
Pump controls are normally activated as the level of sewage fluctuates I the sump. The
usual types are:
1. Float operated system
2. Pneumatic system – the pressure of the air in the pipework is proportional to
the depth in the sump.
3. Electrical system which usually comprises of insulated probes which are
activated as they become submerged.
Standby Units
In the smallest sewerage pumping stations, the pumping equipment should be
duplicated and sized that either of the two pumps working alone should be able to deal
with the peak flow i.e. 100% standby. In large stations, the standby should not be less
than 33%.
 Capacity of wet wells sewage sumps
General recommendation is to have capacity equivalent to about 30 min of dry weather
flow i.e. minimum flow.

E
2169
D
B

600
25

1040
990
895

845

A A
25

2169
D

E
B