What is a pump station?
A pump station is a room equipped with pumps that is used to move water from one location to another when a gravity system is not possible.
The size of a pump station depends on how many properties and people it serves. As a general rule of thumb, residential buildings produce 150 gallons of water per person per day. Commercial buildings such as offices or factories produce 50-60 liters per person per day.
What is included in a pump station?
Pumps
The first answer probably won't surprise you.... Pumps. Pump stations are typically equipped with one or two pumps, with the latter option being a more reliable system. Two pumps running in a run/standby mode means that only one pump is working at any given time. You then have a second pump as a backup in case the first pump fails. When installed in conjunction with A&C Pumps control panels, the operating pump is rotated so that the pumps are evenly loaded.
Choosing the right pump for your station is one of the most important things to consider. All pumps work best in the middle of the pump curve. You can download the pump curves for each pump on our website. Please contact us directly if you need help selecting your pump, and be on the lookout for future blogs with pump selection tips!
Pump Controls
Most pump stations are controlled by float switches. These can either be attached directly to the pump and simply turn the pump on or off as the water level rises or falls. Dual pump systems allow you to set the minimum and maximum water level by using multiple floats. It is also possible to use a third and fourth float for the minimum and maximum alarms. The system with multiple floats is then controlled by one control panel.
Valves and piping
PVC piping and valves are installed according to the size of the pump. Check valves are installed to prevent damage to the pumps from backflow, and gate valves are installed to allow you to isolate the riser to perform sanitation work within the pump station. Backflow preventers are either ball valves or check valves, depending on the type of application.
Guide rail system
This is an optional system where the pumps are attached to a lifting chain and slide up and down a guide rail system to automatically position themselves on their discharge base at the bottom of the pump station. This is very advantageous and allows quick and easy removal of the pumps for maintenance and repair purposes.
About Us
A&C Pumps Ltd are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and installers of sewage pumps and packaged pumping stations. We have a combined 75 years of industry leading experience and we’re well known as “The Pump People”. We provide packaged pumping stations and sewage pumps to the UK and Europe, and work closely with property developers, building contractors and architects from our workshops near Canterbury, Kent.
Website - https://thepumppeople.co.uk/
