Lift stations are both a wastewater system essential, and a challenge to keep clear
Lift stations move wastewater from lower to higher system elevation levels within typical gravity feed sewer and runoff systems. They consist of a wet well storage pit to collect liquid, with an outfeed force main pipe that pumps it up to a higher elevation. Wet wells can accumulate huge quantities of debris and sludge in a short period of time, due to heavy waste components falling out of suspension and building up in the well pit. Wet well depths of 30 feet or more are common. Breaking up and pulling out heavy deposits over this distance is difficult for systems with insufficient suction power, such as fan-based or small positive-displacement (PD) pumps. Since lift stations are both common and indispensable for efficient system operation, municipal fleet operators need the power to clear heavy sludge and debris from deep pits and keep them operating.
Success in effectively cleaning out lift stations is simple, but not necessarily easy. Strong vacuum systems are the key, requiring high-vacuum positive-displacement pumps to pull dense material up from depth. Fan-based or low vacuum systems typically struggle with this task. Aquatech uses exclusively positive-displacement pumps, with available suction power up to 27” Hg and volume up to 5,197 CFM, providing operators with the flexibility to tackle one of the toughest systems challenges without special equipment.
Jetting equipment must always be operated by a properly trained and competent worker, following all safe work practices and documented procedures for this type of equipment.
