Crane's Fluid Connection Blog | Fluid Handling Tips

3 Packaged Pump Systems To Consider For Water and Wastewater Treatment

Written by Sara Peters | November 1, 2023

Packaged pumping systems serve a wide variety of purposes in the municipal space. Some are used to increase water pressure or maintain a repeatable result with chemical treatment, while others may be in place to simplify maintenance or enhance safety. 

No matter what the reason, packaged pumping systems have a place in many of today's water and wastewater treatment facilities. 

Read on to see if one of these systems might have a place in your process.

What Is a Package Pump System?

A packaged pump system is a turnkey product that uses a structure steel base to combine pumps, piping, valves, motors, controls, and electrical accessories together in a single unit designed to efficiently move fluids from one location to another.

 

What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Pre-Package Pump System?

Pre-packaged pump systems offer several advantages in municipal water and wastewater treatment applications.

Single-source responsibility

  • By leaving the design/build function to one source, an operator can breathe easy knowing that one entity is responsible from start to finish, reducing delays from multi-vendor coordination.
Reduced footprint
  • By condensing pumps, valves, and controls into one pre-packaged system, the space required for the equipment is decreased.

Reduced costs

Simplified installation

  • All pre-packaged systems are "plug n' play", meaning they arrive on the dock, ready to be installed with a minimal number of connections required.
Now that we've covered the benefits of pre-packaged systems, let's dive into some examples of pre-packaged systems commonly found in water and wastewater applications.

Examples of Packaged Pump Systems for Water and Wastewater Treatment

In municipal applications of water and wastewater treatment, there are various examples of packaged pump systems that offer efficient solutions. Let’s review the most common packaged pumping systems used in wastewater treatment.

PRE-PACKAGED LIFT STATIONS

A lift station is designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation when gravity conveyance is not feasible. A pre-packaged lift station consists of pumps, piping, valves, associated controls, which are all pre-installed in an enclosed structure prior to site installation.

The Gorman Rupp Above-Ground Submersible Valve Package (ASVP) system, pictured to the right, is an example of a pre-packaged lift station. This system consists of controls and valves enclosed by a durable fiberglass structure that is installed above ground. This feature eliminates the need for a separate valve pit and also improves worker safety by completely eliminating the need for service personnel to enter hazardous, confined spaces. Jackpot!

Learn how one Director of Public Works worked with Crane Engineering to install a new packaged lift station solving his pump priming issues, reducing maintenance costs, and eliminating hours of repetitive checks.

WATER PRESSURE BOOSTER SYSTEMS

If the water pressure provided by a municipal water system (potable water - for drinking) is not sufficient to satisfy the needs of end-users, municipalities can install a system designed to automatically increase and decrease the number of pumps in use to help maintain constant pressure over a wide range of flow conditions. Water pressure booster systems generally include multiple pumps on a single structural steel fabrication with electronic controls, wiring, piping, valves, and safety devices. The Grundfos BoosterpaQ system is a common solution for this (pictured to the right). 

Now, if you're in wastewater treatment, you might be interested in using non-potable water (water that is not for drinking) to keep up with the demand of the treatment process. Non-potable water can be attained from the final effluent of the plant through water reuse systems, which is a form of water pressure booster system.

Find out more about the top water and wastewater process equipment available.

CHEMICAL FEED SYSTEMS

Pre-packaged chemical feed systems are used in water and wastewater treatment applications. Where a chemical feed pump is installed, a pre-packaged chemical feed system, complete with pumps, valves, and controls for system functionality can take its place. These systems are designed from the ground-up meaning the system is custom fit to your application.   

Whether you're looking to dispense chemicals for water treatment, reuse wastewater, or boost water pressure there's a turnkey, pre-packaged system for you. But, be sure to leave the system design and manufacturing to the professionals who have the knowledge, software, and expertise, and most importantly, the time, to create a system for your needs. Read more about how to get started with pump skid systems.

Do you also work with centrifugal pump systems? You need to read this handbook! The Must-Have Handbook for Centrifugal Pumps covers the best applications, advantages, and disadvantages of: single-stage end suction, horizontal split case, self-priming, magnetic drive, and more!

If you're dealing with an application that would benefit from a pre-packaged system, ask us about it!