A Comprehensive Guide to Pump Station Design

In stormwater drainage and sewer network planning, pump station design plays a critical role in ensuring reliable water movement and long-term system performance. A well-structured pump station design enhances operational efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and supports compliance with local council and water authority guidelines. 

In this guide, we explore the fundamentals of pump station design including what a pump station is, how to approach sizing and components selection, and what design considerations apply to stormwater and wastewater systems.

What is a Pump Station?

A pump station is an engineered system designed to transport water, such as stormwater, sewage, or industrial wastewater, from lower to higher elevations when gravity flow alone isn’t possible. These stations use pumps to lift and move the liquid through a network of pipes, preventing flooding and supporting sewage and stormwater management.

Pump stations are common in:

• Residential and commercial stormwater drainage systems
• Municipal sewer networks
• Industrial wastewater applications

They are essential for locations where topography or infrastructure constraints prevent direct gravity-fed systems.

Understanding Pump Station Design

Pump station design involves planning the key elements needed to move  stormwater or sewage when gravity flow isn’t possible. These systems are often used in areas where site elevation or infrastructure limitations prevent direct drainage. 

Proper pump station design ensures reliable liquid transfer, efficient pump operation, and compliance with local council or water authority guidelines. Design considerations include the type of fluid being pumped, expected flow rates, total lift height (or head), and the level of liquid storage required. 

Key Components of Pump Station Design

A well-designed pump station consists of several essential components, each contributing to overall system efficiency and reliability:

1. Pumps: The right pump selection is central to the design of wastewater and stormwater pumping stations. Flow rate, total system head pressure, and the fluid type influence which pump is best suited.
2. Piping Network: The piping layout, including discharge lines and rising mains, should be designed to minimise friction loss and handle the expected flow rate. Accurate pipe dimensions are essential for maintaining consistent performance and preventing pressure issues, especially in sewer pump station design.
3. Control Systems: A reliable high-level alarm or pump station controller monitors performance, manages flow and triggers audible and visual alarms. Incorporating safety measures such as high level alarms, emergency shutoff mechanisms, and redundant systems is vital to prevent overflows as well as protecting personnel and infrastructure. Backup battery power sources (provided by others) may be necessary to prevent system downtime during power outages in critical applications.
   
4. Access covers: Pump chambers need an access point to allow removal of submersible pumps for maintenance. Covers should be selected based on chamber opening size, load rating, application and access frequency. They must also be sized appropriately for extraction of submersible pumps and access to isolation valves.

Pump Design Considerations for Different Applications

Sewer Pump Station Design:

In sewer pump station design, factors such as pump capacity, lift height, and sewage type must be carefully evaluated. Design elements include:

• Number of personnel using the facility
• If a back-up pump is required for redundancy (in line with sewer pump station design guidelines)
  
• Access for ongoing maintenance and emergency response.
  

Stormwater Pump Station Design:

Stormwater pump stations re designed to mitigate flooding by efficiently removing excess rainwater from urban areas. Design considerations include:

• Delluge collection areas feeding into pump station
  
• Flow rate required to handle peak storm events 
  
• Compliance with stormwater pump station design guidelines (check local council regulations) to prevent environmental damage and safeguard public safety.
  

Advanced Calculations and Guidelines

Pump station design calculations involve complex hydraulic modelling to determine pump sizing, pipe capacities, and pressure requirements. Engineers use mathematical models and software tools to simulate real-world conditions and optimise system performance. For a practical overview of how this works in context, see our stormwater pump station design examples. Following established guidelines from professional bodies and regulatory authorities also ensures our calculation tool meets industry standards and compliance requirements.

Designing pump stations demands a meticulous approach, considering the diverse applications and operational requirements involved. By using our tool these calculations are already pre-loaded helping you to not have to do the calculations yourself. By entering key components into the tool, you will receive an industry compliant pump station quote and design that meets your requirements. Whether it's managing sewage and stormwater, a well-designed pump station is essential infrastructure that contributes to the smooth functioning of modern society.

For more information, get in touch with a Pump Stations team member for assistance, or create an account to use our online pump station selection tool.

FAQs

What is included in a pump station design?
Pump station design typically includes pump selection, chamber sizing, sizing of rising main pipework, high-level control systems, and access covers. It also incorporates flow rate, lift height, and application-specific conditions.

How do I size a sewer pump station?
Sewer pump station sizing involves calculating peak flow rates, pump duty requirements, and retention volumes, based on usage type (residential, commercial, industrial) and regulatory guidelines.