Why am I seeing an increase in my energy use at wastewater pump stations? Pump stations are often designed using a Hazen Williams C Factor of 120 for new force mains. Over time debris and a slime layer builds up on the interior surfaces of wastewater force mains resulting in a reduction of the C Factor. As the C factor decreases the power required to pump the wastewater increases.
Hydraulic modeling involves using a computer program to accurately predict the flow characteristics of wastewater through the pipelines of a sanitary sewer system. Weaknesses within the system are located by running simulations of design storm events (typically 5- or 10-year events) through the model to estimate the system’s reaction to increased flows due to inflow and infiltration (I/I). To calibrate the model, engineers use flow data collected from strategic locations within the collection system.
