Run to Fail
Run to fail is when an organization expects lift station failures. These stations are eventually fixed with spare parts repaired by staff in order to stay compliant with organizational requirements. The length of downtime is calculated on a station by station basis. It is a common methodology that is used across major utilities throughout the United States. With multiple store locations, a company can store a sufficient amount of spare parts with trucks and employ qualified maintenance crews which assists with the replacement of stations within a short period of time.
Predictive Maintenance
1) Insulation Resistance Testing involves reviewing the condition of motor windings which break down over time. This process is also called meggering the motor. A majority of motor failures inside of submersible pumps occur when the insulation breaks down. The use of an automatic test or a manual test is used to check the status.
2) Pump Flow Rates determines the performance of a hydraulic pump. It is usually not monitored because a majority of wastewater lift stations do not use flow meters.
3) Pump Efficiency is the overall measurement of volume pumped per energy unit (KVAH or KWHr). This is considered a better way to measure the volume since it provides the financial impact of pumps deteriorating.
When your lift stations need maintenance or repairs, give R and R Lift Stations Services a call. 24 hour service is also available around the clock. Visit our home page for more information.