PROBLEM:
The Emergency Services District in El Paso, Texas, faced significant operational challenges with their two conventional 5-horsepower submersible pumps in the wet well. A persistent issue of pump clogging, compounded by the corrosive effects of hazardous H2S gases on pump components, led to frequent and costly downtime for maintenance. These regular maintenance shutdowns were crucial but disruptive, undermining the efficiency and reliability of the facility’s operations.
In addition to the pump failures, manual intervention was required to operate the control panels due to malfunctioning floats, further complicating the system’s reliability. The unreliable power supply only added to the instability, causing further operational disruptions. The ongoing repairs and maintenance were costly, and with a limited workforce available, addressing these issues often took a backseat to other critical projects, prolonging the strain on the facility’s operations. This constant cycle of downtime and repair created a significant burden for the team, making it difficult to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
SOLUTION:
The El Paso team upgraded its operational infrastructure by implementing the OverWatch® Direct In-Line Pump System. This overhaul involved removing the original basin, pumps, rails, and controls to make room for a new fiberglass basin, measuring 60″ by 10″. The OverWatch system was securely mounted on a 56″ diameter plate to minimize vibrations, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The addition of individual discharges improved safety, facilitating lockout and tag-out procedures, while the installation of a bypass connection offered enhanced operational flexibility.
A key upgrade was the installation of a new control panel with cellular capabilities, streamlining remote monitoring & control. The OverWatch duplex configuration, designed to reduce maintenance requirements through built-in redundancy, has had a transformative effect, allowing one unit to handle the entire facility’s flow, resolving issues related to H2S gases, odors, manual operation, and routine maintenance. By eliminating the need for frequent maintenance, the team’s workload has been significantly reduced, offering them a sense of relief and a better work-life balance.
