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Pumping of rainwater and sewage involves pumping a specific quantity of the aforementioned raw medium to a specific height and distance in a given unit of time. What distinguishes dry-well pumping stations from traditional pumping systems is the use of the so-called dry pumps, which are placed outside the retention module filled with sewage or rainwater, so that not only they are safer and more hygienic, but also incomparably more comfortable to operate. Simply speaking, during service operations contact of workers with toxic substances, effluents and sludge of various kinds is reduced to a minimum.

Advantages of using a dry-well pumping station

The advantages of using a dry-well pumping station are numerous. Not only is it possible to service only the selected inflow and outflow circuit while the entire unit is in operation, but access to each of the components is greatly facilitated. Thanks to the solid separation system in front of the pumps, that are not directly immersed in wastewater, we reduce the risk of failure and also make it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the unit, which decisively affects the comfort of servicing, as well as the operation itself by eliminating odours. It is precisely thanks to the removal of unpleasant odours that the dry-well pumping stations can be easily located near residential buildings, inside the buildings and in their surroundings.

The ETS PE model by Ecol-Unicon is a good  example of a dry-well pumping station. ETS PE is equipped with two single-channel solids separators, which are located directly at the discharge connections of the pumps operating alternately, in the external part of the retention module. This solution allows for efficient servicing of the unit and all its modules. This model significantly stands out in the market through the innovative construction of the HDPE chamber. The retention module is integrated into the chamber, thus providing a compact unit. In addition, the pump, as well as additional installations, such as a ladder, an operating platform or a flushing installation, are selected on the basis of project specifications and individual user requirements, which facilitates a comprehensive adjustment of the unit to the needs of the user.

Presentation of the dry-well pumping station ETS PE 80 at the Wod-Kan trade fair in Bydgoszcz

Fading popularity of traditional pumping stations

At first glance, traditional pumping stations seem to be a more popular solution than the above-mentioned dry-well pumping stations. All because of their universality, as well as simplicity of construction, which is usually limited to a tank and submersible pump, resulting in relatively low investment cost. And, although at the design stage we often care about reducing costs, it is worth considering whether the subsequent servicing of such a device will not generate additional budget costs.

Engineers highlight cumbersome operation as the biggest drawback of traditional pumping stations. As previously mentioned, traditional pumping stations, the so-called wet ones, assume the foundation of the pumping system directly in sewage or rainwater. It is because of this fact that maintenance of this type of technology is connected with close contact of sewage workers with wastewater.

It is also worth mentioning that due to the direct contact of waste with the pumping system, such a system is considered to be more prone to failure and has a shortened service life. Traditional pumping stations do not have systems to separate solids from wastewater, so they are easier to fail. Of course, there are solutions in the form of installing screens to retain sand or stones, but these only represent additional costs.

Is this the end of traditional pumping stations?

The growing installation market forces contractors, but also investors, to adapt to its pace, so it is not surprising that dry-well pumping stations are an increasingly popular solution. Their numerous advantages compensate for the disadvantages of pumping stations, which are considered to be the most troublesome. At the moment, it is the dry-well pumping stations that guarantee better comfort of use, lower energy consumption and trouble-free service, but it is not said that traditional pumping stations are a technology to be abandoned. It is worth remembering that the choice between these variants depends on many factors, starting with the location or the amount of sewage we need to pump, and ending with the available budget, including both the installation of the system itself and its subsequent operation. However, it is hard to resist the conclusion that it is the dry-well pumping stations that will surpass wet-well pumping stations in the popularity contest, and for good reason.