BRITISH STANDARD BS 8005-2:

1987

Sewerage —
Part 2: Guide to pumping stations and
pumping mains

UDC 628.213
BS 8005-2:1987

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Civil

Engineering and Building Structures Standards Committee (CSB/-) to
Technical Committee CSB/5, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

Association of County Councils
Association of District Councils
British Ceramic Research Ltd.
British Coal
British Plastics Federation
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
British Tunnelling Society
Clay Pipe Development Association Limited
Concrete Pipe Association
Construction Industry Research and Information Association
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
County Surveyor’s Society
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Department of Transport (Highways)
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association Limited
Health and Safety Executive
Hydraulics Research Station Ltd.
Institute of Water Pollution Control
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Environmental Health Officers
Institution of Public Health Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists
Royal Institute of British Architects
Scottish Development Department
Trades Union Congress
Water Authorities Association
Water Research Centre

This British Standard, having The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
been prepared under the through subcommittees and panels:
direction of the Civil Engineering
and Building Structures British Effluent and Water Association
Standards Committee, was
published under the authority of British Pump Manufacturers’ Association
the Board of BSI and
comes into effect on
31 December 1987

© BSI 02-2000
Amendments issued since publication
First published as CP 2005
December 1968 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
First Part revision as BS 8005-2
December 1987

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CSB/5
Draft for comment 84/11182 DC

ISBN 0 580 15992 2

 BS 8005-2:1987

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Abbreviations 1
Section 2. Range of components and appliances
4 General 2
5 Pumps 2
6 Prime movers and drives 3
7 Controls and electrical equipment 5
8 Pipework and valves 7
9 Miscellaneous 8
Section 3. Design of pumping stations
10 General 9
11 Health, safety and welfare design features 9
12 Maximum and minimum pumping rates 9
13 Pumping heads 9
14 Number and size of pumpsets 10
15 Layout of pumpsets, pipework, control equipment
and ancillary plant 11
16 Substructure design 12
17 Wet wells 12
18 Ventilation, smell and noise 13
19 Lifting facilities 13
20 Superstructure 14
21 Environment and access 14
Section 4. Design of pumping mains
22 Velocities of flow 15
23 Diameter 15
24 Number of mains 15
25 Pressures 15
26 Valves 16
27 Profiles 16
28 Discharge arrangements 16
29 Anchorages 16
30 Control of septicity 17
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 02-2000 i
BS 8005-2:1987

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Civil
Engineering and Building Structures Standards Committee and is directed at
general engineering practitioners who may either be embarking on a career in
sewerage or be dealing with a particular aspect for the first time. It is not
intended to be exhaustive in any field but sets out to present guidance on basic
principles and good practice, indicating where a more detailed and
comprehensive study may be made. BS 8005 supersedes and enhances
CP 2005:1968, which is withdrawn, although some of the material incorporated
is a restatement or a revision of the earlier text.
BS 8005 gives guidance on the planning, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of works to convey sewage, including storm sewage, surface water
and trade effluents to a sewage treatment works, tidal waters or other final place
of disposal. Recommendations are given for the repair, renovation and
replacement of sewers.
Many end users of this British Standard, such as governments, public
authorities, sewerage authorities and consultants, issue their own
recommendations and specifications for sewerage which BS 8005 is intended to
complement rather than replace.
BS 8005-0 directs the reader to sources of more detailed information, particularly
on important and specialized fields such as health and safety. It should be
regarded as supplying essential background information for the other Parts of
BS 8005.
BS 8005 is to be published in six separate Parts, as follows.
— Part 0, Introduction and guide to data sources and documentation;
— Part 1, Guide to new sewerage construction;
— Part 2, Guide to pumping stations and pumping mains;
— Part 3, Guide to sewers in tunnel1);
— Part 4, Guide to design and construction of outfalls;
— Part 5, Guide to rehabilitation of sewers1).
It has been noted that substantial one-part codes and guides take a long time to
revise and if they are reviewed at infrequent intervals, they tend to become out of
date quickly, especially in a field where technological development is rapid. It is
intended therefore to keep a constant watch on new developments and to update
BS 8005, Part by Part, as soon as the work can be justified.
BS 8301 sets out recommendations for building drainage and, while it relates
generally to smaller pipelines, there is some overlap between it and BS 8005.
BS 6297 gives recommendations for the design and installation of small sewage
treatment works and cesspools.
Apart from Part 0, which is directed more specifically at the UK sewerage field,
BS 8005 is for use both in the UK and, in appropriate circumstances, overseas.
Suggestions for the improvement of any Part of BS 8005 will be welcomed by the
Secretary of CSB/5 at 2 Park Street, London W1A 2BS.
A British Standard dose not purport to include all the necessary provision of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 18, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

1) In preparation.

ii © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

Section 1. General

1 Scope 2 Definitions
This Part of BS 8005 provides guidance on the For the purposes of this Part of BS 8005 the
components, appliances and design of pumping definitions given in BS 8005-0 apply.
stations and pumping mains.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard 3 Abbreviations
are listed on the inside back cover.
The titles of British Standards not referred to in this Part
For the purposes of this Part of BS 8005 the
of BS 8005 but of interest as dealing with closely associated abbreviations given in BS 8005-1 apply.
subjects are listed in Appendix A of BS 8005-1:1987.
Other publications that may be of interest are listed
in Appendix B of BS 8005-1:1987.

© BSI 02-2000 1
BS 8005-2:1987

Section 2. Range of components and appliances

4 General The recessed impeller type of centrifugal pump

(also called vortex or torque flow pumps),
The type and size of sewage pumping stations and
although of lower efficiency, is less likely to be
equipment depend upon their duties, location and
affected by fibrous material and can be easier to
any special operational requirements, such as
open up for maintenance.
remote or automatic control. This section covers the
main range of components, whilst methods of Submersible centrifugal sewage pumps are
installation and housing are dealt with in section 3. available for a similar range of duties, either as
stationary submerged units or as transportable
Components and appliances are required to be
submersible installations. They are self-priming
reliable, robust, easy to maintain and appropriate
with both pump and motor totally submersible
for pumping water and other liquids. In addition,
and are accordingly suited for use in wet wells or
the aggressive nature of sewage, with its variable in dry wells where there is a flooding risk.
solid content and possibility of toxicity and explosive
gases, calls for a high degree of caution and the Cooling is a problem in a dry well and special
adoption of the latest safeguards to meet all possible design precautions may be necessary. The
hazards. discharge connection of the pump is adaptable
for either a flexible hose or static pipework, and
5 Pumps the electric motors are available certified for use
in a hazardous area in accordance with BS 5345.
5.1 General
For wet well installations submersible
Pumps for handling sewage should be unchokeable centrifugal pump units are available which will
and wear resisting. They may be divided broadly slide down guides and seat automatically on the
into four groups: rotodynamic; reciprocating; permanent discharge connection. The weight of
pneumatic and Archimedean screw. the pump forces the mating flanges into contact
(See also BS 6297.) thus providing a seal on the discharge side.
5.2 Rotodynamic pumps Centrifugal disintegrator pumps may be used to
Rotodynamic pumps are relatively cheap to buy, of assist the treatment of the sewage. Running and
small overall dimensions in relation to capacity, maintenance costs are higher, especially if they
light in weight and can be arranged vertically or are on a combined sewerage system where there
horizontally. They may vary from moderate to high is a high content of grit in the sewage.
efficiency according to the size of the pump, type of b) The mixed flow pump. The mixed flow pump is
impeller and the head/quantity characteristic of the more efficient where the volume of sewage to be
duty to be performed. All types of rotodynamic pumped is large and where the head lies in the
pumps afford a high degree of flexibility. Both range of 6 m to 18 m.
quantity and head can be varied by changing the c) The axial flow or propeller-type pump. The
speed and/or diameter of the impeller. axial flow pump is suitable where large volumes
When two or more pumps are required to discharge of sewage have to be pumped against low heads.
in parallel to a common rising main the The above pump classifications are generalized and,
head/quantity characteristics should be studied in in particular, the mixed flow design of impeller
order to obtain stable conditions and a good overall overlaps the head ranges of both axial and straight
efficiency. centrifugal pumps. Many modern design
This important group of pumps is divided into three unchokeable pumps have mixed flow impellers but
types. are of relatively low efficiency. High efficiency
a) The centrifugal pump. The capacity of centrifugal pumps, mixed flow pumps and axial flow
traditional dry well centrifugal pumps for pumps should only be installed in association with
reasonably economic working may vary from a preliminary screening or the reduction of the
minimum of about 7 L/s up to 700 L/s and more, coarser suspended solids.
with heads varying from 3 m to about 45 m. With For very small flows a small high efficiency
small to medium capacities the pump should be of centrifugal pump can be used as part of a sewage
the unchokeable type wherein any solid, up to a diverter where the coarser solids are prevented from
maximum of about a 100 mm sphere, that may passing through the pump.
enter the pump suction will be passed through
the pump.

2 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

5.3 Reciprocating pumps Archimedean screw pumps are in two main groups,
The reciprocating pump is heavy and of large namely open-screw and encased-screw. Neither
dimensions in relation to its capacity. It is reliable, group requires a deep sump. While the open-screw
efficient when first installed, and is capable of types are virtually unchokeable, in certain
operating with a high suction lift and of discharging applications it is advantageous to install a coarse
against very high heads. It is susceptible to choking, bar screen at the inlet to prevent large objects, such
heavy wear and tear, and loss of efficiency through as baulks of timber, from entering the screw. A
wear and valve jamming. The reciprocating pump higher degree of protection is required for the
may be either of single-acting or double-acting type. encased-screw pumps.
Reciprocating pumps are more expensive in first Capacities of Archimedean screw pumps cover a
cost than other types. They are expensive to very wide range varying, depending on diameter
maintain and therefore are rarely used for pumping and inclination, from 7 L/s up to about 10 000 L/s.
crude sewage. Preliminary screening of sewage to
remove large solids is advisable. 6 Prime movers and drives
As a safeguard against excessive pressure a bypass 6.1 General
is often provided between delivery and suction. This
The prime movers normally employed for driving
should be combined with a pressure relief valve. An
sewage pumping plant are electric motors and
alternative is to relieve the discharge to the suction internal combustion engines (diesel, dual fuel or
well. petrol). They should be suitable for the types of
A reciprocating pump requires a slow speed drive; pumps selected and rated for operational conditions.
this is provided through gearing between the prime The choice may depend upon the availability of
mover and the pump. A steady rated discharge is electricity or a fuel supply. Due consideration
maintained over a wide variation in head. Discharge should be given to capital, running and
is altered by varying the speed. maintenance costs in selecting either electricity or
5.4 Pneumatic pumps fuel, together with the effect of possible interruption
of supply from outside influences such as shortage,
The pneumatic ejector, whether of the automatically
mechanical breakdown and supply difficulties.
filled vessel or the air lift type, is suitable where
reliability and ease of maintenance are of greater Where necessary, explosion-proof units should be
importance than overall efficiency, and where a used. Fire detection and alarm systems in all
small quantity of sewage is to be pumped against a buildings should comply with BS 5839-1.
relatively small head. Electricity is normally adopted as the cleanest and
The installation usually comprises an ejector most convenient form of motive power. In the
together with an automatic self-starting air UK 415 V 3-phase supply is normal for motors up to
compressor, with provision for air storage. In special about 150 kW to 200 kW, whilst 3.3 kV or higher
situations two ejectors should be provided to voltage is often used for larger motors. Direct
facilitate repairs; where breakdown would have current (d.c.) drive is occasionally adopted, either by
serious results, a second air compressor should be rectifying from the a.c. grid supply or by local
provided. It is possible to serve several ejector generation from internal combustion engines.
stations from one central air compressing station if Standby electricity supply in case of breakdown is
the distances are not too great. frequently provided by a second feeder from a
5.5 Archimedean screw pumps different substation or by switching to diesel
generating plant situated locally or mounted on a
Archimedean screw pumps are basically screws vehicle.
revolving at a fixed speed. They provide a steady
rate of pumping and high efficiency over a wide 6.2 Electric motors
range of flows and are also effective in pumping The electric motor is a convenient, cheap and
varying flows. They are suitable for lifting large reliable prime mover for all types of sewage
volumes of unscreened sewage or storm water pumping. Varieties of electric motor are available to
against low heads. suit the particular conditions of duty to be
The actual volume lifted for any particular diameter performed.
is dependent on the speed of rotation and on the As automatic controls have been developed to a high
angle of inclination; the greater the angle the less degree of reliability, an electric motor is particularly
the rate of discharge. The angle of inclination varies suitable for an unattended automatically operated
from a minimum of 27° to the horizontal to a station.
maximum of 40°. The preferred angle is 38°.

© BSI 02-2000 3
BS 8005-2:1987

The following are the more usual types of electric d) Direct current motor. The d.c. motor may be
motor used for sewage pumping. used with advantage for variable speed
a) Squirrel cage induction motor. This type of applications. Starting methods are simple and it
motor is the simplest and most robust in design has a good starting performance and high
for use on alternating current (a.c.) supplies. It is efficiency over a wide range of duties. However,
commonly used for single speed applications but maintenance and prime cost are more expensive
can be wound for multi-speed operation, dual than with a.c. motors.
speed windings being fairly common. Other Where a wide range of pumping duties is required,
motor speed variations are available. it may be more economical in respect of capital
Starting the motor direct on line demands a high and/or energy costs to use motors with two
starting current from the supply, and other (or possibly three) speeds or a larger number of
methods of starting such as star-delta, constant speed pumping units controlled in an
autotransformer, or electronic soft start, may optimum sequence depending on flow or level
have to be considered in order to reduce the high control strategy.
starting current from the supply (and its cost) 6.3 Internal combustion engine
and satisfy the requirements of the supply The following are the more usual types of internal
authority. combustion engine.
Care should be taken when selecting reduced
a) Diesel engine. The diesel engine is a reliable,
current methods of starting that the motor
efficient type of prime mover. The medium and
accelerating torque matches the pump
slow speed units generally have longer lives and
characteristics.
are heavy; they require heavy foundations and
This type of motor is suitable for electronic relatively more space. The high speed units are
methods of speed control. efficient, compact and light but generally have a
Many types of power electronic drive equipment shorter life; they are not so expensive (in capital
are available to enable the squirrel cage costs), nor do they require heavy foundations.
induction motor to be considered as an High speed units are, however, often noisy.
alternative to motors under items b), c)and d). The slow and medium speed units can be
The main types are as follows: operated automatically but they usually need the
1) voltage controlled invertors; regular attendance of a skilled staff. High speed
units are suitable for automatic operation, but
2) current controlled invertors; need more highly skilled maintenance to ensure
3) pulse width modulated invertors; reliability.
4) variable voltage at constant frequency. b) Dual fuel engine. Sewage gas, a by-product of
b) Wound rotor induction motor. This type of sewage purification, is an economical fuel for dual
motor has a wound rotor and can have a lower fuel engines. These engines can also be operated
starting current than the squirrel cage motor. It efficiently on diesel.
is suitable for speed control by means of external c) Petrol engine. The petrol engine is rarely
resistors, usually contained in the control adopted as a form of prime mover at a permanent
equipment. It is normally only used where the sewage pumping station owing to the
speed control is small and applied for short comparatively high cost of fuel and maintenance.
periods. The motor efficiency is less at reduced Portable pumps are sometimes powered by petrol
speeds. engines.
c) Synchronous induction motor. This type of Suitable arrangements should be made for the safe
motor runs at a fixed speed independent of the handling of flammable liquids and for the safe
load, the speed being determined by the ventilation of combustion products, particularly
frequency of the supply and the number of poles where mobile plant is involved.
in the motor.
6.4 Drives
Normally it has good efficiency and power factor
Electric motors (either horizontally or vertically
and may attract favourable terms from the
supply authority. However, a separate d.c. mounted) and internal combustion engines can be
supply is required for exciting windings and the arranged to drive most types of pumps, by one of the
following means.
starting performance is poor.

4 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

a) Direct coupling. Direct coupling of the pump to For all types of automatically controlled pumps it is
the prime mover through a suitable flexible essential that an anti-roll-back device is
coupling, or occasionally through a clutch, is incorporated in the drive arrangement. The lower
normal for horizontal shaft pumps and vertically fixed bearing is invariably under water and a return
mounted pumps. oil lubrication coupled with three seals is
b) Geared drive. A gear box may be inserted to recommended to minimize wear on the lower
reduce or increase the pump speed in relation to bearing.
the prime mover speed, or to change the direction 7.2 Controls
of the drive from horizontal to vertical.
Usually the control of pumps is based on a liquid
c) Belt drive. Belt drive, with a flat, V-section or level, the operation of a pump starter being
toothed belt, can be used in place of geared drive, activated by the closing of electrical control circuits.
where space permits. This may be less costly. Various devices are used, e.g.:
d) Direct drives. Electro-submersible pumps a) floats;
usually have the impeller mounted directly on to
b) electrodes;
an extended shaft of the electric motor. They may
be mounted vertically or horizontally. Very large c) air pressure discharge bubblers;
units may, however, have an intermediate gear d) ultrasonic beams;
box between the motor shaft and the impeller e) photoelectric light beams;
drive shaft.
f) flow rate detectors (not necessarily related to
e) Intermediate shafting. Shafting, either liquid level);
horizontal or vertical, connecting the prime
g) pressure transducers.
mover or gear box to the pump, normally needs to
be supported by intermediate bearings The selection of a suitable system for a particular
(efficiently lubricated). Shafting and bearings station is a combination of suitability of proprietary
need to be stiff enough to ensure steady running equipment and the experience and preferences of a
without whip, and flexible couplings should be designer. It is important to design for easy
provided to allow for any misalignment. accessibility and maintenance of the equipment.
Standby equipment should be considered and also
The prime mover, the gearbox (if required) and the
alarms to indicate failure. The use of telephone and
pump can sometimes be mounted on a combined
radio alarm and information systems at remote
base unit. This arrangement reduces the
unattended stations is often justified.
installation time, and maintenance can be
economical. A control system for an installation of electric motor
driven pumps usually automatically operates the
Control equipment for the drive units should always
motor starter to a pre-determined sequence. The
be placed above ground. When equipment is placed
system should provide for the sequence to be varied
below ground, the dampness will shorten its life,
either automatically or manually, e.g. so that one
make it unreliable in operation, and in certain
pump can be the duty pump for a period, and then
stations, especially where flammable gas may be
another. It can be simple, such as a float which
present, make it a hazard and is likely to make it a
directly closes and opens a switch in a starter, or
serious source of ignition leading to explosion.
complex, such as a series of detectors with relays
and a mini-computer to deal with a range of variable
7 Controls and electrical equipment speed pumps. The alternatives that are available
7.1 General provide variations in flexibility, together with
Most electrically driven pumps are controlled safeguards and economy of operation. A selector
automatically; manual control is now exceptional. switch should select automatic or manual operation.
Diesel driven pumps can be controlled Except at small stations, it may be desirable to
automatically but this may be unnecessary if they include time delay equipment in the control scheme
are at a station which is always attended. The to ensure sequential starting of pumps after a power
design policy on control equipment should be agreed failure. This avoids an excessive momentary
with the user, who may wish to have similar electrical load that might otherwise arise in this
equipment at several stations in one operating area. exceptional circumstance.
The equipment should, wherever possible, be
capable of adjustment after operational experience.

© BSI 02-2000 5
BS 8005-2:1987

7.3 Electrical equipment The minimum data required is such that, at the
Each motor starter needs to be suitable for frequent management centre, decisions can be made,
duty and should be appropriately rated to the motor especially during out of normal hours periods,
it controls. It should incorporate a suitably rated whether or not to commit limited manpower
externally operated means of isolation, resources for immediate attendance at the pumping
mechanically interlocked with its door. It should station to rectify operational problems or plant
have adjustable overload releases that lock-out the breakdowns.
equipment, with time lags, and an inherent no-volt Information required from each pumping station
release which should be such that the motor will can range from the transmission of a single high
re-start automatically on the resumption of voltage level alarm for very small automatic pumping
following power failure. In the event of the motor stations, to full monitoring and individual alarms
tripping out on overload, consideration should be such as those detailed for each of the following
given to having a reset button for manual reset. items.
Automatic reset of the overloads is not considered a) Pumps: “Running”, “Failed”, “Stopped”,
desirable. Other features are high rupturing “Off auto”.
capacity back-up fuses of suitable rating on each
b) Electricity supply: “Mains failed”,
phase, control circuit fuses and contacts for
“Phase failed”.
operation by the control gear. It is usual to provide
indicating lights showing “supply on” and “motor c) Standby generator (where installed):
energized”. Emergency stop push buttons should be “Running”, “Failed”, “Stopped”, “Low fuel alarm”.
provided at the starter and at points of possible d) Wet well: “High level alarm”.
danger such as near the motor and near the pump. e) Dry well: “Flooding alarm”.
Pump starters should be linked to a flow monitor,
f) Screen: “Blockage alarm”, “Failure”, “High
load monitor or non-return valve, through a time
differential level”.
delay, to shut down a pump in the event of blockage.
g) Storm overflow: “Operating”.
Anti-condensation heaters may be provided in
starter enclosures, possibly thermostatically h) Intruder/fire: “Alarms”.
controlled, and also in the motors. In larger motors Depending on the application the following may also
thermal devices may be justified to open the starter be monitored.
controls in the event of overheating. 1) Works inlet flow/discharge flow rates and
Individual starters and other electrical items can be associated integrated totals.
wall mounted in their own enclosures. However, at 2) Other qualitative and quantitative
medium and large stations it may be more information.
satisfactory to provide a floor mounted panel for all
The means of data transmission can be via public
the electrical gear, including the incoming supply
service telephone lines, own dedicated lines, radio or
circuit breakers, electrical meters and distribution
other media (e.g. fibre optics, laser links) dependent
equipment. A composite panel should be arranged
on system requirements and availability.
so that an individual unit can be isolated for
Consideration should be given in selecting the
maintenance while the other units remain live and
transmission media to system requirements
in operation. It is essential that each isolation
(e.g. update times/scan rates), operating and
switch be capable of being padlocked in the “off”
maintenance costs, data security and reliability,
position.
expansion capability and the display and archiving
7.4 Telemetry of operational and management information.
The purpose of any telemetry system is to provide The telemetry equipment can be enhanced by local
operational and management data to a remote automatic programmable control facilities of
management centre and, in selected cases, to various levels of sophistication, so as to provide data
provide the facility for override control of the plant logging and data processing functions required for
from the management centre. system optimization. Automatic or manual override
Telemetry systems usually cover a sewage control through this equipment is possible from the
treatment works and any pumping stations within management centre.
its catchment. Information on telemetry and computer control of
sewerage operations is obtainable from the Water
Authorities Association (WAA) and the Water
Research Centre (WRc).

6 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

8 Pipework and valves The non-return valve, sometimes called a reflux or a

check valve, complying with BS 5153 prevents
8.1 Pumping station pipes and joints
backflow when pumping ceases. It should give a
Pipework within pumping stations is usually of clear flow when the flap is open to avoid
ductile iron but grey iron, steel or plastics pipework accumulation of rags. For this reason valves with
can be used. The pipework should be able to multiple flaps are not usually satisfactory. Seatings
withstand possible distortion due to jointing and for the flap and the hinge pin should be renewable
vibration and surge pressures. as they are subject to severe wear. An external lever
Pipe joints within pumping stations are mostly may be provided on the hinge pin so that the flap
flanged. Detachable flexible couplings should be can be opened manually, either in attempting to
interposed where they will facilitate dismantling clear a blockage or for backwashing or drainage. The
and accommodate vibration, but these do not lever also gives a visual indication of the extent to
usually hold end thrust and long tie bolts may be which the flap is open during pumping; this can be
needed for bracing. adjusted by the addition of a counter-weight to the
lever. Slamming of non-return valves may take
A closely spaced pair of flexible joints should be
provided on a pumping main immediately outside a place when a reversal of flow occurs before the flap
station to accommodate possible differential closes. Partial closing as the forward velocity of the
sewage diminishes and before the flow is reversed
settlement.
can be assisted by the external lever arm and
Provision of tappings on suction and delivery counterweight.
pipework for permanent or temporary pressure
A non-return valve should be easy to open for
gauges should be considered.
maintenance. The casing should have an arrow cast
8.2 Pumping main pipes and joints on to indicate direction of flow.
The materials of pipes used for pumping mains Isolating valves are normally sluice (or gate) valves
include ductile iron, steel, asbestos cement, GRP, which are also used as washouts. An extensive
polyethylene, polybutylene, unplasticized PVC and, range is available. Wedge pattern gates with copper
occasionally, concrete. The class(es) of pipework alloy facings, or resilient seal gates, are usually
should be selected to withstand the maximum preferred. Some valves have inside non-rising
hydraulic pressures (including surge pressures) screws and some have rising screws which give a
and, where applicable, external loadings. When clear indication whether the valve is open or closed.
necessary pipelines should be protected against Diaphragm isolating valves and ball and plug valves
corrosion, internally and externally. (See BS 8005-1 are suitable for pumping installations handling raw
regarding materials and BS 1710 regarding colour sewage but butterfly valves should be avoided as
coding of services.) rags in the sewage may cause blockages.
Pipe joints for use below ground should preferably Sluice valves should preferably be sited with the
be of the flexible type. If flanges are used on buried operating spindle either vertical or inclined at an
pipes the fastenings should be specially protected. angle above the horizontal. If unavoidable, or if
Protection should be provided by galvanizing, by chain operation is to be used, the spindle may be
wrapping with waterproof tape or by enclosing in horizontal but it should never be inclined below the
bitumen. horizontal as solids can enter the bonnet and
8.3 Valves interfere with operation.
Pumps normally discharge through their own The most economical operating arrangement is for
non-return valves. One or more isolating valves the handwheel of the isolating valve to be fixed on
should be included in the installation. A non-return the protruding stem of the valve. If access would
valve may also be required on a pumping main. For then be difficult the spindle can then be extended
isolating and maintenance purposes the isolating (and cranked through gearing or universal joints if
valve should be positioned downstream from the necessary) to a conveniently situated headstock.
non-return valve. Valves usually close clockwise but this is not
universal and the direction of opening and closing
should be marked on each handwheel. A designation
label is also useful. Where valves may need to be left
in a partly opened state there should be a position
indicator.

© BSI 02-2000 7
BS 8005-2:1987

Large valves may have a water jetting attachment Comminutors or macerators are occasionally
to allow for cleaning the bottom of the seating of provided to protect pumps.
accumulated grit. Large valves on storm water At outlying pumping stations, grit removal plant for
systems which may normally be closed can be pump protection is an exception. If provided,
provided with electric, hydraulic or pneumatic however, then some attendance will be required.
actuators for power opening and closing. A power
If grit deposits are likely to occur, sufficient to cause
operated isolating valve can be used on a large
problems with the pumping system, their build up
delivery main instead of separate non-return and
may be prevented by using water jets to lift the grit
isolating valves. In the event of mains failure, power
into suspension to be pumped away with the
operated valves will not close to stop backflow
sewage.
unless alternative energy sources and additional
equipment are fitted. With submersible or submerged pumping units,
additional equipment may be provided on the pump
Air release valves should be of a type suitable for
which will allow re-circulation within the sump to
sewage, with adequate capacity for the passing of
take place prior to the commencement of the
air and gas produced during operation.
pumping cycle. This re-circulation will also assist in
Rarely used valves should be operated at regular putting the grit into suspension and will work
(or biannual) intervals over their full distance of automatically without additional attendance.
travel.
In general, screening and grit removal is best
carried out at a sewage treatment plant and it
9 Miscellaneous
should be avoided at an outlying pumping station
9.1 Pump protection unless essential. (See CIRIA Technical
Sewage pumps are designed to handle solids and Note 119: Screens and Grit in Sewage: Record,
consequently they are less efficient than pumps for treatment and disposal2).)
clean water. The solids vary in character and 9.2 Overflow
include unexpected items which get into sewers and
Every pumping station should have an emergency
become potential hazards. Rags are a frequent
overflow system which will operate if there is a
source of trouble; grit may be a problem after
complete failure of the pumping plant. The system
storms. Proprietary refinements in certain sewage can be on the incoming sewer or at the pumping
pumps are directed to reducing the risk of pump station.
blockage by solids.
An emergency overflow of sewage could cause
In some circumstances special pumps or plant may
nuisance, pollution, damage or flooding. On no
be provided to reduce the risk of failure of the
account should the dry well of a pumping station be
pumps. Special plant is usually unnecessary at a
liable to flooding. The design of the station and its
small pumping station which is served by small
overflow system should be such that repairs can
sewers. It should be considered for larger stations always be made to any plant that has failed.
where it is vital to maintain uninterrupted pumping
capacity. The character of the incoming sewage may 9.3 Flow measurement
be a factor if it is known to have an unusual solids Flow measurement is rarely justified at a pumping
content. station but its absence may mean that it is not
Coarse screens can be used to prevent large objects possible to know the actual discharge rates or
and some solids from entering pumps. They always quantities of sewage that are handled. The
collect rags and this, with the large objects, causes a importance of this information should therefore be
build-up which may restrict the sewage flow. The considered. All measurement devices require stable
screenings need to be removed, either manually or hydraulic flow conditions and this is not usually
by a machine, and either macerated and returned to possible near pumps. The flow measuring apparatus
the flow or otherwise disposed of. Although the may therefore need to be some distance from the
plant can be automatic it will need attention and pumping station.
maintenance. The selection of screening plant is a Some pump control systems can be associated with
matter of experience and judgement as there are incoming flow measurement (e.g. at a flume). Flow
several basic types and refinements. If there is meters can be incorporated in pumping mains.
doubt as to the need for a coarse screen, provision
can be made for its installation later after a period
of operational experience.

2)
Obtainable from CIRIA, 6 Storey’s Gate, London SW1P 3AU.

8 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

Section 3. Design of pumping stations

10 General d) inadequate levels of ventilation, particularly in

confined spaces (see clause 18);
The type and size of pumping stations and pumps
depends on the pumping duties, the location, e) combustion and explosion of flammable gases;
whether the station will be attended, and the f) electrical shocks and burns;
preferences of the user and designer. g) faults in the installation and guarding of
The conventional pumping station has a dry well for machinery (see BS 5304);
pumps and other plant and a separate wet well, h) excessive noise, vibration or fumes
usually housing some of the control equipment. The (see clause 18).
roof of the dry well, which may extend partly or
The following equipment should be provided, as
wholly over the wet well, should be above ground
appropriate:
(and flood) level and serves as the floor of the
superstructure building for motors and electrical 1) first aid and rescue equipment;
equipment. 2) emergency equipment and alarms;
The building can include facilities for operators such 3) telephone and/or radio communication;
as a toilet, messroom and store. At large stations it 4) toilet and washing facilities;
can also have a workshop and garage. Because of
5) facilities for the changing and storage of
possible smell and noise problems it is not usually
clothes and for the storage of tools and
advisable to locate offices or amenity buildings at
equipment;
pumping stations.
6) meal and office facilities.
It may be possible and necessary to construct a
pumping station partly or wholly underground, for For small pumping stations the design could provide
instance to deter vandalism, but this calls for special for the use of a specially equipped vehicle to
precautions in designing the substructure and in incorporate some of the above facilities.
observing health and safety requirements.
A screw pumping station is used to discharge into a
12 Maximum and minimum pumping
channel or gravity sewer and not into a pumping rates
main. The motors and control gear should be housed The maximum discharge rate from a pumping
and, if the screws are in the open, they should be station, when all the duty pumps and pumping
provided with removable safety covers. mains are in use, should be equal to, or preferably
Small pumping devices, such as ejectors, may have greater than, the maximum design rate of flow to
an integral reception chamber and can therefore be the station. The minimum pumping rate should
installed in basements rather than in separate achieve a self-cleansing rate of flow in the pumping
structures. main(s). At a large station the minimum pumping
rate may be governed by an assumed minimum flow
11 Health, safety and welfare design to the station.
features For a small station, with one constant speed duty
pump, the pumping rate will be intermittent and
It is essential when designing sewage pumping
may be unrelated to the rate of flow to the station.
stations and pumping mains to incorporate
necessary health, safety and welfare features to Pumping will also be intermittent at multi-pump
comply with statutory requirements. In addition, stations whenever the flow to the station is less than
relevant recommendations from authoritative the minimum pumping rate.
bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, the At medium and large stations, the station discharge
British Standards Institution, the Trades Union can be kept approximately equal to the rate of flow
Congress and water supply industry codes of of the incoming sewage by the adoption of variable
practice should be carefully studied. speed pumps. This is not possible at small stations
The scale of provision will depend on the numbers of with constant speed pumps.
staff and the frequency of visits to the station.
Typical hazards are as follows:
13 Pumping heads
a) falls of persons from heights, and into liquids For a selected pumping rate the total pumping head
or on to moving machinery; (or pressure) comprises the static lift, the friction in
the pumping main, the friction through the pumps
b) tripping or slipping on stairways, walkways or
and station pipework and valves and the entry and
other means of access;
exit head losses.
c) falling or other travelling objects;

© BSI 02-2000 9
BS 8005-2:1987

14 Number and size of pumpsets Commercially available pumps should be selected,

and familiarity with the range of duties of typical
The selection of the type of pumps, and their sizes
pumps is therefore necessary. The friction head
and numbers depends, among other things, on the
calculations involve several assumptions and
desired maximum and minimum pumping rates and
cannot be precise. The selected installation may
on the need, or otherwise, to control the variations have a capacity that is different (often greater) from
in the rate of discharge from the station. that intended. If this is likely to be a serious
A station with one constant speed duty pump should impediment to the scheme, arrangements can be
normally have a second pump to provide 100 % made for adjusting the pump impellers after a trial
standby. This may be the most economical period of operation.
arrangement as far as pumping plant and electrical
Even in very small stations it is usually prudent to
power is concerned, but it will result in intermittent provide standby plant to operate automatically
discharge. when a duty pump fails. Standby pumps can also be
If the pumping main velocities are satisfactory, a used during maintenance and repair of other
station can have one variable or one two-speed duty pumps.
pump and a similar standby pump. This would
The number of standby units which should be
reduce the flow fluctuation but the electrical plant
provided will depend on the station layout and the
would cost more; it would be less efficient possible consequences of pumps failing at a time of
electrically than a constant speed installation. An maximum incoming flow. It should not be
alternative is to have two constant speed duty
overlooked that one pumpset may be undergoing
pumps discharging to the one pumping main, with a
maintenance when this situation arises.
similar pump as standby; this installation can be
further refined by the provision of variable or At small stations a portable pump is sometimes
two-speed motors. used as a standby. A branch to the pumping main
should then be provided for connection of the
To maintain acceptable velocities and reasonable portable pump.
friction losses, the individual suction and delivery
pipe legs are, in many cases, larger than the pumps. Provision of an emergency pumping inlet at any
The taper piece required on the delivery side should station is always a safeguard against mains failure,
be included immediately at the pump branch before especially if the failure affects a wide area and there
the non-return valve. Tapering on the suction side are insufficient mobile generators to serve all
should be fitted between the sluice valve and the stations. Permanent provision also eliminates the
pump and should be of level soffit pattern. Tapers hardest and most accident prone task, of inserting
should be selected to give good velocity profiles the suction pipes.
particularly at inlet, and any bends should, where The need for standby electricity supply depends on
possible, be of long radius. the importance of continued operation during a
If the friction in a pumping main is significant, no possible period of electricity failure.
more than two similar pumps should discharge
simultaneously into a single pumping main. The
additional output from a third pump into the same
main could be quite small. If greater flexibility of
discharge is desired, two sets of two duty pumps and
one standby, each with its own delivery pumping
main, might be appropriate. When the amount of
storm water is significant one set might use larger
pumps than the other.
When two pumps discharge to a pumping main
where the friction head is significant the maximum
duty is their combined discharge. When one pump is
operating (at the same speed) it will deliver more
than half of this discharge. Hence head/output
calculations (using the pump characteristic curves)
are needed before the duty of a single pump can be
assessed.

10 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

15 Layout of pumpsets, pipework, The delivery pipework should be located above the
control equipment and ancillary plant suction pipework and between the pumps and the
wall separating the wet and dry wells. This leaves
Many small and medium sized wet and dry well the space between the pumps and the opposite wall
pumping stations with rotodynamic pumps have clear for access. This arrangement usually means
comparable layouts. The pumps should be in a line that the header main is directed to one of the end
with their vertical spindles passing through the roof walls.
slab to the motors on the floor above. Where
As the only reliable dimensions of pipe fittings can
universal joints are provided in the shafts, there
be along their centrelines, the detailed levels and
should be slight misalignment so that the bearings
do not track on the same path and cause failure. positions of the pipework should refer to centreline
Although this is referred to as a vertical pumpset, levels and not to invert levels.
the impeller is revolving horizontally in its volute. The pipe bends in the arrangement described above
The weight of the pump assembly should be taken facilitate possible dismantling but it is also prudent
on a support (stool) below the pump casing and the to introduce flexible couplings on the suction
motor and the drive shaft supported by the floor pipeline for this purpose. A flexible coupling should
above. The pump suction pipeline consists of a be provided on the delivery pipeline if possible; this
vertical 90° bend below the central inlet of each may not be practicable due to the anchoring
pump casing, followed by a horizontal pipeline (with arrangements. It is important to allow for the whole
its isolating valve) which passes through the wall assembly of suction pipelines, pumps and delivery
between the wet and dry wells and terminates as a pipelines to be erected before the pipelines are built
bell-mouth inlet. into the walls. It may be practicable to isolate the
Submersible pumps can be used in a dry well whole assembly for pressure testing and in most
situation. It is essential that only pumps with cases the delivery pipework can be tested at pump
closed valve head when setting to work.
adequate cooling arrangements be used and the
manufacturer’s approval should be obtained for the Other matters which should be considered are as
proposed application. follows.
Pumps situated in dry wells need to be primed a) Drainage facilities for emptying isolated
before they are started. This is normally achieved by pumps and pipework before they are dismantled,
siting the pumps below the desired start water and air/gas release arrangements at high points
levels in the wet well and by providing a small air (which should be avoided if possible).
release pipe from the top of the pump casing. The b) Cross connections and valves to enable suction
level of the suction pipeline should also be lines to be back flushed either with another pump
coordinated with the details of the wet well. Siting or by using the contents of the pumping main.
of a rotodynamic pump above the start water level c) Inspection and rodding openings strategically
should be avoided if possible due to the problems located on various items in the composite
and additional maintenance which inevitably assembly.
result. A special priming method will be required,
either using an additional automatic extractor d) The need to provide intermediate bearings and
pump or by using liquid from the pumping main or flexible couplings on drive spindles between
by vacuum priming. pumps and motors.
The outlet from the pump casing of a vertical e) The need to collaborate with the pump
pumpset in a dry well is horizontal. The pump supplier. The detailed designs should be
delivery pipeline connects to it and should first acceptable to the pump supplier if he is to be
include a non-return valve, which should be in a responsible for the operational efficiencies of the
horizontal attitude, and then an isolating valve to pumpsets.
enable the non-return valve to be readily isolated in f) The dry well should be adequately ventilated by
the event of its requiring attention, e.g. to clear a extraction from low level to prevent the build-up
clogged seating. The suction and delivery sluice of heavier-than-air gases and at high level to
valves should preferably not be rotated through prevent the build-up of methane.
more than 45° to the vertical. The delivery pipelines
from the pumps combine into a header main
(bus main or manifold) at the commencement of the
pumping main. Connections should preferably be
horizontal and as short as possible to minimize
problems caused by silt and other debris.

© BSI 02-2000 11
BS 8005-2:1987

Some pump control equipment is usually in the wet f) Facilities or provision should be included for
well and its function is normally associated with the emptying a wet well.
sewage level. It should be arranged so that its g) Adequate lighting should be provided in a wet
operation is not impeded by disturbed liquid well, and electrical apparatus should be certified
surfaces, or by fat, rags or other extraneous matter. for use in a hazardous area in compliance with
Facilities should be provided for the vertical and BS 5345. Provision may be required for
positional adjustment after initial operational emergency lighting.
experience. The remainder of the control equipment
h) Electrical power points for portable lights and
should be grouped with electrical equipment.
tools should be provided above ground for use
If a floor-mounted cubicle is used, it can also house with portable low voltage output transformers
motor starters and control equipment (see 6.2 and complying with BS 3535.
clause 7). It is important to provide generous
i) Hosing facilities may be justified for cleaning
facilities for cables and other connections and to
the wet well and its control equipment.
allow ample working space around the cubicle.
j) Structural recommendations are as follows.
16 Substructure design 1) Information about the subsoil of the site,
The form of substructure should suit the types and and the groundwater, should be obtained in
layout of the pumps and other plant. If alternatives advance of detailed design.
are being considered it will probably be found that 2) The dividing wall between wet and dry wells
submerged pumpsets require the smallest should be considered as water retaining in
substructures, vertical pumpsets the next larger accordance with the recommendations of
and horizontal pumpsets the largest. BS 8007.
The following guidelines apply to all pumping 3) As with all buried structures, the
stations including the very small, and to ejector substructure should be designed so as not to
stations. suffer movement because of a high external
a) Adequate access openings should be provided water table. A risk of subsidence or flotation
for all operational and safety items that will have may also affect the design and should always
to be introduced into the station and which may be allowed for in the pipelines entering and
have to be removed from it. leaving the station.
b) There should be liberal dimensional tolerances 4) Protection of the concrete should be
in level and location for all installed items so that considered if there are aggressive soils or a risk
they can be conveniently fitted together and fixed of septic sewage or corrosive industrial
to the structure. discharges. The surfaces above sewage level
may be vulnerable if hydrogen sulphide is
c) Pipework is normally anchored where it is built liberated. In exceptional locations sulphates in
into the walls of the station and at these locations the soil and groundwater may be significant.
some designers provide cast or welded-on puddle
flanges. Elsewhere the pipes and fittings should k) The environment of a pumping station
be supported to avoid excessive strain on the substructure is inevitably always humid and
joints. Large valves should have individual steel and ironwork are rapidly corroded unless
supports. Vertical pipe runs can be supported at effectively protected.
the base on duckfoot bends and horizontal runs
on reinforced supports with detachable metal 17 Wet wells
straps. The supports and anchorages may need to 17.1 Capacity
withstand both test and surge pressures. They The size of a wet well should be related to the
should not impede dismantling. pumping rates as, except at large stations, it
d) Reasonable access facilities and working space provides storage for intermittent pumping. At large
should be available for operation and stations the incoming sewers can provide some of
maintenance. the wet well capacity.
e) Floor drainage for a dry well should be For small and medium stations the size of the wet
generous as it will be needed during construction well should be such that the pumps will not start
and also when pumps and pipework are emptied. and stop too frequently (six to 12 starts per hour is
It is usually better to add the floor surfacing after a guide).
installation of the major items of plant and
pipework. A sump pump should normally be
included.

12 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

17.2 Design 18 Ventilation, smell and noise

The lower part of the wet well is the sump, which Careful consideration should be given to the
should be shaped to suit the pump suctions. An question of adequate and safe ventilation of the
inefficient arrangement can result in a significant buildings, and of any confined spaces. Toxic and
reduction in pump output due to air entrainment. It flammable gases can arise during the handling and
should also be shaped to prevent deposition of grit processing of sewage, and the system should be so
and sewage solids which rapidly occurs when the designed and operated that any air or gas
sewage ceases to move. discharged is vented to a safe place in the open air.
It is advisable to provide means of stopping the Where this is impracticable, comprehensive tests
inflow to the wet well for maintenance purposes. should be made to ascertain the nature of any
Incoming sewers and sump design should be contaminants which might enter the system or be
arranged to avoid sewage dropping into the wet generated within it, and appropriate precautions
well, as this can also cause air entrainment into the should be incorporated in the design and operating
pump suctions. The sewers can backdrop externally procedures to deal with them. (See Table 5 of
into the wet well. If possible, the pump cut-in levels BS 8005-1:1987.)
should be below the level of the incoming sewers, to It is difficult to avoid smell nuisances when
prevent backing up except at large stations pumping sewage particularly in the circumstances
(see 17.1). Backdrops cause problems of: of overflow or pump failure. Care can be taken when
a) turbulence as a result of their discharging siting buildings to take advantage of prevailing
below normal water level introducing air direct to winds and by covering over outside tanks containing
the suction pipe; and sewage. It is possible to install filters and odour
removal equipment to deal with certain types of
b) blockage in the backdrops themselves.
noxious gases.
Sump design should attempt to prevent air
Particular attention should be paid to the prompt
entrainment and subsequent cavitation in a pump. disposal of screenings at pumping stations. The
As the efficient operation of a station will depend on disposal of screenings may be subject to the
both the pumps and the design of the sump, the statutory requirements of the Control of Pollution
pump supplier should approve the design of the Act 1974. (See BS 8005-0.)
sump and the suction pipework. At small stations it
Excessive noise can be damaging as well as
is usually sufficient if the pump suctions are not
unpleasant to operatives and their neighbours. It
physically restricted and are well submerged when can be reduced by the careful design, selection and
pumping commences, but for large stations it may installation of machinery. Noise levels within the
be prudent to have hydraulic model tests to achieve
building can be reduced by the use of sound
an efficient design for the composite arrangement.
absorbent linings. Transmission between
There is considerable divergence of views on the
compartments and from the building can be reduced
detailed design of suction pipework.
by the use of heavy imperforate building materials
17.3 Operation or of discontinuous construction. The use of
A build-up of scum and grease at the sewage surface double-door vestibules and double glazing with a
in a wet well can affect the operation of control large air gap is also effective. Outside the building,
equipment and access should be provided for the use of baffles and vegetation will also absorb and
cleaning the control equipment and, if necessary, for disperse escaping noise.
removing the scum. The part of the wet well in
which the pump control equipment is located should 19 Lifting facilities
have a sewage surface which is always reasonably At every pumping station appropriate and suitable
tranquil. lifting equipment should be provided, maintained in
Adequate ventilation should be provided as a a serviceable condition and used. This could take the
safeguard against the accumulation of dangerous form of a simple pulley block, or in a large station an
gases or vapours. overhead gantry crane.

© BSI 02-2000 13
BS 8005-2:1987

The type, rating and range of operation of cranes 21 Environment and access
and other lifting equipment will vary widely
Sewage pumping stations are normally situated in
depending on the pumps and ancillary equipment
the outskirts of residential and industrial areas or
which have to be installed and maintained. For
in the rural countryside. Good access is essential for
larger installations, permanently installed gantry
cranes covering the whole area of the pumphouse vehicles and plant for maintenance and emergency
are convenient. Multi-purpose lifting appliances circumstances, whatever the weather conditions.
such as lorry mounted cranes, fork-lift trucks and Fencing and warning signs are advisable in
small hydraulic excavators are in common use in the hazardous or vulnerable locations.
vicinity of pumping stations. Particularly for mobile Access roads and parking areas should be designed
plant, consideration should be given to the question with suitability, durability and maintenance
of adequate headroom, the proximity of overhead requirements in mind. Similar consideration should
power cables, turning circle and surface wheel be taken in deciding areas to be grassed and trees
bearing capacity. and hedges (or fences) to be provided. Landscaping
Slings, chains, ropes and other lifting gear should be can be hastened by the use of quick-growing trees
suitable for the particular lifting operation. and shrubs, but this involves extra trimming and
the risk of excessive root growth entering into sewer
The general statutory standard for the construction
and use of all lifting equipment is contained in tanks and pipes, and undermining foundations.
Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Power failures and flooding due to weather or burst
Act 1974, and even if the Factories Act 1961 does pipes present hazards to be met, particularly in
not apply, Sections 26 and 27 of the Factories riverside and remote areas. These can lead to
Act 1961 may be taken as guidelines to detailed inconvenience to the public from flooding, pollution
testing, inspections and certification. Advice on the and smell unless such emergencies are taken into
application of the Factories Act to any particular account in general environmental considerations.
installation may be obtained from the local office of
the Health and Safety Executive.
The high incidence of back injury among pumping
station operatives in particular justifies the
provision of suitable mechanical devices for the
off-loading of plant and materials from transport
vehicles.

20 Superstructure
The superstructure of a sewage pumping station
will have to suit the substructure in providing
accommodation for pumping units, equipment and
operators. The design of the actual building requires
special consideration in respect of size, type and
appearance.
Buildings should be substantial, well-proportioned
and with a choice of materials suitable to
operational and climatic conditions. This includes
provisions such as damp-proofing, insulation,
air-conditioning and protection against the weather.
Pumping stations should also be protected against
vandalism and unlawful entry by fitting adequate
locking devices to windows and doors. For remote
stations and in high-risk areas, alarm systems can
be fitted in addition. If resort is to be made to
underground stations for security purposes, the risk
of flooding, fire and explosion should be seriously
taken into account.

14 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

Section 4. Design of pumping mains

22 Velocities of flow Arrangements should be made to ensure frequent

use of both mains to prevent septicity. Automatic
To avoid sedimentation, the minimum
pump changeover is a convenient method.
recommended velocity in pumping mains is
about 0.75 m/s, but if there is a velocity of In certain circumstances it may be advisable to
about 1.2 m/s for several hours each day, the provide a connection to a pumping main adjacent to
minimum velocity can be as low as 0.5 m/s. The a pumping station for a mobile pump to enable the
maximum velocity should normally not be station to be bypassed.
above 3 m/s. Power considerations usually impose
this limit. 25 Pressures
The maximum friction head (pressure) arises at the
23 Diameter maximum velocity. It should be calculated by one of
The diameter of a pumping main should be the recognized hydraulic systems for friction losses
determined by an economic analysis of the pipeline in a pipeline flowing full. It should be remembered
and pumping costs and by an assessment of the that friction factors and viscosity of the liquid are
engineering factors which may sometimes override likely to change when air or oxygen injection is
the economic analysis. Alternative diameters should employed to control septicity (see BS 8005-1).
be examined which produce minimum and The possibility of positive and negative pressures
maximum velocities within the acceptable limits, due to surge (water hammer) should be considered.
and pumping costs should be estimated taking They are more likely to be significant in long mains
account of the normal rate of pumping (not or where high velocities arise. Surge analysis is
necessarily the peak rate). The most economical complicated and is usually only undertaken when
scheme will be the one which involves the lowest surge pressures are expected to be important. There
overall annual cost, including repayment of capital are now many computer programmes available to
cost, running and maintenance. assist in this analysis.
If septicity of the sewage is likely to be a problem the Surge pressures can be alleviated by various means
retention period in the pumping main should be as follows:
reduced by adopting a smaller diameter and a) a suitably designed regulating or non-return
accepting a higher velocity of flow, even though this valve in the main;
may mean higher power consumption.
b) a pressure regulating or surge chamber on the
The minimum diameter of a main is usually 100 mm main;
but sometimes smaller mains may be considered to
c) flywheels on the pumps to avoid sudden shut
maintain a minimum velocity and avoid septicity.
down;
Mains as small as 50 mm can be used but it is then
necessary to install a macerator in the system to d) a standpipe, close to the pumping station;
reduce the size of solids. e) double-acting surge relief valves on system.
Other methods can be included such as stage
24 Number of mains shut-down, or variable speed drives to reduce
Duplication of pumping mains should be considered long-term fatigue failure of pipelines due to the
in the following circumstances. effect of surge pressures.
a) To provide a standby in the event of the other Surge pressures influence the selection of material
main being temporarily out of action. Duplication and class of pipe of a pumping main.
may be provided for the whole length or for part Recommendations are given in CP 312-2 and
of the length, e.g. at crossings of watercourses, CP 2010-2, CP 2010-3, CP 2010-4 and CP 2010-53).
canals and railways. The pumping main should be so designed as to be
b) To accommodate storm sewage flows which capable of withstanding a hydraulic test pressure of
could not be carried in a single main within the not less than 1.5 times the maximum working
acceptable limits of velocity. pressure or not less than 1.5 times the maximum
surge pressure, whichever is the greater, subject to
c) To permit parallel working of the centrifugal
the recommendations in the above codes.
pumps where their characteristics do not lend
themselves to combined working through a single
main.

3)
Under revision

© BSI 02-2000 15
BS 8005-2:1987

26 Valves Non-return valves are used to prevent backflow

after pumping has stopped and should be provided
The arrangement and location of isolating, air
at the pumps. In special situations they may have to
release, washout and non-return valves should be
be sited on a pumping main; they should have
planned together. Preferably a vehicle should be
extended spindles and lever arms so that they can
able to reach each location, but this needs to be be manually opened for emptying the main but the
reconciled with the importance of a valve and the size of the non-return valve and static head dictate
possible interference with land usage.
whether this is practicable. A bypass may be
On long mains, valves should be included to allow necessary in some cases.
for sections to be isolated and emptied within a
reasonable time. Special consideration should be 27 Profiles
given to crossings of major roads, railways,
watercourses and hazardous locations, but Where possible, a pumping main should be laid with
otherwise the sections might be up to about 1 km a continuous uphill grade and with gentle curves on
long. An isolating valve should be provided just both horizontal and vertical planes. When a
inside or outside a pumping station so that the continuous uphill grade is not possible, air release
station pipework can be dismantled without valves should be incorporated at high points and as
emptying the main. Twin mains should be cross the profile of the main dictates. Washout valves
connected, usually at the points selected for should be installed at low points.
isolation and emptying. Where a section of a main is
to be emptied through a washout valve, provision 28 Discharge arrangements
should be made for the removal of the contents. The discharge of a pumping main should be
Air release valves suitable for sewerage systems arranged to avoid turbulence or splashing. It is
should be provided at summits: preferable to avoid a vertical drop pipe and to
arrange that the end of the pumping main is always
a) to release air when the main is being filled;
full. If this is not possible, and the sewage may be
b) to release air and gas which arise during septic, the surfaces of the structure at the discharge
normal pumping; should be protected against corrosion.
c) to mitigate the effects of surge; Chambers into which pumping mains discharge
d) to permit air to enter when the main is being should be well ventilated. (See clause 11.)
emptied,
In the vicinity of an air release valve a main should 29 Anchorages
rise to the valve at a gradient preferably not flatter Pumping mains require anchorages to resist the
than 1 in 500 and fall away at a gradient not flatter thrusts developed at changes of direction, tapers,
than 1 in 300 for a significant length each side of the tees, valves and blank ends. Anchorages should not
summit. impede flexibility or expansion and, as far as
Air release valves can make considerable noise possible, they should allow for possible replacement
when operating and they should be regularly of fittings in the pipeline. The maximum thrusts
maintained. If a chamber is provided it should be usually occur when the pipelines are being tested.
adequately ventilated to release the volume of air In situ concrete blocks should be provided for buried
from the main and to prevent the accumulation of pipelines. For horizontal mains they should take the
malodorous, toxic or flammable gases. In some form of a cradle wedged against the undisturbed
situations air can adequately be released manually trench side; the design should be based on the safe
through a vertical pipe with a cock. bearing pressure of the ground. Vertical or inclined
Care should be taken not to exacerbate possible fittings should be clamped with metal straps to
surge problems (see clause 25) by the siting or the concrete blocks beneath them. Inclined pipelines,
use of incorrect types of air release valves. In certain steeper than 1 in 6 should be anchored by concrete
situations it may be necessary to restrict the rate at blocks cast across the pipes and set into undisturbed
which a pumping main is filled. ground.

16 © BSI 02-2000
 BS 8005-2:1987

In situations where it may be impractical to provide 30 Control of septicity

an anchor block to resist thrust, the use of flanged
Septicity in pumping mains can be prevented or
joints, self-restraining flexible couplings, or special
controlled by the addition of oxidants to the sewage
harness assemblies across joints, may be
either in the form of oxygen or oxidizing chemicals
considered. These should transfer the thrust along
the pipeline until either it is possible to provide a such as hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine injection, with
concrete anchor block, or sufficient frictional appropriate safeguards, may also be considered.
resistance is developed between the pipes and the The injection of gaseous oxygen, either pure or as
refilled ground to overcome the thrust. air, causes complications which should be taken into
account when designing the pipeline. Automatic air
release valves at peaks may be incompatible with
the process and it may be better to have air release
cocks for occasional purging. Materials in the
pipeline, fittings, valves, etc., should be compatible
with the oxygen/chlorine/sewage mixture.
The use of air instead of oxygen is not advised as the
quantity needs to be five times greater. Oxygen
absorption from air is less efficient than from
undiluted oxygen and it may be necessary to remove
a considerable volume of nitrogen.

© BSI 02-2000 17
18 blank
 BS 8005-2:1987

Publications referred to

BS 1710, Specification for identification of pipelines and services.

BS 3535, Specification for safety isolating transformers for industrial and domestic purposes.
BS 5153, Specification for cast iron check valves for general purposes.
BS 5304, Code of practice. Safeguarding of machinery.
BS 5345, Code of practice for the selection, installation and maintenance of electrical apparatus for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining applications or explosive processing and
manufacture).
BS 5839, Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings.
BS 5839-1, Code of practice for installation and servicing.
BS 6297, Code of practice for design and installation of small sewage treatment works and cesspools.
BS 8005, Sewerage.
BS 8005-0, Introduction and guide to data sources and documentation.
BS 8005-1, Guide to new sewerage construction.
BS 8005-3, Guide to sewers in tunnel4).
BS 8005-4 Guide to design and construction of outfalls.
BS 8005-5, Guide to rehabilitation of sewers4).
BS 8007, Code of practice for design of concrete structures for retaining aqueous liquids.
BS 8301, Code of practice for building drainage5).
CP 312, Code of practice for plastics pipework (thermoplastics material).
CP 312-2, Unplasticized PVC pipework for the conveyance of liquids under pressure.
CP2010, Code of practice for pipelines6).
CP2010-2, Design and construction of steel pipelines in land.
CP2010-3, Design and construction of iron pipelines in land.
CP2010-4, Design and construction of asbestos cement pipelines in land.
CP2010-5, Design and construction of prestressed concrete pressure pipelines in land.
CIRIA Technical Note 119: Screens and Grit in Sewage: Record, treatment and disposal.

4) In preparation.
5) Referred to in the foreword only.
6) Under revision as BS 8010.

© BSI 02-2000
BS 8005-2:
1987
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