A Quantum Leap in Operation and Maintenance
The renovation and technical upgrade of the Ländte Hilterfingen wastewater pumping station with stormwater settling basin marked a significant step toward safer, more modern, and more efficient operation. The newly created infrastructure provides better access to all relevant plant components and simplifies operation through state-of-the-art control and visualization systems with alarm functionality.
Previously, the situation at the site no longer met current requirements:
The electrical installations were located in the utility room of a neighboring beach café, which made access difficult. Maintenance staff had to navigate narrow shafts to reach the pumps—both the sewage and stormwater pumps. As a result, working conditions and safety left much to be desired.
Goal: Future-proof plant operation
The project pursued several key objectives:
- Increasing operational safety
- Improving accessibility
- Upgrading the electrical systems
- Integrating modern control and management systems
Structural improvements for better access
The control systems for the beach path, beach café, and pumping station were reorganized in a decentralized manner, which facilitates access for the respective personnel and isolates critical infrastructure from public areas in accordance with the latest safety standards. A key component was the construction of a new control room with direct stair access. This replaces the previously hard-to-reach areas in the café and pump shafts. Thanks to this reorganization, all maintenance and inspection work can now be carried out safely and conveniently.
Safe Access to the EX Zone
To improve workplace safety, the exhaust air system was replaced to ensure a twenty-fold air exchange rate. A visual traffic light display indicates when access to the stormwater basin is permitted. This visual feedback enhances awareness of potential hazards and effectively complements the necessary protective equipment.
State-of-the-Art Technology
STEBATEC handled the technical renovation of the facility. The scope of supply and services included, among other things:
- Replacement of the entire electrical installation
- New control cabinet with integrated measurement, control, and regulation technology
- Touch panel for on-site operation
- Integration into the ARAbella Online process control system
- Connection to INKA and the STEBalarm system
- Supply of pumps, STEBAjet, screen chambers, bottom gates, and sanitary facilities
- Installation of a pressure door
- Installation of a new exhaust air system
Modern control system with the ARAbella Online control system
The plant is operated via a touch panel and is integrated into the ARAbella Online control system. This allows operating data to be monitored, stored, and evaluated in real time. Trend analyses support maintenance, increase operational reliability, and enable efficient plant operation. The connection to INKA enables predictive sewer network control. Rainfall events can be detected early, retention basins can be specifically controlled, and overflows can be reduced. The combination of local control and ARAbella Online makes operation future-proof and environmentally friendly thanks to complete data transparency.
