The City of York needed to replace the effluent pump variable frequency drives (VFDs) at their wastewater treatment plant because they were old and obsolete with replacement parts for repairs scarce and becoming increasingly difficult to find. The City needed to continue critical operations while replacing the VFDs, presenting yet another challenge.

RETTEW conducted a thorough review of the five existing VFDs and recommended replacing all of them because of their age and the critical role they play in the treatment plant operations. We developed an approach allowing the City to continue critical operations by using ultra-low harmonic VFDs with active front-end technology to ensure the highest quality of power conversion to protect the pumps and motors. RETTEW provided coordination, engineering, and construction to facilitate the replacement in a safe and cost-effective manner. We also selected and procured the equipment, and used staged demolition and installation so plant staff could keep the critical process running. By replacing all five VFDs, the City is well-positioned for the future with these critical components of their wastewater operations.