Lifting station calculator: work out discharge flow and head
Which lifting station do you need? Enter which appliances are connected, such as a toilet, showers, a washing machine or a sink, and how the discharge pipe runs. To EN 12056, the calculator works out the discharge flow, the head and the flow velocity in the discharge pipe, and then shows the matching lifting stations.
In doubt about the outcome, about the right diameter or a pump with a cutter for example? Contact our pump experts or call +31 85 - 210 08 97.
Frequently asked questions about the lifting station calculator
How do I read the calculated flow and head?
The flow indicates how much waste water the installation has to be able to discharge. The head covers the height difference and the calculated pipe resistance. The pump has to be able to deliver both values at the same time on its pump curve. The maximum flow and the maximum head from a product table do not apply at the same time.
Which appliances do I include in the calculation?
Include every appliance that discharges into this lifting station, for example toilets, showers, washbasins and washing machines. Also choose the building use that matches your situation. Do not include appliances that discharge through another drain. Continuous discharges or special industrial processes need an additional assessment.
When do I need a pump with a cutter?
A cutting system reduces sewage and toilet paper and can be suitable for a discharge pipe with a smaller diameter. It is not automatically the best choice as soon as a toilet is connected. The pipe length, head, required capacity and permitted pipe diameter all influence the choice. Wet wipes and other solid waste do not belong in the toilet with a cutter pump either.
When do I choose one pump or a twin-pump installation?
A single pump can be suitable when the discharge can be stopped temporarily during maintenance or a fault. If the discharge has to remain available, a twin-pump installation is the obvious answer. Think of buildings with several users. Have it assessed what capacity each pump has to deliver on its own and which requirements apply to the building.
Why are the diameter and length of the discharge pipe important?
A longer pipe and more bends increase the resistance. A smaller inner diameter increases the flow velocity at the same flow rate and usually the pressure loss; with too large a diameter the velocity can become too low. So enter the actual inner diameter and include the complete pipe route. Also check the connection and pipe requirements of the chosen installation.
When should I have the outcome checked?
The calculator is an aid for a first selection. Have the outcome checked if you are unsure about the input, with long or unusual pipe routes, commercial waste water, several dwellings or a discharge that must not fail. For the final choice the pump curve, the tank, the venting and the protection against backflow also count. Send us your calculation and a sketch of the pipe route for specific advice.
Your lifting station must deliver at least
With faeces and without a cutter, an inner diameter of at least 80 mm is required.
Below 0.7 m/s solids can settle. Choose a smaller diameter if permitted.
Above 2.3 m/s it gets noisy and pressure loss rises. Choose a larger diameter.
That is beyond our standard filters. Contact us for a suitable lifting station.
How we calculate
Discharge units (DU) per EN 12056-2, system I; wastewater flow = K × √ΣDU. Pressure pipe per EN 12056-4: velocity 0.7 – 2.3 m/s, with faeces and no cutter at least DN 80. Total head = height difference + pipe friction (Hazen-Williams) + minor losses from bends, non-return valve and gate valve. A guideline – have the final design checked by an installer.