Pumping leachate from a landfill is challenging due to its corrosive and toxic nature. It requires pumps that are durable and capable of operating in the harsh conditions of the landfill environment. Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps are reliable and used for landfill leachate pumps.

What is Leachate?

Leachate is a contaminated liquid that leaches from a landfill. The primary source of leachate is rainwater that percolates through the landfill and picks up harmful substances. The secondary source of leachate comes from the moisture content of the disposed landfill waste. Compacted waste degrades and physical, chemical, and biological reactions occur, releasing the water as leachate.

It is vital to properly manage leachate as it can have harmful impacts on the environment and human health if not handled properly. Modern landfills include durable liners and a leachate collection and pumping system to prevent leachate from contaminating the soil and groundwater. The collected leachate is then treated to remove hazardous substances.

Due to leachate’s corrosive and chemically complex nature, submersible pumps in landfills have a short lifespan. This results in maintenance headaches for landfill owners. To overcome this issue, some landfills use Gorman Rupp self-priming pumps. Self-priming pumps are installed above ground and lift the liquid into the pump.

The Gorman Rupp self-priming pumps offer many advantages over submersible pumps:

Accessible Equipment

Having landfill leachate pumps located above ground in a building offers many benefits. It provides a warm, dry, and non-hazardous environment for the equipment and operators. It allows for quick inspection and maintenance of the equipment. Plus, keeping the equipment in a controlled environment extends life of the equipment.

Reduced Maintenance

Gorman-Rupp suction lift pumps are easy to service and maintain due to features such as external clearance adjustment, a large inspection cover, and the use of standard motors. These features reduce idle time and increase the life of the pump components.

Stainless Steel Components

Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are available with various grades of stainless steel for either the wetted parts or the entire pump, providing added protection against the harsh chemicals found in leachate. This extends the pump’s life and reduces maintenance costs.

No Electricity In The Wet Well

Landfills generate hazardous gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide, which can harm equipment and personnel. Submersible pumps with the power and control cables are submerged in the leachate. In contrast, the Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are housed in a building or enclosure, eliminating the need for electrical wiring in the riser or wet well.

Long Life Expectancy

Gorman-Rupp pumps typically last more than 25 years because their pumps and motors are not submerged in the leachate. A V-belt drive separates the pump and motor. This ensures the pump issues do not affect the motor.

Operator Safety

Gorman-Rupp suction lift pumps installed within a building or enclosure create a safer working environment. All maintenance and servicing can be performed inside the pump room. This setup minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous gases and liquids. The installation of gauges on the pump’s suction and discharge lines enables operators to quickly and effectively troubleshoot pump and system issues. Additionally, this enhances efficiency and minimizes downtime.

Availability of Spare Parts

Repair parts for Gorman-Rupp pumps are readily available. With a large inventory of spare parts, customers receive their parts quickly and efficiently, reducing the time required to repair their pumps.

Excellent Service & Support

Envirep offers comprehensive service and support to its customers. Our techs assist with mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues over the phone or on-site. Service contracts allow customers to receive regular service from a trained service tech, to make sure the pumps function properly.

Available in Packaged Pumping Stations

Gorman-Rupp makes a complete line of pumping stations, including pumps, motors, controls, piping, accessories, and fiberglass enclosures. The ReliaSource® pumping stations offer many benefits, including custom engineering, expert manufacturing, factory testing, and reliability, resulting in lasting performance and value.

Selecting pumps with materials like high-grade stainless steel and specialized seals and implementing protective measures like external enclosures can help prolong the lifespan of landfill leachate pumps. Gorman Rupp self-priming pumps offer many advantages over submersible pumps in landfills, including long life, durability, low maintenance, and improved efficiency.

At Envirep/TLC, we will help you choose the best Gorman-Rupp^® pump parts for your needs.

Contact Envirep

Envirep/TLC serves the water and wastewater market in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Do you need help selecting the right equipment for your application? Contact Envirep today.

By Michael Gillespie, President at Envirep/TLC