Pumping leachate from a landfill is challenging due to its corrosive and toxic nature. It requires pumps that are durable and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the landfill environment. This is why high-quality, reliable pumps like Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps are essential.

Leachate is the contaminated liquid that leaches from a landfill. The primary source of leachate is rainwater that percolates through the landfill and picks up contaminated and hazardous substances. The secondary source of leachate comes from the moisture content of the disposed landfill waste. As the compacted waste degrades, physical, chemical, and biological reactions occur, and bound water is released 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 are equipped with 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 before it is released into the environment.

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 without needing an external priming device, reducing the risk of pump failure and minimizing maintenance issues caused by leachate.

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

Accessible Equipment

Having the pumping equipment located above ground in a building or enclosure offers many benefits. It provides a warm, dry, and non-hazardous environment for the equipment and operators, reducing the risk of damage and increasing safety. This also allows for quick inspection and maintenance of the equipment, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency. Keeping the equipment in a controlled environment can extend the components’ lifespan and reduce downtime, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.

Reduced Maintenance

Gorman-Rupp suction lift pumps are easy to service and maintain. They have features such as external clearance adjustment, a large inspection cover, and a standard Nema-rated motor, making maintenance and repair easier and more efficient. These features reduce downtime and increase the lifespan of the pump components.

Stainless Steel Components

Using stainless steel components is highly recommended when pumping leachate due to its resistance to corrosion and chemical attack. Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are available with various grades of stainless steel for either the wetted parts or the entire pump, providing added durability and protection against the harsh chemicals found in leachate. This extends the pump’s lifespan and reduces maintenance costs, making it a reliable and efficient solution for pumping leachate in landfills.

No Electricity In The Wet Well

Landfills produce hazardous gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide, which can pose a threat to equipment and operators. Submersible pumps installed in side-slope risers and wet wells are submerged in the leachate and have electrical wiring, power cables, and control wiring also exposed to the leachate, increasing the risk of equipment failure and potential harm to operators. In contrast, the Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are located in a building or enclosure. They do not require any electrical wiring in the riser or wet well, providing a safer and more controlled environment for the pumping equipment and operators.

Long Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of a Gorman-Rupp pump is generally greater than 25 years due to the fact that the pumps and motors are not submerged in the leachate. Additionally, because the pump and motor are separated using a v-belt drive, a problem with the pump will not result in a problem with the motor, further increasing the longevity and reliability of the pumping system.

Operator Safety

The Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are installed in a building or enclosure, providing a safer work environment. All maintenance and service can be carried out inside the pump room, reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous gases and liquids. The installation of gauges on the suction and discharge of the pumps also enables the operator to easily troubleshoot pump and system issues, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Availability of Spare Parts

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

Excellent Service & Support

Envirep offers comprehensive service and support to its customers. Our technicians are knowledgeable in the start-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pumping stations. They can assist with mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues over the phone or on-site. Service contracts allow customers to receive regular service from a factory-trained technician, ensuring the pumps function optimally.

Available in Packaged Pumping Stations

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

Using Gorman Rupp self-priming pumps offers many advantages over submersible pumps in landfills, including long life expectancy, increased durability, reduced maintenance, improved efficiency, and application versatility.

By Mike Gillespie, P.E., Envirep

Envirep/TLC is the exclusive manufacturer’s representative for Gorman-Rupp municipal water and wastewater pumps and pumping systems in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

For a complete list of our products, CLICK HERE to view our manufacturer line card. CLICK HERE to see our other manufacturers on our website.

Gorman-Rupp manufactures high-performance pumps and pumping systems for the municipal, water, wastewater, sewage, industrial, construction, petroleum, fire, and OEM markets. The extensive line of pump products includes self-priming centrifugal pumps, standard centrifugal pumps, submersible pumps, solids passing pumps, portable engine-driven pumps, and priming-assisted pumps. In addition, Gorman-Rupp manufactures a complete line of state-of-the-art packaged sewage lift stations and potable water booster stations that include pumps, motors, controls, piping, accessories, and enclosures.

Gorman-Rupp is the industry leader and innovator in high-quality pump design. At Envirep/TLC, we will help you choose the best Gorman-Rupp^® pump parts for your needs. Our goal is to provide you with easy-to-operate, low-maintenance pump parts to ensure you are as cost-effective as possible.

Envirep/TLC is an authorized distributor of Gorman-Rupp pump products, and we carry a huge inventory of spare parts, so our customers receive the best service possible.

When repairing a Gorman-Rupp pump, it is always best to use genuine Gorman-Rupp parts. Gorman-Rupp builds their parts to exact tolerances and exact material specifications. Not having the right part can reduce the service life and affect the life of the pump and efficiency of the pump. Only genuine Gorman-Rupp parts can guarantee that your part will fit perfectly, and deliver reliable service for many years.