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.

Landfill Leachate Pumps

Gorman-Rupp Suction Lift Pumps for Landfill Leachate
Gorman-Rupp Suction Lift Pumps for Landfill Leachate

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. This is why high-quality, reliable pumps like Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps are used for landfill leachate pumps.

What is Leachate?

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.

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, reducing maintenance issues.

Gorman-Rupp Above Ground Lift Station are accessible for service and maintenance.
Gorman-Rupp Above Ground Lift Station is accessible for service and maintenance.

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. This also allows for quick inspection and maintenance of the equipment. 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. They have features such as external clearance adjustment, a large inspection cover, and a standard Nema-rated motor, making maintenance and repair easier. These features reduce downtime 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 durability and protection against the harsh chemicals found in leachate. This extends the pump’s life and reduces maintenance costs.

No Electricity In The Wet Well

Gorman-Rupp Self Priming Pumps with no electrical wiring exposed to leachate.
Gorman-Rupp Self Priming Pumps with no electrical wiring exposed to leachate.

Landfills produce hazardous gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide, which can pose a threat to equipment and operators. Submersible pumps with the power and control cables are submerged in the leachate. 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.

Long Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of a Gorman-Rupp pump is greater than 25 years because the pumps and motors are not submerged in the leachate. Also, the pump and motor are separated from each other with a v-belt drive, so a problem with the pump will not result in a problem with the motor.

Operator Safety

The Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps installed in a building or enclosure provide a safer work environment. All maintenance and service is performed 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.

The Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps are installed in a building or enclosure, providing a safer work environment.
The Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps in a building or enclosure, provide a safer work environment.

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 technicians are experienced in 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, to make sure the pumps function properly.

Available in Packaged Pumping Stations

Gorman-Rupp manufactures a complete line of packaged 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 long-lasting performance and value.

Using Gorman Rupp self-priming pumps offers many advantages over submersible pumps in landfills, including long life, durability, low maintenance, and high improved efficiency.

The ReliaSource® packaged pumping stations by Gorman-Rupp offer many benefits.
The ReliaSource® packaged pumping stations by Gorman-Rupp offer many benefits.

Contact Envirep

Envirep/TLC is the exclusive representative for Gorman-Rupp for 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.

By Mike Gillespie, P.E., Envirep