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 reliable Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps are 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. As the compacted waste degrades, physical, chemical, and biological reactions occur, and 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.

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

Accessible Equipment

Having landfill leachate pumps 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. 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 off-the-shelf motors. 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

Landfills produce hazardous gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide, which 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

Gorman-Rupp pumps typically last more than 25 years because their pumps and motors stay out of the leachate. A v-belt drive separates the pump and motor. This ensures the issues with the pump do not affect the motor.

Operator Safety

The Gorman Rupp suction lift pumps inside a building or enclosure provide a safer work environment. All maintenance and service can take place 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 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, 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 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 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.

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

Contact Envirep

Envirep/TLC serves the municipal and industrial 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