Pumping Equipment Shelter in LandfillCase Study
Reliable Protection in Corrosive Environments
Leachate is a liquid byproduct generated when water percolates through landfill waste materials, collecting contaminants and chemicals. The resulting fluid mixture contains organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and other pollutants, making it potentially hazardous if not properly managed.
Landfill operators use specialized systems to collect, store, and treat leachate to prevent environmental contamination. Since leachate can be highly corrosive, it requires durable infrastructure to ensure that the handling equipment that comes in contact with it is not compromised. Fiberglass is an ideal material for this environment due to its high resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and other environmental conditions.
Shelter Works worked with Dwight Swan of Envirep/TLC, a manufacturing representative serving the municipal and industrial water and wastewater market in the Mid-Atlantic states, to provide a fiberglass shelter to protect pumps for a leachate storage tank mixing system at a landfill in Maryland. Swan explained that the shelter houses the critical pumping equipment that connects to two large leachate storage tanks. These pumps mix the liquid within the tanks, ensuring contaminants remain suspended until the leachate is transferred to a treatment facility.
Designing the Shelter to Meet Project Needs
Swan stated that the project engineers chose Shelter Works because they wanted a turnkey shelter that would arrive onsite pre-wired with the necessary explosion proof electrical system and the ability to run pipes through the walls without reducing the shelter lifespan or affecting the warranty.
The 12' x 16' x 8' fiberglass enclosure was custom-engineered to meet the specifications while protecting the station's pump system from environmental elements and extending the life of the equipment. Features include:
- 3-1/2” foam in the ceiling, providing excellent thermal protection and heat retention in the winter months.
- Wood reinforcement throughout the walls, roof, and doors improves structural integrity and allows for the mounting of heavier equipment while providing a 15 minute fire barrier needed for IBC compliance.
- Four 12" x 12" bulkheads, fiberglass-only areas of the wall, that are used to make infield penetrations to accommodate the system's piping while maintaining the shelter's 25-year warranty.
- Two 24" x 24" aluminum vents for ventilation and climate control.
- Explosion-proof electrical system that includes explosion proof switches, light fixtures, emergency lighting, fans and heater.
Why Fiberglass is Better in Landfill Environments
- Corrosion Resistance: Landfills generate harsh gases and chemical byproducts that can corrode metals and degrade concrete. Fiberglass is inherently corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-lasting, durable equipment protection in these environments.
- Weather Resistance: Fiberglass can withstand extreme weather conditions, including UV exposure, heavy rains, and fluctuating temperatures, without warping or weakening.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to materials like steel or wood, fiberglass requires minimal maintenance, resulting in a lower lifetime cost of ownership for landfill operators.
- Customizable: Fiberglass shelters are easy to customize. From door placement to electrical plans and access requirements, Shelter Works can configure an enclosure to meet operational demands.
Shelter Works’ fiberglass shelters provide an optimal solution for protecting essential equipment in landfill environments. Corrosion-resistant fiberglass withstands the harsh conditions of landfill sites while requiring minimal maintenance. By choosing Shelter Works fiberglass enclosures, municipalities gain a durable, cost-effective, and customizable solution for long-term infrastructure needs.