Common Reasons Pneumatic Landfill Pumps Stall

Landfill gas and leachate management is a complex undertaking, and one of the most frustrating challenges faced by professionals in the field is the seemingly unavoidable stalling of pneumatic gas well pumps. Stalled pumps can disrupt operations, lead to increased maintenance efforts, and impact gas flow. But why do these pumps stall in the first place, and is there a solution?

Fouled Internal Parts

Pump stalls often happen when internal components, such as floats and other parts, become fouled or gummed up over time, especially in difficult well environments. This fouling disrupts the balance of the pump's operation, typically preventing the float from gaining enough momentum to open or close the mechanical valve assembly properly. As a result, the valve may remain partially open, allowing air to flow continuously into the gas collection system.

High Head Pressure 

Another common culprit is head pressure. The buildup of head pressure in a leachate collection or gas well can prevent a pneumatic landfill pump from operating efficiently or, in some cases, at all. Head pressure is essentially the resistance or back pressure that the pump has to overcome to move liquids from the well. When the pump is unable to overcome the resistance posed by the head pressure, it often results in stalling.  

To remedy a stalled pump, site technicians often resort to what's known as "bumping the pump." This involves physically shaking the pump in an attempt to restart it. While this may provide a temporary solution, it’s really just a time-consuming band-aid. 

An Alternative Approach to Pneumatic Pumps 



While all pneumatic pumps are susceptible to stalling, there are a few reasons we think the Jeneer Float-Les pump outperforms the others. Unlike traditional pumps, our Float-Les pumps have no internal moving parts. This design ultimately means they are significantly less prone to stalling due to fouling or gummed-up components. With no internal complexities to hinder their operation, the pumps tend to see longer intervals before pulling, and cleaning is required.

High head pressure conditions are challenging to overcome for any pneumatic pump and are often an indicator of an issue elsewhere. However, should a Jeneer pump stall due to head pressure, it doesn't mean the end of the line. Instead, the pump transitions into what we call "air-off mode." In this mode, the pump eliminates any unwanted air from entering the force main, ensuring the integrity of the gas collection system. After the initial stall, the Float-Les pump wakes up every hour and automatically attempts to restart itself. If the pump is then able to overcome the head pressure it will continue cycling without human intervention. This automated approach reduces downtime, optimizes gas collection, and frees your team from the need for constant manual intervention.

You can learn more about Jeneer Pumps and their features by visiting www.Jeneergroup.com.