Standardization Is Key to Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

Ron Brookshire

Why reinvent the wheel every time you design or construct a landfill gas system? In the late 1970s and early 1980s, invention was necessary because gas collection equipment simply did not exist. In the past 20 years, many creative companies have invested heavily to develop cost-effective and efficient equipment to aid in LFG collection.

These companies provide their designs for specifications, manufacture the equipment in quality-controlled environments and provide performance guarantees. As a result, buying standardized equipment today is nearly like ordering a car with all the options you want; just place the order and the equipment will be delivered ready-to-operate.

LFG flare stations, blower systems, wellheads, well accessories, flex hose, automated condensate recovery systems, flow meters, gas analyzers and automation equipment all are ideal candidates for standardized equipment purchases. Some of these are off-the-shelf type items, while others can be customized.

Cost savings as a result of using standardized equipment can be realized on design, field construction, installation, startup and training, replacement parts, emergency repair inventory and in service calls. Select your vendor carefully. You would not buy a car from a company you've never heard of, so don't make the same mistake on landfill equipment. In other words, check out potential vendors to guarantee that you will receive high quality, efficient and cost-effective equipment.

* Request and check a list of references for the equipment you wish to purchase.

* Request a listing of installations, and verify there are a sufficient number to make you feel comfortable with the company's stability and equipment's performance.

* Ask for the general designs on disk, including the written specifications and options you require for your project specifications.

* Ask for a written guarantee and make sure it includes performance clauses. You don't want to be stuck with equipment that looks good, but does not work.

* Shop around and understand the features and the prices. Not all manufacturers produce equal equipment.

* If it is a large purchase, such as a blower/flare station, visit the manufacturer's facility. Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., would gladly give you a plant tour - so should a reputable manufacturer.

* If the equipment is small, such as a flex hose or wellheads, ask the manufacturer for samples for you to test.

* Finally, make sure the manufacturer will provide a money-back guarantee if the equipment does not perform to its stated specifications.