Portable infrared spectroscopy for the rapid monitoring of leaks in geomembrane lined landfill caps

摘要

Infrared spectroscopy using a novel portable multi-channel analyzer was used to trace and exactly locate the source of high methane concentrations over a landfill cap. Due to the presence of roads, culverts, and steep slopes the leaks were found some distance away from the maximum gas concentrations over the cover. The maximum gas concentrations could be very localized -within a few centimeters. The same technique was used to rapidly locate leaks and to exactly locate maximum methane concentrations over a 6 ha landfill cap in 1.5 days. The technique is being developed for large areas of newly installed bottom liners