Development of the Utilization of Combustible Gas Produced in Existing Sanitary Landfills: Investigation of Effects of Air Inclusion

摘要

A combustible gas mixture composed of methane and carbon dioxide is generated in municipal solid waste landfills. A practical consequence of the collection of this fuel gas is the inclusion of some air in the collected product. The effects of such included nitrogen and oxygen on landfill gas operations are discussed. The effects include increased collection and purification costs, reduction in the quality of the fuel gas produced, corrosion, explosion hazards, and interference with odorant systems. The scope of such effects was determined using data and experience from the Mountain View, California, landfill gas recovery site as a basis. Useful supplemental fuel gas may be recovered despite the inclusion of air. Recommendations are given for establishing limits for nitrogen and oxygen content and minimizing the costs associated with their presence. (ERA citation 08:012630)