Method and system for controlling biodegradation and temperature in an aerobic or anaerobic subsurface or partially enclosed waste mass

摘要

This invention is a new and useful method for controlling the temperature and biodegradation rate of an anaerobic or aerobic landfill or other enclosed or partially enclosed waste mass. The heat generated by a waste mass is carried away by air and moisture within the air resulting from evaporation of liquid within the waste mass as air passes through the waste mass. With the invention, the resulting exhaust gases are passed through a system acting as a heat exchanger and an exhaust gas director. During this process, the exhaust gases may be optionally vented to the atmosphere or to a processing system prior to passing through the portion of the system that acts as a heat exchanger; the exhaust gases may be vented to the atmosphere or to a processing system after passing through the heat exchanging portion; the exhaust gases may be recycled through the waste mass with no additional air or other gas introduced; or the exhaust gases may be amended by addition of air or other gases and then recycled through the waste mass. The process thus allows temperature control without changing the rate of biodegradation within the waste mass by circulating air that cools by carrying away vaporized liquids within the waste mass when such conditions are required. The process also allows temperature control simultaneously with biodegradation control by changing or removing entirely the oxygen content of the recirculated air. The device thus also alters the biodegradation rate and thereby allows raising, lowering, or maintaining the existing temperature within the waste mass. The major benefits of the invention are much more effective control of waste mass temperature and biodegradation, and substantially less power requirements and equipment costs to accomplish these benefits.