A method of controlling the recovery of landfill gas from a sanitary landfill and apparatus for performing the method. Landfill gas, which mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide, is formed by anaerobic decomposition of the organic content of the refuse. This process develops a very small amount of heat. If more gas is drawn from the sanitary landfill than is formed by the anaerobic decomposition, air is drawn into the landfill. The decomposition thereby becomes aerobic, developing large quantities of heat and increasing the content of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the gas. According to the disclosed method, the temperature of the gas from each gas well is measured, thereby providing information for controlling the flow of gas from the corresponding wells. The apparatus disclosed by the invention comprises a control chamber connected to one or more gas wells on the one hand and to a gas furnace over a gas fan on the other hand. A temperature meter located in the gas flow is connected to a microprocessor which is connected to an adjustment valve located in the control chamber.
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