Landfill Gas Extraction-Collection

Methane gas is produced in landfills as a result of the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter (primary cellulose). The most common mathematical sanitary landfill methane generation model in use today is a lumped parameter exponential decay model based on the first order decay equation: Methane yield = (total potential yield) x (fraction of waste that decomposes) x Exp ((- rate constant) x (time of waste deposition)). The total methane production from a given mass of refuse during a given time period can then be determined using the equation: Methane production = (methane yield) x (mass of refuse deposited). Based on the data collected, the components of LFG collection system can be determined for the technical and economical feasible landfills. Normally, the main components of landfill gas collection process are vertical wells, lateral and header pipes, blower, flare (or other kind of combustion device) and condensate water handling system.