Landfills-Energy
- It is important to install pumps to keep the liquid levels under control.
- Landfill gas is created as biological processes decompose the solid waste in a landfill.
- The gas consists of 50% methane and 50% CO2 and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds.
- Landfill gas can become smog, contribute to climate change and odors if it is uncontrolled.
- It can also be captured, converted and used as an energy source.
- Landfill gas is extracted from landfills using a series of gas collection wells and a vacuum system.
- It directs gas to a central point where it can be processed depending upon the ultimate use for the gas. There is over 400 LFG energy products in the United States.
- There are many ways of converting LFG to energy: electricity generation, direct-use, cogeneration and alternative fuels.
- Landfill gas collection can be impaired by excessive liquid levels in the collection wells and piping.
- High moisture levels in the landfill can increase the generation rate of biologically produced landfill gas.
- In the collection well, high liquid levels can impede the flow of gas through the fill itself and also block off the openings in the collection well screen.