Injection or extraction. The landfill methane control quandary
Air injection proved costeffective for Burbank in controlling subsurface migration of methane gas from its landfill sites. But air injection systems cannot be assumed to be the ideal solution for all landfill gas (LFG) control applications. The geometric relationship between the landfill and surrounding areas must be evaluated, along with the characteristics of the refuse and soil. A potential problem with air injection is the risk of starting a subsurface fire in nearby refuse if oxygen infiltrates the landfill. A fire can cause dangerous, rapid settlement by creating large voids in the landfill. Like all landfills, Burbank's disposal sites generate decomposition gases, predominantly methane and carbon dioxide in a 50/50 mix. The methane portion is potentially useful as an energy source, but can also be a possible fire or explosion hazard. Considering both the potential for energy recovery and the possible hazards associated with LFG, the city contracted with SCS Engineers to determine the feasibility of economically recovering LFG from the sites, and to design a system to control its subsurface migration into adjacent areas.
- Research Organization:
- SCS Engineers, Long Beach, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 6538824
- Journal Information:
- Public Works; (United States), Journal Name: Public Works; (United States) Vol. 114:7; ISSN PUWOA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
090122 -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320604* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
AIR
AIR INFILTRATION
ALKANES
CALIFORNIA
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DEGASSING
ENERGY RECOVERY
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FEDERAL REGION IX
FIRE HAZARDS
FIRE PREVENTION
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
GAS INJECTION
GASES
HAZARDS
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
METHANE
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RECOVERY
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SANITARY LANDFILLS
USA
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT