Landfill & Digester Gas
Landfill gas is a complex mix of different gases created by the action of microorganisms within a landfill. The gas is approximately forty to sixty percent methane, with the remainder being mostly carbon dioxide. Trace amounts of other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise the remainder (<1%). Landfill gas emissions left untreated would create environmental damage, therefore there is an increasing drive towards using the gas for conversion into renewable energy
Digester gas is produced following anaerobic digestion of a variety of wastes including food and sewage. This gas has sufficient energy content to enable utilisation for the generation of electricity.
Monitoring and analysis of landfill or digester gas is routinely performed for process, environmental and legislative reasons. MSSL provides a wide range of testing services in this area This includes monitoring of the raw gas from landfill or digester vents and exhausts from gas engines
Sampling of landfill or digester gas uses a variety of techniques depending on the application and planned use of the data. There is a wealth of guidance available (see below) and we can offer a full package of services including analysis of Tedlar gas bags, and absorbent tubes plus media supply.
Bulk Gas analysis for bag samples taken from landfill or digester gas-can be offered in different combinations. This includes Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen-analysis by Gas Chromatography.
See the table above for the Environment Agency Guidance for Monitoring Trace Components in Landfill Gas LFTGN04.
The presence of siloxanes in landfill gas can lead to operational problems within a gas engine hence the need to monitor for these compounds. Analysis of collected samples are analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Digester Gas Output
We offer a range of tests designed to assess digester gas performance and feedstocks for anaerobic and aerobic processes including-
· Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP)
· Residual Biogas Potential (RBP)
· 4-Day Aerobic test (DR4)
Further suites offered can be seen in table 1 & 2.