landfills + landfill gas + soil gas + geochemistry
…Planning, Problem Solving, Process Research

Jean E. Bogner, PhD, President
Landfills +, Inc.
1144 N. President
Wheaton, IL 60187
01-630-665-0872
FAX 01-630-665-0826
email: jbogner@landfillsplus.com

Technical support for commercial landfill gas recovery projects, including Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in developing countries.

Applied research on landfill processes, including landfill gas emissions and oxidation.

Technical support and marketing for Gas Technology Products/Merichem, Schaumburg, Illinois.

Coordinating Lead Author, IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), Working Group III (Mitigation), Chapter 10-Waste.

Landfill Gas FAQs

What is landfill gas?

Landfill gas (LFG) is a biogas consisting of 50 – 60% (v/v) methane. The remaining 40 – 50% (v/v) is primarily carbon dioxide with numerous trace components. LFG is generated in landfills by a complex, but naturally-occurring, series of microbial reactions under anaerobic conditions (absence of air). The terminal reaction is the production of methane by methanogenic microorganisms.

Direct use for gas-fired industrial boiler

Can landfill gas be a cost-effective renewable energy resource?

Yes, landfill gas has been used for:

• Industrial or commercial process heating in gas-fired boilers…

• On-site electrical generation using internal combustion engines, gas turbines, microturbines, or steam turbines...

• Production of a substitute natural gas for pipeline transport...

• Production of CNG for fleet vehicles...

Onsite generation of electricity

When was landfill gas recovery first commercialized?

In 1975 at the Palos Verdes Landfill in southern California.

How many commercial projects exist today?

Approximately 400 in the U.S. and over 1100 worldwide.

Upgrading to pipeline quality

How is landfill gas recovered?

Vertical wells are installed after a cell reaches final grade, or horizontal collection pipes are installed at intermediate levels before a cell reaches final grade. The vertical wells or horizontal lines are connected to a large diameter collection pipe (header), through which the gas is pumped, dehydrated, compressed, and treated (as needed) for a specific utilization option.

What are the environmental benefits of commercial landfill gas recovery?

• Decreases atmospheric emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Displaces use of fossil fuels
• Recovers valuable methane which otherwise is vented or flared

Are all landfills good candidates for commercial gas recovery projects?

No, LFG gas quantity and quality must be evaluated for specific utilization options using site-specific data.

The preliminary technical evaluation should include the following:

• Gas generation modeling based on site-specific waste input and composition data.

• Wellfield design, operation, and tuning to optimize LFG recovery and minimize air intrusion.

• Preliminary field and laboratory analyses of LFG quality.

• Preliminary cost-benefit analysis of alternative gas utilization options, including pre-treatment as needed.