Unsurprisingly, landfill gas can harm the environment and our health if not properly managed. To ensure that landfill gas is monitored and worked safely and effectively, thermal mass flow meters can provide an accurate and reliable way of measuring and monitoring the gas. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages of using thermal mass flow meters to measure and monitor landfill gas, as well as how to use them for the best results properly.
Thermal mass flow meter can help you measure and monitor landfill gas with precision and accuracy at landfills or solid waste facilities. With these meters, you can ¹monitor methane gas from the gas well side, ²pre-treat before measurement, and even ³downstream of scrubbers. You can also ⁴measure the gas flow rate to a generator or cogeneration facility and ⁵return the gas line to the landfill. Thermal mass flow meters offer the most reliable and accurate measurements for landfill gas monitoring.
Landfill Gas Composition
The decay of organic material, such as food scraps, waste paper, and cardboard, at solid waste facilities creates Landfill Gas (LFG). To capture and manage this gas, a collection system is typically implemented, which includes extraction wells, manifolds, and a central blower. By creating a system to extract and manage the LFG, the harmful effects of the gas can be reduced, and it can be used as a renewable energy source.
Landfill gas comprises approximately 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide. However, the ratio of these gases will vary over the landfill’s lifetime and from site to site, depending on its composition. Additionally, the gas composition can change seasonally depending on weather conditions. By understanding the changing composition of landfill gas, we can work to maximize its potential and reduce its environmental impact.
Flaring of landfill gas (LFG) is the standard disposal solution for small landfills. LFG can power a boiler or engine for more extensive operations for onsite energy production. Facility operators also have the option to sell the LFG for use in electricity production. In addition, the gas is sometimes treated and transported into a natural gas pipeline. This is a more efficient and cost-effective way of managing LFG, allowing it to be used instead of released into the environment.
Landfill Fuel Gas Measurement
A thermal mass flow meter is ideal for measuring the fuel gases produced at landfills due to its excellent low-flow sensitivity. These fuel gases typically have very low flow and external pressure, which makes them too low for other flow meter technologies, such as differential pressure, turbine meters, and vortex meters, to measure accurately. The thermal mass flow meter is the perfect choice for these applications due to its precise accuracy and ability to measure these low flow rates.
Cogeneration of Landfill Gas after Filtration and Conditioning
Many landfills are now utilizing the gas produced from waste materials to fuel electrical generators. To ensure safe and reliable operation, the gas must be dried, filtered, and accurately measured for custody switch and billing programs and combustion optimization withinside the electric technology process. This careful gas monitoring guarantees a safe, efficient, cost-effective power supply.
A thermal mass flow meter has a wide turndown range and an extremely low flow sensitivity, making it the most accurate and reliable for your application. With its advanced accuracy and stability, you can be sure that you’re getting a precise measurement of your flow rate every time. In addition, its wide range of turndown and low flow sensitivity makes it ideal for measuring various liquids and gases, ensuring you get accurate readings regardless of the conditions. So whether you need to calculate a low-flow or a high-flow process, this thermal mass flow meter has you covered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thermal mass flow meters are an invaluable tool for measuring and monitoring landfill gas with precision and accuracy. Their ability to measure the flow rate of methane gas before and after scrubbers and their reliability and accuracy make them the ideal choice for landfill gas monitoring. With their ease of use and cost-effectiveness, thermal mass flow meters are the best for landfill gas monitoring.