CHARACTERIZATION OF LANDFILL GAS COMPOSITION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOMETHANE

Abstract

Biomethane and other renewable gases will enable to thrive on a fully renewable energy system. Biomethane has similar qualities to natural gas, so it can be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure or used as a biofuel for transport. Also, its use means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. This work is part of the LIFE LANDFILL BIOFUEL project that aims to implement a cost-effective system based on new techniques to improve the recovery of landfill biogas and the production of biomethane with quality for vehicular use. In a first stage a complete characterization of the biogas produced has been carried out. Biogas is produced at the municipal solid waste treatment plant Ecocentral, located in Alhendin, Granada (Spain). The composition of the biogas as well as its main physical and chemical parameters has been determined. Differences in the composition of the biogas with the sampling point were found. Biogas consists mainly of methane with a content varying between 50% and 63% and carbon dioxide with a content of approximately 40%. The rest of the components are mainly O2 with content below 2% and N2 content between values below 15% and values arround 7%. The total siloxane content has been less than 3.0 mg/Nm3. The knowledge of the composition of this biogas has been decisive for the development of the upgrading procedure for its conversion to biomethane.