Comparison of seven methods for measuring methane flux at a municipal solid waste landfill site

Abstract

Seven methods were compared to evaluate methane flux densities m an actual municipal solid waste landfill: two accumulation chambers, two micrometeorological techniques (eddy correlation and mass balance methods), two tracer gas methods and an airborne infrared thermography. The comparison took into account scientific, technical and economic aspects.

Methane mass balance at three landfill sites: What is the efficiency of capture by gas collection systems?

“…Atmospheric tracer methods have been previously used to study whole landfill emissions (Trégourès et al, 1999; Galle et al, 2001;Czepiel et al, 2003). The method in this study has been previously described by Trégourès et al (1999).…”

“…The method in this study has been previously described by Trégourès et al (1999). Briefly, this method relies on concurrent aboveground concentration measurements for CH 4 and an inert tracer gas (SF 6 ) released at a known rate upwind from the landfill.…”

“…This approach utilizes a pump with a flow rate of approximately 10 l min À1 to circulate the enclosed chamber headspace to an outside loop. The rate of CH 4 enrichment in the loop is measured periodically using a laboratory gas chromatograph that is transported in a utility vehicle around the site (Trégourès et al, 1999). Resulting surface flux density is calculated from the change in chamber CH 4 concentration with time DC=Dt ð Þ, chamber volume (V), and the area (A) by:…”

Gas emission into the atmosphere from controlled landfills: an example from Legoli landfill (Tuscany, Italy)

“…The accumulation chamber method is superior to other techniques such as those based on the dynamic concentration, in situ gas concentration measurements at different depths, tracer gas and eddy correlation. Furthermore, Trégourès et al (1999) demonstrated that the accumulation chamber method is less dependent on meteorological conditions compared to the other methodologies.…”

Hydrogen sulfide flux measurements from construction and demolition debris (C&D) landfills

“…Tregoures et al (1999) conducted an evaluation of these techniques and concluded that each technique has unique advantages and disadvantages. In this study, the flux chamber method was selected because it was determined to be the most economical and flexible technique.…”