Landfill Gas Design and Management

Engineers will gain a deep understanding of landfill gas (LFG) generation, collection, treatment, and utilization through a practical, systems-based approach. The course blends cutting-edge research, real-world case studies, and hands-on site tours to explore everything from gas estimation models to high-BTU conversion technologies. Participants will leave with actionable insights to design efficient systems, reduce environmental impact, and capitalize on emerging biogas markets.

• Environmental, civil, and mechanical engineers involved in solid waste, air quality, or renewable energy projects.
• Project managers and technical consultants working on landfill operations, emissions control, or biogas recovery.
• Public sector professionals and regulators seeking to understand the technical and economic aspects of LFG systems.

Day 1 - Introduction and Principles

Keynote: Landfill Gas from State-of-Practice to State-of-Art

• Historical Perspectives, Contain-Collect-Control
• Evolving Standard-of-Practice, Risks and Opportunities

Chemical Characteristics and Fundamentals

• Biological Decomposition and Chemical Reactions
• Conditions for Gas Generation, Characteristics of LFG
• Heath and Safety

Developing a Sustainable Waste Management Campus and Circular Landfill

• Life-cycle systems
• Developing a Sustainability Campus
• Opportunities to Improve the Sustainability of Waste Management

Afternoon Site Tour

• Landfill Gas Collection
• Well Head Automation, Machine Learning
• UAC Survey Demonstration, Noxious/Nuisan Gas Control
• High-BTU Conversation Plant Tour
• Emission Sensor Network

Day 2- Landfill Gas System Design

Estimates of Landfill Gas Generation and Emissions

• Factors impacting Quantity and Composition
• USEPA Land GEM, IPCC Waste Model, Canada Provincial...

Measurement of Fugitive Emissions

• Transport Mechanisms
• Qualitative Methane Reconnaissance Techniques
• Surface flux chambers, Tracer Gas Dispersion, Mass balance
• UAV-Borne Sensor Array
• Landfill Data Collection Procedures
• Time-lape Mapping

Extraction and Collection Systems Design, 2 parts

• Vertical Extraction Wells versus Horizontal Collectors
• Radius of Influence Calculations and Measurements
• Well Heads: solar power, metering, valving, automation
• Layout of Headers, Laterals, Valves, Sumps...
• Aucillary Components: Pneumatic Air Systems, Force Mains, Electrical Service
• Blower Station and Flare Design, Flares, Metering        

Day 3-Collection, Recovery, Treatment, and Marketing

Header Pipe Sizing and Layout

• System Desing Methods: LP Mueller, Darey, KY Gas
• Design Steps and Considerations

Landfill Gas Markets and Biogas Economics

• The RNG Market, Carbon Markets
• Roles in RNG Projects
• Financial Considerations and Clean Fuel Incentives
• Renewable Fuel Standards
• Income and Expenses Streams
• Market Analysis, Compliance, and Tracking Credits

Biogas Cleanup Technologies

• Biogas Characteristics and Constituents
• Membrane System
• Pressure Swing Absorption Systems
• Solvent/Water based Systems
• Cryogenic Systems
• System Economics

Pipeline-Grade High-BTU Gas Conversion

• Economics, Ownership Structures, Financial Pro Forma
• Equipment Selection and Design, Interconnection, Offtake Agreements
• Engineering, Pipeline Access, Financing, Environmental Markets
• Technology Choices for Biogas Upgrading
• Contractual Considerations, Construction Delivery Methods
• Commissioning and Operations

Small Scale Biogas to CNG Vehicle Fuel Projects

• Biogas Quality and Quanity
• Vehicle Fuel Requirements (SAE J1616)
• Small Scale Biogas Cleanup Technologies
• CNG Fueling Station Options
• Project Economics

Evolving Topics in LFG Operations and Management

• EVOH Geomembranes, Duel Extraction Wells, Black Goo
• Odor Control, Elevated Temperature Landfills
• Machine Learning