Landfill methane enhancement process

摘要

A zero-discharge landfill process is disclosed herein. The process described in the present invention recycles the exhaust gases from a combustion engine which reheats the landfill and provides moisture. Additionally, the CO2 from the exhaust gases releases additional methane. Methane production in landfills can thus be enhanced by the method of the present invention. Furthermore, a portion of the exhaust gas can be used to cultivate algae in a cultivation tank. The cultivation of the algal species is enhanced in the presence of water, CO2, CO, and the elevated temperatures. Optionally, a first portion of the cultivated algae can be passed through the landfill to increase methane production in the landfill and a second portion of the cultivated algae can be transferred to a biodiesel production tank, for the conversion of the one or more algal oils and lipids to a biodiesel or a biofuel by a transesterification reaction.

主权项

1. A method of increasing methane production in a landfill comprising the steps of:
passing one or more gases comprising methane produced in the landfill through a generator, wherein the generator is a methane powered generator; operating the generator to produce an electric current, wherein the operation of the generator produces an exhaust gas stream comprising water, CO2, and CO at an elevated temperature; and recycling a first portion of the exhaust gas stream to the landfill, wherein the recycled gas stream increases a temperature and a moisture content of the landfill and thereby increases methane production.