Prevention of Methane Explosions through Methane Analyzer

Methane has a significant potential for global warming because of its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. While a large part of methane in the atmosphere is due to human activities, many countries require that methane levels be closely monitored in landfills and biogas facilities since methane poses a serious hazard when it is allowed to reach high concentrations. Methane also presents an ideal opportunity of being an energy source which requires the methane analyzer to provide a percent by volume reading of methane and carbon dioxide levels so that methane can be diverted from release into the atmosphere.

Methane as a source of energy

Methane production in landfills may last from 20 to 40 years which makes it feasible as an energy source to power stationary combustion engines to generate electricity. Biogas reactors are expected to produce a reliable supply of methane as long as they are in operation. Many countries encourage the diversion of methane from release into the atmosphere into a feasible energy source with financial incentives. Methane analyzer is important for landfill and biogas measurements particularly if the produced gas is being burned for power or carbon credits.

Through the methane analyzer, the specific makeup of the gas will be known in advance and this information will be generated on a continuous basis. The methane analyzer will provide percent by volume readings of both methane and carbon dioxide levels including oxygen readings to determine if there is an inbound air leak in the collection system. Based on the readings provided by the methane analyzer, adjustments and repairs can be made to ensure safe conditions and maximize the heating value of the gas produced. Methane is expected to become a primary source of energy in the coming years.

Preventing explosions through methane monitoring

Large concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide are produced by landfills including some non-methane compounds. The main hazard is the risk of explosion since methane can explode at concentrations between 5% which is the lowest explosive limit and 15% which is the upper explosive limit. While these concentrations are not enough to cause asphyxiation, violent methane explosions can occur at 9% concentration. It is not the toxicity of methane that is concern for methane analyzer but the level of concentrations in order to prevent explosions. Direct measurements can be taken using the methane analyzer on buildings adjoining landfills since there are many potential points of entry from doors and windows to cavity and crawl spaces.

Measurement method for methane concentrations

Methane concentrations can provide an indication of methane production in the landfill. Methane is usually oxidized in the upper part of the cover. When there is high methane production, there are high methane concentrations closer to the surface or the landfill perimeter. When methane production is low, the methane flux out of the landfill is low. In such situations, atmospheric oxygen can easily enter the cover and oxidize methane. Probes can be inserted and soil pore gas samples can be extracted and analyzed to determine methane concentrations at different depths from the surface or distances from the perimeter. Probes can be inserted temporarily or installed permanently to monitor the migration of methane.