Method and apparatus for enhancing methane production
OwnerJohn P. Cosulich, William F. Cosulichinventors
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for increasing the anaerobic activity in a landfill in order to boost methane production by injecting ammonia to thereby reduce residual oxygen levels, provide a rich source of nitrogen nutrient for the anaerobic microbe population and increase the pH. The ammonia may be injected via dedicated injection wells or via extraction wells that are temporarily used as injection wells. The ammonia may be injected in any form, diluted by a non-oxidizing carrier gas or may alternatively be introduced in aqueous form.
Claims19
A method for enhancing the rate of methane production within a landfill, comprising the steps of:
- providing a system of leach pipes extending into said landfill;
- and
- forcing ammonia into said landfill via said pipe system while limiting the presence of oxygen in said pipe system to less than 5% by volume to substantially reduce the oxygen content within said landfill whereby the rate of anaerobic biodegradation within said landfill is increased.
A method for facilitating anaerobic activity in an oxygen inhibited zone disposed within a landfill, said zone having an O.sub.2 content of between about 0.2% and 2%, comprising the steps of:
- providing a conduit extending into said oxygen inhibited zone;
- and
- forcing ammonia into said conduit until said O.sub.2 levels drops below about 0.2%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.