HYDROGEN SULFIDE CONTROL FOR LANDFILLS

Besides the objectionable odor and damage to mechanical equipment, exposure to hydrogen sulfide inlandfill gas can be fatal. The technology of hydrogen sulfide control was largely developed in thepetrochemical industry. Adapting these varied technologies and newly emerging strategies to the landfill environment presents economic, legal and technical challenges for landfill owners. This paper discusses the requirements for the “ideal” treatment system for removing hydrogen sulfide from landfill gas, and reviews the most popular technologies, that have been successfully implementedatlandfills. Additionally, it provides a complete review of the problem including gas prediction,gascollection, constructability and bidding issues.The paper includes a detailed case study for the selection of a control system at a large landfillin the Northeast. This includes a thorough examination of the various economic and technical issues that are part of the decision making process that must be addressed for successful implementation, as well as a holistic approach to this problem. Identifying landfill gas collection practices to determine the most cost effective control strategies is also discussed. Of particular concern isthe accurate estimation of Hydrogen Sulfide generation from landfills, as well as the life cycle. Common methodologies for prediction are discussed as well as correlation to field data, as well asrecommendations for accurate collection of field data.The construction challenges for a system at an operating landfill, while ensuring odor control is also discussed. A unique approach to preparing bidding specifications under general municipal law also presents solutions for control of unpredictable pricing of process chemicals. This allows a true evaluation of the systems operating and maintenance costs and capital costs, thus allowing a life cycle cost evaluation.As a result, this allows a competitive evaluation of the various systems during the bidding process.