Methane recovery monitoring for Gas-to-Energy and Waste-to-Energy projects

Methane is produced in large quantities in a number of key areas: industrial processes, such as petrochemical production; various biogas processes; through mining activity; and in landfill sites - occurring when biodegradable waste breaks down within a landfill as a result of microbiological action. Methane has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 21 times as great as CO2, which means that preventing its escape into the atmosphere is essential. Utilising this captured methane, either to produce electricity, or to sell to aggregators, is a highly profitable new revenue stream for companies involved in methane extraction.

Power generation from methane captured from mining activity, industrial processes and landfill locations is referred to as 'gas to energy' or 'waste to energy'.

Accuracy of measurement for methane recovery is absolutely critical in such projects, not only to account for gas quantums and to protect lives, but also to ensure that rapid changes in gas quality do not damage Combined Heat and Power and other engines being driven by the gas.

The SENTRUM methane recovery monitoring system has a proven record in delivering highly accurate continuous monitoring of gas quantums, and in improving safety and efficiency in gas-to-energy projects for power generation, whether from industrial process, mining activity or landfill sites.

Gas-to-energy/ Waste-to-Energy - mining and industrial processes

Industrial processing and mining activity are significant sources of methane.

In recent years, there has been a realisation that methane escaping from mines, or methane created as part of an industrial process is, in fact, a valuable commodity that can be burned to create electricity, either for localised use, or to be sold on to aggregators. Captured methane can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as;

• Boiler Fuel
• Power Generation
• CHP Power Generation
• Pipeline Injection
• Coal Drying
• Heating and Cooling
• Household Use

Through long-term partnerships with gas-to-energy process experts, Trolex has developed the SENTRUM methane recovery monitoring system with an exceptional level of monitoring integrity, so that it can operate in mines, as well as a wide variety of industrial processes.

Evaluation systems, working in both operational and sealed mines, as well as a number of industrial process plants, have demonstrated high performance accuracy that has been extensively tested and verified by independent test authorities. Our unparalleled level of expertise allows methane to be harvested from a range of mining and industrial processes, benefiting all parties and protecting the environment from harmful emissions.

Gas-to-Energy/Waste-to-Energy - landfill and waste treatment

One of the largest sources of greenhouse gases is the decomposition of waste in landfill sites and methane generated from waste treatment plants.

Landfill gas is a mixture comprising mainly methane and carbon dioxide, formed as a by-product when microbiological action breaks down biodegradable waste. The exact composition of gas will vary from one landfill to the next, and may also vary over time from the same location.

This methane is collected through a series of pipes embedded within the landfill, extracting it as it is formed and is then either burned off to power turbines or sold directly to aggregators.

With the high risk of variable gas quantums coming from landfill, it is essential that continuous, highly accurate monitoring is taking place to protect engines from damage and to ensure safety of on-site personnel.

SENTRUM provides a combination of fail-safe continuous monitoring to protect plant and personnel and to ensure system integrity, and incredible accuracy of monitoring of gas composition, to prevent damage to engines and to provide you with a fully auditable data trail from anywhere in the world.

Methane recovery monitoring for Gas-to-Energy and Waste-to-Energy projects