UNIT VII PLEASDE READ ALL DIRECTIONS!!!

I

CSU Math Center | 1-800-977-8449 x6538 | [email protected] Math Center Requests: Math Center Request Form

Methane Production in BTU

Problem: A community generates 175 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year. What is the actual

average annual production of methane that a community should expect from the landfill

operation in BTU per year?

Solution:

According to the Worrell, Vesilind, and Ludwig (2017),

In theory, the biological decomposition of one ton of MSW produces 15,600 ft3 (442

m³) of landfill gas containing 55% methane (CH4) and a heat value of 530 Btu/ft3 (19,730 kJ/m3). Since only part of the waste converts to methane, due to moisture

limitation, inaccessible waste, and non-biodegradable fractions, the actual average

methane yield is closer to 3,900 ft3/ton.” (p. 347)

Therefore:

BTU/year = 175 ton x 3,900 ft3 x 530 BTU = 361,725,000 or 361 x 106 BTU/year

year ton ft3

[Please note how the units “ton” and “ft3” cancel out and we are left with “BTU” and “year” as

our final units]

Reference

Worrell, W. A., Vesilind, P. A., & Ludwig, C. (2017). Solid waste engineering: A global

perspective (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.