Typical Landfill Gas Composition
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Landfill gas is also commonly referred to as “dirty gas” and is generated through the decomposition of municipal solid waste. Spark plug choice and heat range are mostly limited by engine/head constraint requirements, however, fuel composition should also be considered. Although methane is the main energy source present, its levels are not the primary indicator of gas quality. Higher methane levels may be offset by assorted impurities such as toxins or assorted acids, none of which are good for the gas delivery equipment or the environment. Impurities such as siloxanes are particularly hard on engine components such as spark plugs.
Methane and impurities levels can vary greatly depending on composition of the landfill content and can even vary within the same landfill. Spark plug choice is affected by gas quality/impurity levels, with the acceptable impurity levels dependent on application. Boilers and kilns are partially exempt as they will not require as much gas processing prior to ignition, nor are their igniter plugs subject to the same conditions as those in an internal combustion engine. Altering levels of refinement, higher sulfurs and other corrosives present, significantly affect plug life. Use of plugs with Iridium, Platinum and Platinum-Iridium blended electrodes aid in longevity as do multi-ground electrodes. Fine wire center electrodes also may aid in reducing fouling from certain types of deposit forming impurities. See Landfill Gas Deposits and Siloxanes for additional information on dirty gas plug problems. |
