TOXIC OXIDE DEPOSITS FROM THE COMBUSTION OF LANDFILL GAS AND BIOGAS

Oxide deposits found in combustion systems of landfill gas fired power stations contain relatively high concentrations of elements which for m volatile species such as P, As, Sb and Sn. These deposits should be handled with care because of their potential toxicity. By contrast, de posits in biogas system engines were found to contain much lower level s of such elements. The enrichment of these elements can be attributed to a hypothetical multistage process. The elements form volatile spec ies in the landfill body. They are selectively transported as part of the landfill gas into the gas-burning devices. Inside the burners, the y are immobilized as nonvolatile oxides.