Patent ID: 7815713
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: B01D,C10L,Y02C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for separating and purifying a landfill gas stream, the method comprising the steps of: collecting a crude landfill gas stream which includes at least methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gases; separating the crude landfill gas stream into at least an intermediate landfill gas stream and a first waste gas stream using a membrane separation unit, wherein the intermediate landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide relative to the crude landfill gas stream and the first waste gas stream comprises volatile organic compounds separating the intermediate landfill gas stream into at least a final landfill gas stream and a second waste gas stream using a pressure swing adsorption separation unit, wherein the final landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen relative to the intermediate landfill gas stream; and treating the first waste gas stream in a thermal oxidizer unit to substantially destroy the volatile organic compounds therein so that the first waste gas stream may be released into the atmosphere.