Full Scale Operation of a Unique Landfill Bioreactor: The Calgary Biocell

Title: Full Scale Operation of a Unique Landfill Bioreactor: The Calgary Biocell
Author(s): J. Patrick. A. HETTIARATCHI, Carlos HUNTE, Sunil KUMAR
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International Conference on Waste Engineering and Management - ICWEM 2010
Editor(s): J.Zh. Xiao, Y. Zhang, M.S. Cheung and Reuben P. K. Chu
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-102-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-103-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 340 - 348
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 6
Language: English

Abstract: The Biocell is a waste cell that promotes sustainable solid waste management and is an extension of the landfill bioreactor concept. A pilot scale field Biocell is constructed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After final closure, the Biocell is currently operated as an anaerobic bioreactor for enhanced landfill gas production using leachate recirculation. The gas generated is being used for electricity production. In a second stage, air will be injected into the solid waste matrix to convert the operation to an aerobic bioreactor. In this stage, the Biocell acts as an in-ground composter. In a final stage, the Biocell will be mined for material and space recovery. The City of Calgary has partnered with University of Calgary and local consulting firms to construct and operate the pilot-scale Biocell. Some outstanding features of the Calgary Biocell include the use of thin biocovers (TBC) as intermediate covers placed after every lift to act as methane oxidizing covers. From early results of the Calgary Biocell project, methane production can commence in the early stages of landfilling. Waste settlement and gas generation was monitored both during cell construction and operation of the Biocell.
Results indicate that the Biocell is reaching its stated objective of enhanced gas production.

Online publication: 2011-01-25
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00