Thermal Mass Flow Meters for Landfill Gas (LFG) Monitoring

What is Landfill Gas (LFG)?

Landfill gas is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic waste in landfills. It typically contains:
– 40–60% methane (CH₄)
– 40–50% carbon dioxide (CO₂)
– Small amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Accurately monitoring landfill gas flow is essential for:
– Environmental compliance
– Methane capture for energy generation
– System efficiency and safety

Challenges in Landfill Gas Flow Measurement

Landfill gas measurement faces unique difficulties:
– Low pressure and low flow conditions
– Varying gas composition and humidity
– Presence of corrosive and condensable gases (e.g., H₂S, water vapor)
– Uneven pipeline conditions or short straight runs

Why Choose Thermal Mass Flow Meters for LFG?

Comate’s thermal mass flow meters are ideal for landfill gas applications because they:
– Directly measure **mass flow** without requiring temperature or pressure compensation
– Perform well in **low-flow and low-pressure** environments
– Are resistant to **dust, humidity, and corrosive gases**
– Offer **hot-tap installation**, perfect for existing landfill gas pipelines
– Have **no moving parts**, ensuring high reliability and minimal maintenance

Featured Product: Comate TGF600 Series
| Feature                              | Description |
|—————————–|——————————————–|
| Pipe Sizes                          | 1″ to 80″                                                  |
| Temperature Range        | Up to 450 °C                                           |
| Pressure Range                | Up to 2.5 MPa                                         |
| Accuracy                            | ±1.5% of reading                                     |
| Output                                | 4–20 mA, RS485/Modbus, Pulse, Bluetooth |
| Installation                        | Insertion or Inline                                   |

TGF600’s **CHC (constant heating current)** mode is especially suited for landfill gas conditions with heavy moisture and impurities.

Real-World Applications

– Methane recovery and electricity generation
– Flare stack flow monitoring
– Gas collection system balancing
– Compliance monitoring in landfill facilities

Comparison with Other Flow Technologies

| Flow Meter Type | Suitable for LFG? | Sensitivity | Maintenance | Installation |
|——————-   |——————       |————-  |————     -|————–|
| Vortex Flow Meter | ❌ Poor at low flow | Medium | Medium | Long straight run |
| DP Flow Meter | ⚠️ Sensitive to condensate | Low | High | Complex |
| **Thermal Mass** | ✅ Excellent | High | Low | Flexible |

Why Comate?

With decades of experience in gas flow measurement and thousands of successful installations worldwide, Comate offers:
– Localized technical support
– Custom calibration for methane/CO₂ mixtures
– Strong performance in harsh industrial environments