Solubility of Methane in Leachate
In order to interpret the degree of saturation of methane in leachate analysed from any particular landfill site, and from that the likely maximum for stripping plant process requirements, it is necessary to hold a basic understanding of the range of potential methane concentrations possible in leachate.
The chart below gives an indication of how the maximum dissolved methane concentration (in distilled water), varies with temperature. Actual concentrations may be found to be less with consideration of the proportion of methane present when compared with the total of other gases present.
Reference: Yamamoto, S Alcauskas, J B and Crozier, T E (1976). Solubility of methane in distilled water and seawater. Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, 21, (1), 78-80.
For the effect of varying temperatures and pressures on methane solubility refer to the data below:
Table A2 - Methane solubility (mg l-1 CH4) for Varying Temperatures and Pressures
|
Pressure
(bar)
|
Temperature of Water in Degrees C
|
|
0
|
5
|
10
|
15
|
20
|
25
|
|
1
|
39.8
|
34.4
|
30
|
26.4
|
23.7
|
21.6
|
|
2
|
79.6
|
68.8
|
60
|
52.8
|
47.4
|
43.2
|
|
3
|
119.4
|
103.2
|
90
|
79.2
|
71.1
|
64.8
|
|
4
|
159.2
|
137.6
|
120
|
105.6
|
94.8
|
86.4
|
|
5
|
199.0
|
172
|
150
|
132.0
|
118.5
|
105
|
|
6
|
238.8
|
206.4
|
180
|
158.4
|
143.2
|
129.6
|
|
7
|
278.6
|
240.8
|
210
|
184.8
|
165.9
|
151.2
|
|
8
|
318.4
|
275.2
|
240
|
211.2
|
189.6
|
172.8
|
|
9
|
358.2
|
309.6
|
270
|
237.6
|
213.3
|
194.4
|
|
10
|
398
|
344
|
300
|
264
|
237
|
216
|
|
ppm/bar
|
39.8
|
34.4
|
30.0
|
26.4
|
23.7
|
21.6
|
Reference: HSE Contract Research Report No. 49/1993, Continuous Monitoring of Methane in Groundwater, K Lewin and K Bradshaw. WRc PLC, Medmenham Laboratory, Henley Road, Bucks SL7 2HD.
|
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