Book review: Deponiegasnutzung (gas utilisation from sanitary landfills)

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Reports and reviews

BOOK REVIEW : DEPONIEGASNUTZUNG (GAS UTILISATION FROM SANITARY LANDFILLS). V. Franzius, ed . Supplement 19 to the technical Journal "Müll and Abfall" . Published by Erich Schmidt, Berlin, 1982 . Price : DM 69 . Reviewed by W . Obrist. A seminar on gas utilization from sanitary landfills was held by the German Federal Office for the Environment in March 1982 . Sixteen papers are reprinted in the supplement . They deal with the following topics :

• Development and principles of gas utilization from sanitary landfills . • Design and practical experience from existing plants with regard to their electric and thermal utilization . • Project planning . • Effects of gas utilization on the planning and design of landfills . The papers reflect the latest scientific and technical finding in this field, and describe the range of technical possibilities of gas removal and utilization from sanitary landfills . In addition to an outline of the historical development, technical measures for the tapping, treatment ;and storage of sanitary landfill gases are described based on practical examples originating from the Federal Republic of Germany and the U .S . Data mostly from several years' experience are also given . Optimum gas utilization under different conditions is then elucidated on grounds of practical considerations . Difficulties are encountered particularly with old and industrial sanitary landfills. The latest technological findings are described in detail . So far the most common thermal and electric utilization processes and the applied systems and aggregates are described . The effects on the planning and operation of sanitary landfills are elucidated . All papers are coherently formulated and contain instructive data material . In most cases, the texts are enriched with clear and comprehensive diagrams . Manufacturers and trade names have been omitted . The question of economic viability is understandably only raised since it is not possible to give an exact economic estimate after such short operation times. The ecological effects in form of environmental damage prevention are described rather briefly . They deal primarily with the control of odour nuisance, dangers of explosion and vegetation damages . On the whole, the work presents a good survey of the present technical possibilities of intensive gas utilization from sanitary landfills on a large scale . It will also be of valuable assistance especially to people concerned with the planning and design of sanitary landfills as well as to specialists in charge of operation . Further technical developments and scientific findings are, however, expected in this new field . BOOK REVIEW : HANDBOOK OF INDUSTRIAL R ESIDUES . BY JON C . DYER AND N . A. MIGNONE. Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, New Jersey, U .S .A. 1983 . Price $54 .00. Reviewed by Alan Parker . This book consists of two volumes bound together . Volume 1 (312 pages) is entitled "Industries and Management Options" while Volume 2 (141 pages) covers "Treatment Technology" .