St. FX researchers build first-of-its-kind landfill simulator
St. Francis Xavier University researchers have developed a groundbreaking simulation facility to test methane measurement technology for landfills. This innovative facility, known as the Simulation Facility for Landfill Emission Experiments (SIMFLEX), is spearheaded by Dave Risk, an emissions measurement researcher at the university. The waste sector is actively seeking new ways to reduce and collect emissions in the fight against global warming, prompting a need for advanced measurement technology.
“We can’t really manage it if we don’t measure it,” said Risk, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement in emissions control. The FluxLab team at StFX consists of 25 environmental science researchers and students dedicated to enhancing technology in the waste sector. Over the past year, they have been conducting experiments at the simulation facility, located in Ontario.
The SIMFLEX facility operates on a closed landfill that has been inactive for six years. This site, near Sarnia, Ontario, has a gas-collection system in place, preventing methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for more than 25% of global warming, is colorless, odorless, and highly flammable. While it can be converted into energy, its environmental impact is significant.
The simulation facility features 10 remote-controlled release points on a grassy hill, launching methane emissions through an underground irrigation hose. These controlled releases allow the team to manipulate emission levels and conduct various experiments. The facility serves as a testing ground for different measurement technologies, from satellites to walking sensors, attracting participants from around the world.
Rafee Hossain, an engineer and masters student at StFX FluxLab, coordinates the experimental programs at SIMFLEX. He highlights the importance of improving measurement technologies for regulatory compliance and gaining a better understanding of landfill emissions. In 2022, Canadian landfill emissions accounted for 17% of national methane emissions, underscoring the urgency of this research.
The program is industry-funded, with international interest extending to organizations like the United Nations. The research conducted at SIMFLEX is instrumental in advancing methane measurement technology and addressing the environmental challenges posed by landfill emissions. As the team continues to push boundaries in emissions control, the impact of their work reaches far beyond the confines of the simulation facility.
