Acrion Develops LFGTE Technology

Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- Acrion Technologies Inc., Cleveland, has introduced CO2 Wash, a landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) process designed to reduce pollution at landfills. The process is said to make it less difficult to capture carbon dioxide before it escapes into the atmosphere, according to Acrion. Backed by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Acrion is showcasing the process at the New Jersey EcoComplex.

After moisture is removed, gases are compressed and fed into the bottom of the unit's three-story-high column. As gases drift upward, refrigeration at the top of the column condenses the carbon dioxide into liquid form. A portion of the liquid carbon dioxide washes down the column, cleansing volatile organic contaminants from the gas. Clean, high-grade fuel exits the top and can be used directly in turbines, boilers or fuel cells to generate electricity, according to Acrion. The small stream of contaminant-laden carbon dioxide that is used to wash out impurities in the LFG then is vaporized and burned in a flare to destroy the volatile organic compound, the company says.

The carbon dioxide not used for the wash is drawn off as a 99.99 percent pure liquid carbon dioxide stream that can be used in commercial applications, according to Acrion. One project the company is considering is to pipe the carbon dioxide to Burlington County, N.J.'s research and development greenhouse and resource recovery complex, where it will help tomatoes and other plants grow.