- Engine:
- G3512 (S/N: 9FP1-UP)
- Generator Set:
- G3516 (S/N: CSZ1-UP)
- G3516 (S/N: 4EK1-UP)
The composition of landfill gas depends on the materials that are decomposing in the landfill. Different landfills can have different gas chemistry.
Landfills can contain chlorine and fluorine compounds in the form of volatile organic compounds and chlorofluorocarbons. When these substances are burned in engines, corrosive hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid can be produced.
The acids can corrode engine components such as cylinder head valves, valve guides, and exhaust manifolds. Although the design of engines are modified to accept many of these corrosive compounds, the engines may require additional maintenance. This maintenance will depend on the components of the landfill gas.
Additional steps must be taken in order to maximize the service life of engine components in G3500 Engines. Follow these recommendations:
- Ensure that the engine is operating at proper jacket water coolant temperatures. Low coolant temperatures enable the formation of acids.
- Ensure that the engine oil is monitored and that the engine oil is changed at recommended intervals. The engine oil change interval will be based upon the conditions at the local site. Caterpillar recommends the S·O·S oil analysis program in order to monitor the condition of the oil and of the engine's maintenance requirements. The test results of the oil samples are used as a basis for determining the oil change interval for the engine.
- Remove corrosive components from the raw gas. This is the most effective method of maximizing engine component life.
- Establish a modified maintenance schedule that is based upon the conditions at the local site.
The continued use of landfill gas provides environmental sound use of this landfill by-product.