There is increasing interest in the usage of biogas produced from wastewaters, anaerobic digesters and landfill sites as a source of green energy. Biogas generated from these types of sites require process monitoring due to contamination with siloxanes derived from hygiene products, detergent, antifoams, etc. Siloxanes are troublesome impurities in biogases in engine sources.

   The combustion of biogas can lead to deposits of silicon dioxide particles which can cause problems and damage different kind of gas engines or turbines through their build up and via corrosion.The objective of this study was to develop a method on a thermal desorption unit coupled to a gas chromatography and mass spectrometer (TD-GC-MS) to identify and quantify siloxanes present in a representative biogas sample with a low detection limit (µg/m³). Enabling the occurrence of siloxanes in a biogas matrix and efficiency of the removal processes present in the industry to be monitored.

   The sanitary landfill, located in the city of Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia, is operated by the company Atesa de Occidente S.A ESP, here the disposal of waste from department of Risaralda, some municipalities of Caldas and Norte del Valle del Cauda is carried out, it´s receiving 800 Tons/day, causing impacts to the environment by the emission of offensive gases and odors, causing problems to community.

   In Colombia, the offensive odour problem, is regulated with the Resolution 1541 of 2013, define the levels of inmission, according to the generating activities, carry to landfill to take measures to reduce, and to quantify odors too.

C. Velásquez¹, C. Hernández², J. Quintero¹

1. Tratamientos Químicos Industriales S.A.S
2. Atesa de occidente S.A ESP.