Techno-economic analysis of a biological desulfurization process for a landfill gas (LFG) in Korea

Abstract

We report techno-economic analysis of a biological desulfurization process to remove H2S and to produce sulfur from a landfill gas (2000 m3 h−1) produced in Korea. With a process simulation model developed using Aspen Plus®, parametric assessment to determine the effect of various operating parameters such as a NaOH flow rate, a NaOH concentration, and a recycle ratio has been carried out. Based on results from process simulation, economic analysis was conducted to evaluate feasibility of this technology in Korea through a cash flow diagram, net present value (NPV), and discounted payback period (DPBP). It was demonstrated that DPBP of 6.9 years and NPV of 0.39 MM$ were obtained with a 10% discount rate.