Swamp Gas
So, after initially dismissing the bubbles that I discovered down in the small stream in the gully I decided to collect a small sample and do a burn test. Using an upended glass jar under the water I was able to collect a small sample within 5 minutes.
I struck a match, one of my helpers unscrewed the lid and on applying the flame we got a small pop and flash. Flammable, awesome!
Time for a bigger collector:
Here we have a simple system consisting of an airtight plastic drum with 3 meter collection tube. Bubbles go in the funnel and a tap with hose fitting for introducing water to expel the gas back out.
The whole system is filled with water and the top tap closed. The opening of the funnel is then positioned over the bubbles under the water. Because the apparatus is airtight, the water inside can only come out as the bubbles trickle slowly in.
After about 48 hours there was no water left and theoretically the drum is full of almost pure gas. If air leaks in then the mixture is highly flammable and dangerous, in the pure form it is more stable and safe(er)
Because only a small amount of gas is escaping under the water there are only a few bubbles to catch. There may be more 'leaks' elsewhere (and it certainly smells like it) but if they are above the waterline then there are no bubbles to mark the location.
Once the collector is full it's time to to ignite it. This is the fun but but first I have to carry it back up from the gully to the ignition location. The only thing needed really is a controlled water source.
A hose is connected to the tap on the top of the drum, the tap opened and water turned on. As the water is pumped in, gas is pushed back out the collection tube. Ignite it and we're flaming.
Night time burn
For full effect the ignition should be carried out at night.
Photo by Ralph Hogan