Abstract
The efficiency of using different feed strategies was evaluated in the case of a gas-phase biofilter packed with an inert carrier material. During a preliminary control-period, the biofilter was first fed with a single downflow feed of toluene. Reactor performance and biomass distribution were evaluated. The feed was then split into two flows before entering the reactor. Different feed ratios were tested during a 6-month period, following the preliminary control stage. Splitting the feed into equal flow rates through the upper and middle part of the biofilter (in a 50:50 ratio) improved the performance compared with the single-feed period. Such a high performance could also be maintained when using a higher flow rate for the upper port than for the middle port, with a feed-ratio of approximately 70:30, when more biomass was formed in the upper half of the filter bed. However, performance decreased when inverting this ratio from 70:30 to 30:70, ie when the highest flow rate was fed through the middle port of the biofilter.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 703-708 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology |
Volume | 78 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jun 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Air pollution control
- Clogging
- Downflow biofilter
- Reactor design
- Toluene