Air cleaning

Percolator biofilter

Percolator biofilter

Objective

Control of residual gaseous emissions (polluted air, combustion gases, biogas, etc.) contaminated with NH3, H2S, VOCs, siloxanes, NOx, SO2, particles using systems that consist of an inorganic filling where the pollutants are absorbed and are biologically degraded.

Inlets

Gases with polluting compounds generated in processes of treatment/valuation of agro-industrial waste, droppings, etc. and in livestock activities (breeding sheds, storage of droppings, etc.)

Efficiency

NH3 and H2S removal efficiencies >95%. Lower efficiencies in the elimination of odors and VOCs.

Weaknesses

The possible accumulation of NH3 in the system can inhibit nitrification;
It is important that there is an appropriate N/C balance, and nutrients in the biofilters to ensure the growth of microorganisms;
Spread of pathogenic bacteria such aslegionellabecause of poor filter maintenance;
Generation of a residual effluent to be treated or valued;

Products

Decontaminated gaseous effluents; Dilute sulfate and nitrate salts

Other outlets

Organic liquid purges with nutrients; Microbial biomass; biological sulfur

Consumption

Energy: Medium
Water: Medium
Reagents: Medium

Investment

Superior to biofilters since the filling is inorganic (plastic, ceramic, metal) and requires a system of continuous liquid pumping and pH control

Operation

Superior to biofilters since it requires the contribution of external nutrients in the form of a mineral medium, a continuous recirculation of liquid through the biofilter (energy consumption) and chemical consumption for the pH control of the process is required.

Observations

The main limitation is to have a good design of air distribution systems to avoid preferential paths and decrease in efficiency;
Overfeeding can produce excessive biomass growth, which can clog the biofilter bed;

Combination with other technologies

1. Membrane technologies -> Percolator biofilter;
2. Stripping Technologies -> Percolator Biofilter;
Download the file here
TRL - 9
Status Consolidated
Complexity Medium

Information made by:

BETA Tech Center