Kinetics of organic compound removal from waste gases with a biological filter

TLDR

The study develops a biological filter bed to remove organic pollutants from waste gases, offering high self‑regeneration and low pressure drop. The filter uses peat compost as a substrate for microorganisms and was tested in laboratory columns with varying gas mixtures and superficial velocities. The bed oxidizes most organics to CO₂ and H₂O, its solid composition prevents aging and sustains high activity for years, and macro‑kinetic data allow prediction of elimination capacity.

Abstract

Abstract In order to eliminate organic pollutants in waste gases, a biological filter bed technique has been developed, with a high self‐regenerating capacity and a low pressure drop. The bed consists of an appropriate filling material (mainly peat compost), in order to let the microorganisms grow on the solid surface and to supply them with inorganic nutrients. Most organic compounds are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. The compositions of the solid phase and the viable organisms present are such that aging is prevented, as a result of which a relatively high activity can be maintained during a long period of time (years). Experiments have been carried out in laboratory‐scale columns with composite gas mixtures at varied concentrations and superficial gas velocities. The (macro) kinetics of the elimination processes have been studied, which enables the prediction of the elimination capacity of the filter bed.