BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Biological control systems can be segmented

into three types of designs:

Biofilters – the most basic system, best applied to

very low concentrations

Bioscrubbers – similar to the scrubbers used in the

absorption process, but bioscrubbers use a microbe
containing recirculation solution

Biotrickling filters – more complicated systems

which can use nutrient and pH dosing
 The biological system is typically comprised of three parts:

A porous medium – a material such as compost, peat, soil, or ceramic

or plastic packing. This is really a support structure for the micro-
organism. It is sometimes referred to as the packing media.

A bio-film – a layer attached to the packing media that provides a means

for the polluted compounds to be diffused onto the micro-organism.

A micro-organism – the active cell that utilizes the organic contaminates

as food. To promote microbe growth and activity, the bed is kept moist,
and the gas stream is humidified.
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVATAGES
Advantages
convention control methods are lower capital costs, lower operating
costs, low chemical usage, and no combustion source

Biofiltration units can be designed to physically fit into any industrial

setting.

Biofiltration is versatile enough to treat odors, toxic compounds, and

VOCs. The treatment efficiencies of these constituents are above 90%
for low concentrations of contaminants (<1000 ppm).

Different media, microbes and operating conditions can be used to

tailor a biofilter system for many emission points.
Disadvantages
Biofiltration cannot successfully treat some organic compounds, which
have low adsorption or degradation rates. This is especially true for
chlorinated VOCs.

Contaminant sources with high chemical emissions would require large

biofilter units or open areas to install a biofiltration system.

Sources with emissions that fluctuate severely or produce large spikes

can be detrimental to the of a biofilter’s microbial population and overall
performance.

Acclimation periods for the microbial population may take weeks or even
months, especially for VOC treatment.
 Applications

Odor abatement applications to

VOC applications to date have included date have included the following
the following industries: industries.
Chemical and petrochemical industry Sewage treatment
Oil and gas industry Slaughter houses
Synthetic resins Rendering
Gelatin and glue plants
Paint and ink
Agricultural and meat processing
Pharmaceutical industry Tobacco, cocoa and sugar
Waste and wastewater treatment industry
Soil and Groundwater remediation Flavor and fragrance