TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jun 1, 1997

Biofiltration: Fundamentals, Design and Operations Principles, and Applications

Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 123, Issue 6

Abstract

Biofiltration is a biological air pollution control technology for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This paper summarizes the fundamentals, design and operation, and application of the process. Biofiltration has been demonstrated to be an effective technology for VOCs from many industries. Large and full-scale systems are in use in Europe and the United States. With proper design and operation, VOC removal efficiencies of 95–99% have been achieved. Important parameters for design and performance are empty-bed contact time, gas surface loading, mass loading, elimination capacity, and removal efficiency. Key design and operation factors include chemical and media properties, moisture, pH, temperature, nutrient availability, gas pretreatment, and variations in loading.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Environmental Engineering
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 123Issue 6June 1997
Pages: 538 - 546

History

Published online: Jun 1, 1997
Published in print: Jun 1997

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Authors

Affiliations

Warren J. Swanson
Proj. Engr., Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., Phoenix, AZ; formerly, Grad. Res. Asst., Envir. and Water Resour. Engrg. Program, The Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
Raymond C. Loehr, Fellow, ASCE
H. M. Alharthy Centennial Chair and Prof., Envir. and Water Resour. Engrg. Program, 9.1 ECJ Hall, The Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX.

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