Regular Transient Loading Response in a Vapor-Phase Flow-Direction-Switching Biofilter
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 12
Abstract
The principal objective of this study was determination of the response of a laboratory-scale vapor-phase flow-direction-switching biofilter to loading changes associated with normal operations such as lunch breaks, overnight shutdowns, and single-shift operation of commercial and industrial facilities. Three regular transient loading cases were considered: (a) variable flow-reversal interval lenghts, (b) variable feed-on/off interval lengths, and (c) variable inlet concentration during a repeating feed-on/off cycle. Toluene was used as the model contaminant compound. The most significant findings of the study were: (1) Relative to unidirectional mode of operation, periodic flow reversal produced a more uniform distribution of reaction capacity along the length of the packed bed; (2) a 12 h flow reversal interval was sufficiently short to maintain the toluene-degrading microbial community in a near-fully active state throughout the unit whereas a 2 day flow reversal interval resulted in diminished removal rates in the first half of the bed and (3) Increasing off-period length resulted in greater penetration of contaminant into the bed and more uniform removal rates along the length of the bed. Information developed in this study should provide a more complete basis for establishing operating protocols and monitoring regulations for vapor-phase biofiltration systems.
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Acknowledgements
The writers appreciate contributions made by following people to this research: K. M. Scow, K. A. Kinney, and J. Eweis; financial support was provided by the University of California, Davis and the U.S. EPA (Grant No. UNSPECIFIEDG6J10677 from the exploratory research program).
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 12 • December 2005
Pages: 1649 - 1658
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Sep 27, 2004
Accepted: Jan 26, 2005
Published online: Dec 1, 2005
Published in print: Dec 2005
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