Mathematical Modeling of H2S Removal in a Bio-Filter

Subject Areas : environmental management

Amir  Rahimi ¹ (Assistance professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan.)
Samaneh  Sami ² (M.Sc. Student, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology)

Received: 2008-10-06 Accepted : 2009-05-18 Published : 2013-09-23

Keywords: Bio-filter, Mathematical Modeling, Hydrogen sulfide,

Abstract :

In this study, A mathematical model has been developed for H2S removal in a bio-filter. The modelis used for analyzing the bio-filter performance in steady and unsteady state operation conditions. Thegoverning equations including the concentration distribution equations for pollutant component andoxygen in the gas and biofilm phases were derived based on the conservation laws and solvednumerically. The change of pollutant concentration through the bio-filter length and bio-film thicknesswas obtained. The model predictions for removal efficiency and elimination capacity in three differentgas flow rates (0.03, 0.07 and 0.14 m3/hr) and different inlet concentrations, compared with theexperimental data reported by Oyarzun et al., and the accuracy of the model results was obtained. Alsothe results of the model for unsteady state operation condition were obtained for 1100 ppm of inletconcentration of H2S. These values compared with the existing experimental data too. Finally theeffect of some operation parameters such as: specific surface area of the bed, height of the bed,porosity of the bed and gas flow rate, on the removal efficiency of bio-filter was investigated.

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