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Dynamic modeling and analysis of biotrickling filters in continuous operation for H2S removal

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Abstract

A number of important biotrickling filter (BTF) models are reviewed. For our study, a theoretical model, based on H2S removal in a differential BTF under batch mode, was selected among the models reviewed. Using a cascade of BTF units in series, in this work, we have extended the model for continuous operation under dynamic conditions and the model accuracy is verified under a limiting case. The modified model was successfully simulated and used in the performance evaluation of a continuous BTF. Sensitivity analysis of the BTF performance in a continuous operation revealed that liquid–gas velocity ratio (LGVR) has negligible effects as compared to the effects of inlet concentration of H2S and gas velocity. The modified model extends the applicability of the model for full-scale design, process identification and control systems of a BTF in a continuous operation.

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Abbreviations

A nw :

Non-wetted area (m2)

A w :

Wetted area (m2)

A :

Interfacial area (m−1)

a :

Specific interfacial area (m−1)

a w :

Specific wetted area (m2/(m3 of packed bed))

C :

H2S concentration (g m−3)

C g0 :

Gas phase inlet concentration of H2S (g m−3)

C gi1 :

Gas phase concentration of H2S at gas–liquid interface (g m−3)

C gi2 :

Gas phase concentration of H2S at gas-biofilm interface (g m−3)

C Li2 :

Liquid phase concentration of H2S at liquid-biofilm interface (g m−3)

C wb :

Concentration of H2S in the wetted biofilm (g m−3)

C nwb :

Concentration of H2S in the non-wetted biofilm (g m−3)

D g :

H2S diffusion coefficient in air (m2 h−1)

D L :

Diffusivity of H2S in trickling liquid (m2 h−1)

D p :

Nominal size of packing (m)

F :

Volumetric flow rate (m3h−1)

Fr:

Froude number

FT:

Biofilm thickness (m)

∆FT:

Discretized biofilm thickness (m)

G :

Superficial mass velocity of gas (kg m−2 h−1)

g c :

Gravitational constant (m h−2)

H :

Henry’s constant (−)

i, j :

Index for finite elements in the dynamic model

k g1 :

Mass transfer coefficient from gas to liquid (m h−1)

k g2 :

Mass transfer coefficient from gas to non-wetted biofilm (m h−1)

k L :

Mass transfer coefficient in liquid (m h−1)

L :

Superficial mass velocity of liquid (kg m−2 h−1)

N :

Number of biofilm layer subdivisions

Re:

Reynolds number

R max :

Maximum reaction rate (g m−3 h−1)

V :

Volume (m3)

V g/L :

Gas–liquid volume ratio

We:

Weber number

\( \mu \) :

Viscosity (kg m−1 h−1)

\( \rho \) :

Density (kg m−3)

\( \sigma_{\text{p}} \) :

Surface tension of packing (kg h−2)

\( \sigma \) :

Surface tension of water (kg h−2)

g:

Gas phase

L:

Liquid phase

BTF:

Biotrickling filter

LGVR:

Liquid–gas velocity ratio

PUF:

Polyurethane foam

VOC:

Volatile organic compound

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, UAE

    Wasim Ahmed, Zarook M. Shareefdeen & Nabil Abdel Jabbar

Authors
  1. Wasim Ahmed
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  2. Zarook M. Shareefdeen
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  3. Nabil Abdel Jabbar
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Correspondence to Zarook M. Shareefdeen.

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Ahmed, W., Shareefdeen, Z.M. & Jabbar, N.A. Dynamic modeling and analysis of biotrickling filters in continuous operation for H2S removal. Clean Techn Environ Policy 16, 1757–1765 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-013-0697-0

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