Biotrickling Filtration of Air Contaminated with 1-Butanol

Abstract

Abstract:The removal of high concentrations of 1-butanol in an air stream was evaluated with a biotrickling filter for potential application to an industrial off-gas. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory-scale system, packed with perlite, in a co-current downward mode with constant recycling of water. The performance was monitored for different inlet concentrations and empty bed residence times during a period of over 60 days of stable operation. A maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 100 g m −3 h −1 was achieved during periods in which the butanol concentration varied from 0.55 to 4.65 g m −3 . The removal efficiency was stable and exceeded 80% for butanol concentrations in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 g m −3 , corresponding to inlet mass loadings of up to approximately 100 g m −3 h −1 . However, when the concentration exceeded 4 g m −3 , removal efficiency rapidly dropped to 15% (EC of 22 g m −3 h −1 ), indicating an inhibition effect that was reversed by decreasing the inlet concentration. This biotrickling filter was able to deal with higher sustained butanol concentrations than have been previously reported, but might not be suitable for concentrations much in excess of 1.2 g m −3 or mass inlet loads in excess of 100 g m −3 h −1 .

Effects of n-butanol presence, inlet loading, empty bed residence time and starvation periods on the performance of a biotrickling filter removing cyclohexane vapors from air

“…When cyclohexane was treated in the presence on n-butanol, the removal efficiency of n-butanol exceeded 90% for all investigated cases, corresponding to the EC of n-butanol reaching 50 g m −3 h −1 . Similar elimination capacities were obtained by Schmidt et al (2017) when n-butanol was removed from air in a co-current perlite-packed biotrickling filter, however, EC values reaching 1000 g m −3 h −1 are possible when biotrickling filtration of hydrophilic compounds is considered (Ramirez et al 2007).…”

“…CHX 100. Biotrickling filtration of n-butanol was investigated by Schmidt et al, indicating high removal efficiency of n-butanol for the inlet concentrations in the range of 1-2.5 g m −3 (Schmidt et al 2017), resulting in the maximum values of EC reaching 100 g m −3 h −1 . Up to the best knowledge of the authors of this manuscript, no paper is available on the evaluation of the influence of n-butanol on the performance and removal efficiency of BF treating cyclohexane.…”

Monitoring of n-butanol vapors biofiltration process using an electronic nose combined with calibration models

“…n -Butanol belongs to the group of VOCs, concentrations of which need to be controlled in the environment. Emissions of n -butanol are identified, i.e., from processes of thermal regeneration of adsorbents, from wastewater treatment plants, and waste disposal plants, coal mines, and other industrial activities [4, 5]. n -Butanol is characterized by harsh and alcoholic-like odor type [6], and it is irritating and hazardous to human health when inhaled.…”