Mathematical modeling and simulation of volatile reduced sulfur compounds oxidation in biotrickling filters

Abstract

[Abstract] The odour generated by industrial gaseous emissions causing nuisances generally is due to the presence of volatile reduced sulfur compounds (VRSC) Although a number of microorganisms are known for degrading VRSC, the treatment of a mixture of reduced sulfur compounds remains challenging for several reasons. To resolve these problems two-stage systems have been proposed, in the first reactor H2S is bio-oxidized and in the second the rest of the VRSC mixture, avoiding the inhibition effects of H2S over the bio-oxidation of these compounds. In the systems described the complete oxidation of H2S must be performed in the first reactor, if some H2S pass though out the first reactor it would have an effect on the bio-oxidation of the other VRSC present in the mixture in the second bioreactor. This situation was modelled and simulated, and is presented in this article. The bio-oxidation of H2S and DMS in a biotrickling filter is described through a model of the mass transfer and chemical reaction processes. The biotrickling filter is modeled as a fixed bed of packing material which supports the growth of micro-organisms as biofilms. When air flows in the bed, H2S and DMS are continuously transferred from the gas phase to the biofilm, where they diffuse and are oxidized by aerobic microbial activity. A summary of the equations, results of the simulation and sensibility to the inhibition constants are reported.