Characterization of a biotrickling filter treating methanol vapours

Abstract

[Abstract] The aim of this research is to characterize a biotrickling filter (BTF) treating methanol vapour emissions. The parameters studied were the nitrogen concentration in the nutrient solution and the empty bed residence time (EBRT). The effect of continuously recycling the nutrient solution was also analyzed. At nitrogen concentrations as low as 0.001 gN L-1, the BTF presented removal efficiencies higher than 70 % for an inlet load of 110 g m-3 h-1. A nitrogen concentration of 0.005 gN L-1 was used to study the effect of EBRT and the continuous recirculation of nutrient solution. At a constant methanol inlet concentration of 1500 ppmv, the BTF was operated in a range of EBRT from 20 to 265 s and the removal efficiencies respectively attained were 40 and 90 %. Methanol vapours were absorbed into the lixiviate and were taken into account in analysing the results.