Simulation of biofilter used for removal of air contaminants (ethanol)

Mathematic modeling and simulation of a biofilter system was developed for biofilters filled by three different packing materials such as granular activated carbon (GAC), compost mixed with diatomaceous earth (DE), and compost, respectively, and the effects of biofilter length, packing material, biological activity and the operation time of system on the removal of ethanol (influent contaminant) were studied. The mathematical model for analysis of mass transport phenomena in the biofilter was solved using a two-step, explicit finite difference approximation technique and computer simulation was carried out. The obtained results show that at the early stage of biofiltration the dominant mechanism is adsorption and after saturation of packing by contaminant, biological processes became the dominant mechanism. GAC packed biofilter needs more time to reach to steady state in comparison to the two other packing. GAC is the best adsorbent for contaminant removal; however, compost provides a better environment for microbial growth and activity. The proposed procedure is applicable to analyze the behavior of a biofiltration system used in removal of volatile organic compounds.