Assessment of aerated biofiltration at industrial scale

Biological aerated filters were studied with respect to various operating parameters, including process air supply, energy consumption, sludge production and cycle duration. These factors were studied in medium and large full-sized operating systems, mainly in France. The results from these studies allowed the design and operation of the process to be optimized, and also made it possible to develop very large biofilter installations. Examples of systems treating flows in excess of 50,000 m3 per.d and designed to achieve low nitrogen residuals are considered. Results presented include values form a nitrifying Biocarbone unit in the U.K. and a nitrifying/denitrifying system in Denmark.