Submerged upflow biotower operation and computer simulation

A two step operation is proposed for the biodegradation of low concentrations (< 10 mg/L) of BETX substances in an up flow submerged biotower configuration. Step 1 involves growth of a lush biofilm using benzoic acid in a batch mode. Step 2 involves a longer term biological transformation of BETX. Kinetics of biotransformations are modeled using first order assumptions, with rate constants being a function of benzoic acid dosages used in Step 1. A calibrated computer model is developed and presented to predict the degree of transformation and biomass level throughout the tower under a variety of inlet and design operational conditions.