Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal in synthetic media biofilters

✍ Scribed by Shareefdeen, Zarook ;Herner, Brian ;Webb, Derek ;Wilson, Steve

• Book ID: 102835388
• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 662 KB
• Volume: 22
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0278-4491
• DOI: 10.1002/ep.670220319

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in biofiltration as a process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H~2~S) from contaminated air using synthetic media. The paper includes results of extensive research, as well as data collected from a commercial biofilter installation at a municipal wastewater pumping station in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that, for H~2~S concentrations of up to 40 ppm inlet, only 30‐second empty bed residence time (EBRT) is required. But, for lower concentrations (< 12 ppm), 20‐second EBRT is sufficient for complete elimination of H~2~S from airstreams using a synthetic media biofilter. The collected data shows that varying concentrations and flow, resulting in shock‐loading conditions, can be easily handled by a biofilter containing synthetic media. Furthermore, results show that biofilters can be operated underlow (∼2.0) and neutral pH conditions without introducing buffering chemicals into the media. Based on this research data, biofilters are designed and sold for a wide range of applications requiring removal of nuisance H~2~S compound from industrial and municipal air streams.