Industrial Biotrickling Filter Odour Control System
Biotrickling Filtration Plant
Technical Summary
Air flow rate: 15,000 Nm³/h
Main pollutants: Reduced sulphur compounds (H₂S)
Treatment technology: Biotrickling filtration
Number of filtration units: 2
Contact time: 24 seconds per filter
Design loading: 150 Nm³/h per m³ of packing
This case study presents an industrial biotrickling filter odour control system designed to treat emissions from a wastewater treatment plant.
The design follows the Best Available Techniques (BAT) described in the BREF for Waste Water and Waste Gas Treatment for biological air treatment systems and VDI 3478 part 1 norm.
Overview
Wastewater treatment plants can generate odorous emissions associated with reduced sulphur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
This project involved the design and installation of an industrial odour control system based on biotrickling filtration technology to treat contaminated air streams at a wastewater treatment facility.
The plant was designed to treat 15,000 Nm³/h of odorous air, ensuring stable removal of sulphur-based odorous compounds through biological oxidation processes.
Engineering Solution
The odour control system consists of two parallel biotrickling filters, each designed to treat 7,500 Nm³/h of contaminated air.
A centrifugal fan installed upstream conveys the polluted air to the filters through a distribution manifold.
Inside the filters, the gas stream passes through a biological packing bed, where microorganisms immobilized on the carrier oxidize hydrogen sulfide and other reduced sulphur compounds into non-odorous forms.
Biotrickling Filter Odour Control Technology
Each filtration unit is built around a polypropylene basin containing the biological packing and irrigation system, designed to ensure proper gas distribution and stable microbial activity.
Main Dimensions
Parameter |
Value |
|
Lenght: |
10,000 mm |
|
Width: |
2,500 mm |
|
Height: |
3,300 mm |
The filters are constructed entirely in Polypropylene (PP) to ensure resistance against corrosive gases and acidic operating conditions associated with sulphur oxidation processes.
The packing bed is supported by a reinforced polypropylene structural grid capable of supporting loads up to 2,500 kg/m².
Biological Packing Media
The filtration bed is filled with open-cell volcanic lapillus, selected for its suitability in biological filtration applications.
Packing Characteristics
These characteristics promote the formation of a stable microbial biofilm capable of degrading hydrogen sulfide efficiently.
Liquid recirculation system
Each filter includes an independent recirculation tank and irrigation network designed to maintain optimal moisture and nutrient conditions for biological activity.
Main equipment
This configuration ensures continuous wetting of the biological packing and stable microbial growth.
Air Handling System
Air movement through the treatment system is ensured by a centrifugal fan equipped with inverter control, allowing flow regulation and stable operating conditions.
Fan Specifications
Parameter |
Value |
|
Nominal air flow |
15,000 Nm³/h |
|
Maximum pressure |
250 mm w.c. |
|
Motor power |
18.5 kW |
|
Efficiency class |
IE3 |
|
Noise level |
< 81 dB(A) |
A standby fan rated at 20,000 Nm³/h was also included to guarantee operational redundancy and maintenance flexibility.
Automation and Control
The system is managed through a PLC-based control panel designed to ensure fully automatic operation.
Control Features
This architecture ensures reliable operation and simplified plant management.
Key Outcomes
The installed odour control system provides:
Biotrickling filtration technology enables continuous treatment of odorous air streams with low operating costs and high process stability.