Non-isothermal modelling of H2S removal in a biofilter

Abstract

In this study the biodegradation of H2S in the air in a biofilter is modelled in the non-isothermal operating condition. For this purpose, using conservation laws of heat and mass transfer and considering the physical and chemical phenomena occurring in a biofilter, the governing equations in non-isothermal, isothermal, steady, and unsteady-state operations are obtained and solved numerically. The model results are compared with the available experimental data and also with the results of the isothermal model. The comparisons are made both in steady and unsteady-state situations. The results show that considering the heat effects on the modelling of a biofilter improves the accuracy of the model results. Furthermore, the effects of some operating parameters on the removal efficiency of biofilter are investigated. © 2011 Taylor &Francis.