Volatile organic compounds, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide removal using a two-stage membrane biofiltration process

The analysis of biofiltration efficiency was performed with parallel VOC, H2S and NH3 removal using pilot two-stage biofilters including conventional biofiltration and purification on a membrane filter. The scope of the research was to determine the relationship between the technological parameters of the tested device (two beds and two membranes) and gases removal efficiency. Research was carried out in a semi-technical scale in three industrial plants: mechanical-biological municipal waste treatment (MBT), food industry (FI) and wastewater treatment (WWTP) plants. Experimental results indicate the efficiency removal of VOCs from 89% (WWTP) to 98% (FI), NH3 from 88% (WWTP) to 100% (MBT) and H2S from 93% (WWTP) to 100% (MBT). Biofilter with stumpwood chips-bark-compost bed, fortified with the more porous membrane was the most effective, allowing VOC, NH3 and H2S removal with an average efficiency of 99% for NH3 and H2S and 97% for VOCs. The application of membrane fabrics as the second stage of purification allows high efficiency simultaneous removal of VOCs, NH3 and H2S. Unlike two-stage purification, conventional biofiltration is effective at removing individual impurities from process gases. The results of this study indicate a high potential for practical application. (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.