Biofiltration of n-butanol vapor at different operating temperatures: Experimental study and mathematical modeling

In this research, the effect of operating temperature on the removal of n-butanol vapor in a biofilter (BF) was studied at 35, 40, and 45 degrees C. The BF was packed with compost and lava rock. Empty bed residence time (EBRT) was 1 min and the inlet concentration was varied in the range of 0.9-2.6 gm(-3). After acclimation period, elimination capacities (ECs) of 103, 162, and 62 gm(-3) h(-1) were obtained at 35, 40, and 45 degrees C, respectively, corresponded to the inlet loading rates (ILRs) of 140, 213, and 121 gm(-3) h(-1). The overall rate of biological reactions was more sensitive to the logarithmic mean concentration when temperature increased. According to the stoichiometric analysis, biomass and oxygen consumption yields (Y-x/s and Y-02/s) were obtained as 0.73 and 0.46, respectively. Regarding the mathematical model results, specific surface area for biomass (A(s)), activation energy (E), and saturation constant for Michaelis-Menten kinetic model (k(m)) values at 40 degrees C were determined as 2.01 x 10(2) m(-1), 1.26 x 10(5) J mol(-1) and 2 gm(-3), respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.