Performance evaluation of packing materials in the removal of hydrogen sulphide in gas-phase biofilters: Polyurethane foam, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fibre

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2010-04, Vol.158 (3), p.441-450
• Main Authors: Filho, Jorge Luis Rodrigues Pantoja, Sader, Leandro Takano, Damianovic, Marcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli, Foresti, Eugenio, Silva, Edson Luiz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bagasse; Biofiltration; Chemical engineering; Coconut fibre; Culture; Exact sciences and technology; Fibre; Hydrogen sulfide; Hydrogen sulphide; Inlets; Packing material; Polyurethane foam; Reactors; Sugarcane bagasse
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2010.01.014

The main objective of this work was to investigate three packing materials (polyurethane foam, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fibre) for biofiltration of a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen sulphide (H 2S). Mixed cultures were obtained from two sources, aerated submerged biofilters and activated sludge, and were utilised as inoculums. Biofilters reached 100% removal efficiency after two days of operation. The empty bed residence time was 49 s for each of the biofilters. The reactors were operated simultaneously, and the inlet concentrations of H 2S varied between 184 and 644 ppmv during the long-term continuous operation of the biofilters (100 days). Average removal efficiencies remained above 99.3%, taking into consideration the entire period of operation. Average elimination capacities reached by the biofilters packed with polyurethane foam, coconut fibre, and sugarcane bagasse were in the range of 17.8–66.6; 18.9–68.8, and 18.7–72.9 g m −3 h −1, respectively. Finally, we concluded that the packing materials tested in this work are appropriate for the long-term biofiltration of hydrogen sulphide.