Methane oxidation in a biofilter (Part 1): Development of a mathematical model for designing and optimization

Abstract

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the efficiency of such a biofilter, through the application of a mathematical model which describes the biological oxidation process. This mathematical model is able to predict the efficiency of the system under varying operating conditions. Literature data have been used in order to build the model. The factors that mostly affect the process and which actually regulate the entire process have been highlighted in this work. Specifically, it was found that temperature, flow and methane concentration are the most important parameters that influence the system. The results obtained from the mathematical model showed also that the biofilter system is simple to implement and manage and allows the achievement of high efficiency of methane oxidation. In the optimal conditions for temperature (between 20-30°C), residence time (between 0.7-0.8 h) and methane molar fraction (between 20-25%) the efficiency of methane oxidation could be around 50%.

Methane oxidation in a biofilter (Part 2): A lab-scale experiment for model calibration

“…The continues line was determined using a Vmax value of 4 mol/(m 3 *h), the dotted line was determined with a Vmax value of 2.5 mol/(m 3 *h). This parameter is the most influential parameter in the model, as was indicated by a sensitivity analysis [26] .…”

“…The development of a mathematical model to manage and control the biofiltration process is very important in order to optimize the performance of a biofilter. The aim of this study concerns the calibration and use of the mathematical model developed and tested by Amodeo et al [26] through a lab-experiment, considering the geometric characteristics of the lab-scale column.…”

“…The mathematical model considered was developed by Amodeo et al [26] . • ω = z / h , with h the height of the filling material and z the axial coordinate For the nominal operating conditions (Tab.1) of an aerobic full scale biofilter the results of the model are shown in the Figure 2.…”

Environmental factors influencing landfill gas biofiltration: Lab scale study on methanotrophic bacteria growth

“…[7] However, increasing the landfill post management period, LFG flow and CH 4 concentration decrease, and flares are not always capable to oxidize CH 4 by combustion; normally, the minimum flow must be 50 Nm 3 h ¡1 and the minimum CH 4 concentration 30% (v v ¡1 ). [8] The same technical problems can be observed in small landfills, where LFG flow and CH 4 concentration are not enough for traditional LFG treatment systems. [9] In the abovementioned circumstances, Microbial Aerobic Methane Oxidation (MAMO) represents a viable alternative to traditional systems for LFG treatment.…”

“…An empty space is placed at the bottom of the system to avoid preferential pathways and to allow an LFG homogeneous diffusion over the entire oxidation surface. [8] Several environmental parameters influence the MAMO efficiency, as with all biological processes. Among them, the most influential, as it is expected for biological processes, is the temperature.…”