Modeling of a foamed emulsion bioreactor: II. model parametric sensitivity

Abstract

The sensitivity of a conceptual model of a foam emulsion bioreactor (FEBR) used for the control of toluene vapors in air was examined. Model parametric sensitivity studies showed which parameters affect the removal of toluene (as model pollutant) in the FEBR the most significantly, and enabled definition of the limits of the process. Detailed examination of the results indicated that the process is highly complex and that both mass transfer and kinetic limitations can coexist in the bioreactor system. These results will help with the optimization of the design and operation of FEBRs.

Modeling of a foamed emulsion bioreactor: I. Model development and experimental validation

“…Simulations indicated that most of the toluene is removed near the gas-liquid interface, and that biodegradation is the principal mechanism for pollutant removal. Further studies of the model presented in the companion paper (Kan and Deshusses, 2008) provide insights on the model parametric sensitivity and on the performance limits of the FEBR process.…”

“…In the present study, a conceptual model that describes toluene (as a model pollutant) degradation in FEBRs is presented and validated with experimental results. Model parametric sensitivity studies are presented and discussed in the companion paper (Kan and Deshusses, 2008).…”