Analysis and comparison of biofilter models

Abstract

Realistic mathematical models are essential for the scaling-up or the design of biofilters. However, the mathematical models which describe the steady-state and the transient operation of biofilters are very limited. Although some of these models are based on restrictive assumptions, they have been widely used in industry for designing actual biofilter units. This study gives detailed analysis and comparison between these models. The asymptotic behavior of recent models are presented. The results show that diffusion is an important phenomenon which should not be neglected in developing biofilter models, and that neglecting oxygen transport and its effects on growth kinetics will give unrealistic values for the effective as well as the actual film thickness.