Mathematical modelling of biofilter effectiveness in pH regimes

Abstract

Moreover, the dependence of the filter efficiency on its charge height (0.15–0.75 m) with different initial pollutants (xylene, butanol and buyl acetate) concentrations and at different velocity of passing air (0.02–0.1 m/s) were modelled. Similar to experimental tests, the increase in the charge height from 0.15 to 0.75 m results in the increase in cleaning efficiency. For example, when the pH of 7 is maintained in the biocharge and the air is being cleaned of butyal acetate (with its initial concentration of 74 mg/m³) the efficiency of removal of butyl acetate starting with the height of the charge equal to 30 m is 70.1 %, starting with the height of 60 m is 77.6 %. Furthermore, modelled expression were similar to experimental data of the air flow rate results in the decreased efficiency of the biofilter. Respectively, when the pH of 7 is maintained in the charge and the air is beeing cleaned of xylene (with its initial concentration of 63 mg/m³), with the velocity of the passing air increased from 0.04 to 0.08 m/s, air cleaning efficiency significantly reduces from 76.8 to 68.3 mg/m³. Therefore, mathematical expression of environmental processes such us biofiltration lighten theoretical calculations and seek ultimate air cleaning efficiency.