ABSTRACT
Thirty years of experience have accumulated in the design and construction of modern biofilters. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of biofilter design and construction, as well as associated problems. It describes a general protocol that should be followed in designing and implementing any biofilter system. Preliminary investigations of the waste stream and both bench- and pilot- scale experiments produce the necessary details to assess the effectiveness of the technology. Along with modeling, results from such experiments can be incorporated into sizing and designing full-scale systems. For full-scale implementation, various systems and components are discussed, and recommendations are provided for a successful scale-up of the technology. The chapter provides a discussion on reactor configuration, vessel construction, filter bed medium, air distribution systems, waste gas preprocessing controls, moisture control systems, and computer control and analytical systems. The design of a biofiltration system requires a detailed understanding of site conditions, site limitations, system components, and costs.
