The Application of a Microwave Concentrator/Biofilter Integrated System to Treat Paint Booth Emissions
Abstract
Typical spray paint booth emissions have been shown to be readily treatable using biofilter treatment systems. However, if constant organic loading is not introduced to a biofilter, an effective microbial population may not be maintained. Typical spray paint booths provide a transient, unsteady-state organic load. Thus, the addition of a concentrator provided upstream of a biofilter can eliminate these unsteady loading conditions so that the biofilter microbial population can thrive. In cooperation with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/MLQ) and Tyndall Air Force Base (Panama City, FL), Envirogen (Lawrenceville, NJ) and CHA Corporation (Laramie, WY) have recently begun the operation of a pilot-scale integrated microwave concentrator/biofilter system for the treatment of solvents discharged from spray paint booth operations. In the first phase of the treatment process, a ventilated air stream (2,000 SCFM) containing the solvents methyl ethyl ketone, 2-pentanone, and toluene from spray painting operations is passed continuously through a granular activated carbon (GAC) moving-bed adsorber. The solvent- saturated GAC is regenerated via microwave energy in a separate regeneration vessel. The solvent vapors are removed from the regenerator by a small stream of nitrogen purge gas and transferred to storage tanks. On a continuous basis, solvent-laden nitrogen from the storage tanks is supplied to an Envirogen biofilter along with dilution air. Envirogen's biofilter is an air pollution control system in which contaminated air is passed through a bed of organic filter material containing a natural flora of microorganisms. The contaminants are degraded by the microbes on the filter bed into innocuous products of carbon dioxide and water. Critical findings at the pilot-scale, overall system performance, and the potential applicability at the full- scale system will be discussed at the conference.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA384724
Entities
People
- A. P. Togna
- Charles Albritton
- Charlie Carlisle
- Todd S. Webster
- William J. Guarini