Modeling and Operation of Single and Multiple Tube Membrane Bioreactors
Abstract
A mathematical model was developed and experimental work completed to examine the removal of volatile organic compounds from air using single and multiple tube membrane bioreactors. Both bench-sale and a small pilot-scale reactor's performance were reasonably predicted by the mathematical model. Both model predictions and experimental work indicated the liquid suspension does not significantly contribute to the removal of contaminants from air. Experimental results indicate that membrane bioreactor performance is not detrimentally affected by phosphorous or nitrogen limitation after an initial period with adequate nutrient supply. Stopping the liquid flow in the reactor module also did not lead to a declination in performance. VOC removal in a polyporous membrane reactor remained constant under diurnal loading conditions when compared with continuously operated bioreactors. A heated bioreactor also was found to remove contaminant at the same rate as a reactor operated at ambient temperature while measured heat transfer coefficients for several module configurations ranged from 2.9-17.4 W/sq m/K. Bioreactors operated in series provided additional removal of contaminant from the air.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415660
Entities
People
- Ellen C. England