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RESEARCH PRODUCT

A Tool for Predicting the Dynamic Response of Biotrickling Filters for VOC Removal

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This article presents the development of a MATLAB® computer program to simulate the performance of biotrickling filters. Since these filters behave differently during spraying and nonspraying cycles, the presented simulation tool is built on top of a mathematical description of each situation. The resulting variable-structure model is then used as the basis for simulation experiments. The model presented herein represents the first attempt to take into account the variable spraying pattern usually found in industrial installations. Overall, the software is flexible and easy to use, allowing the user to specify the emission concentration pattern, the gas concentration pattern, as well as the spraying cycle periods for up to two different emission patterns per day. The model is able to predict experimental data from a biotrickling filter treating isopropanol under intermittent conditions of loading and spraying. Simulation examples are then provided to study the effect of variable inlet concentrations and gas flow rates.