Performance evaluation of hybrid reactor for bio filtration of n-hexane–styrene mixture

摘要

Bio filtration of n-hexane and styrene mixture is always a difficult and challenging process due to the hydrophobicity and recalcitrant nature of the components. In this research study, a novel nano composite based adsorber was employed as the pre-treatment stage before biofilter to treat the VOC mixture. The hybrid reactor yielded better results compared to the stand alone biofilter. The concentration range employed in this study was 0.5-2.0 g m(-3) for n-hexane and 0.25-1.0 g m(-3) for styrene. Higher removal efficiencies were achieved at lower inlet concentrations at maximum EBRT of 90 s. Styrene removal efficiencies were found to be better than n-hexane removal efficiencies. The comparison between hybrid model and conventional biofilter proved the superior performance of the hybrid model. The carbon dioxide production was found to be proportional to the degradation rate represented in terms of elimination capacity. The correlation was proposed and actual yield coefficient was found to be lesser than the theoretical value. Biomass growth was studied across the height of the biofilter and found to be appreciable in the lower sections.