Full scale bio filter ammonia removal performance during filter maturation

Abstract

An industrial bio filter of 23 m3 in capacity, packed with a coconut fiber filter medium inoculated with compost of 12 m3 in volume was operated for a period of 45 days. Performance was monitored at gas flow rates of 1160 m3h-1 to 2100 m3h-1 to identify the removal efficiencies under varying conditions during filter maturation. Maximum elimination capacity of 5.9 gm-3h-1 was reached for an inlet loading of 1.8 gm-3h-1 for ammonia. Filter maturation periods were unexpectedly very short due to initial physical adsorption.