Hollow fiber membrane biofiltration for removal of gaseous VOCs

Author

Bo Zhang

Abstract

"Two membrane biofiltration systems that overcome many limitations of conventional compost biolfilters were investigated. A single natural rubber latex tubing and three polysulphone hollow fiber membrane modules (HFMM) were used to examine the biofiltration of gaseous benzene and butanol.

Poor mass closures of benzene (60-80%) were observed in the HFMM systems. The maximum abiotic mass flux attained was 0.01 mg min^-1 m^-2 (0.004 mg min^-1). Operated as a biofilter, the mass closure was close to 100% while removal was not observed. It was determined experimentally that polysulphone was not chemically compatible with benzene, probably due to sorption of benzene into the membrane.

A 95% or greater mass closure was observed with butanol. The highest abiotic mass flux was 1.6 mg min^-1 m^-2 (0.48 mg min^-1). The HFMM was operated for 46 days as a biofilter and achieved removals of 99%. A theoretical model was developed to predict the observed trends in biological removal of butanol due to changes in gas concentrations.

The natural rubber latex tubing was operated with benzene as a bioreactor for 68 days. The maximum removal observed was 40%, with a mass flux of about 0.4 mg min^-1 m^-2 , higher than the abiotic mass flux of about 0.15 mg min^-1 m^-2 under the same operating conditions. However, compared with the removal of 80% achieved previously by Neemann (1998) with the same tubing, the removal in this work appeared much lower, possibly due to aging of the tubing"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Fitch, Mark W.

Committee Member(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Forciniti, Daniel

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2000

Pagination

x, 131 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 125-130).

Rights

© 2000 Bo Zhang, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7716

Print OCLC #

43932652

Electronic OCLC #

1105932243

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, Bo, "Hollow fiber membrane biofiltration for removal of gaseous VOCs" (2000). Masters Theses. 1900.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/1900