Mathematical Modeling for Volatile Organic Compounds Removal in a Biofilter: Model Validation and Sensitivity Analysis

In this work, a dynamic model has been developed for prediction of biofilters performance. The model includes most of the phenomena occurring in a biofilter. For biodegradation of pollutants in the biofilm, the Michaelis-Menten kinetic has been considered. The model equations including gas phase and biofilm partial differential equations were solved simultaneously using finite difference and method of lines. The model parameters were evaluated by sensitivity analysis to determine their respective effects on the model performance. The model predictions were validated by experimental data for mixture of methyl propyl ketone, toluene, p-Xylene and n-Butyl acetate. The simulation results of empty bed residence times 30, 60, 90 seconds were compared with experimental data. The comparison of results showed the model predictions had a good agreement with experimental data. The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters showed that Henryʹs constant and specific area of biofilter had the strongest influence on biofilter performance.