title: Empirical modelling and dual-performance optimisation of a hydrogen sulphide removal process for biogas treatment.
abstract: This study was conducted in order to investigate the use of a simple, low-cost technology for the removal of hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) from biogas, consisting of an anoxic biotrickling filter. Modelling and optimisation of the process was achieved by studying two independent variables (H(2)S concentration and biogas flowrate) and two simultaneous performance criteria (H(2)S removal efficiency (%) and H(2)S loading rate (g/(m(3) bed day)), which were inversely related. The experiments were carried out on a bioreactor with a 12 L packing volume. H(2)S concentration and biogas flowrate were varied in the range of 2000-4000 ppm(v) and 10-70 L/h, respectively. A model sensitivity analysis indicated the influence of the process variables on the bioreactor performance. Process optimisation was undertaken on a H(2)S removal efficiency basis, while maintaining a target H(2)S loading rate, depending on the desired quality for the biogas use and the technological requirements.
authors.affiliation: Environment Canada, Aquatic Ecosystems Management Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6.
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Soreanu
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Falletta
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Béland
authors.forename: Kara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edmonson
authors.forename: Bert
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ventresca
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Seto
mesh_terms: D056804:Biofuels / Q000032:analysis*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008956:Models, Chemical
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide