Typical Applications Include
Applications of high concentrations of H2S mercaptans and other waste defined emissions
Odour control for buffer, sludge, sewage and pasteuriser vessel venting and other venting with high H2S concentrations.
High humidity concentration extracts from manufacturing processes
Concentrated extracts from processes, including with high humidity.
Venting from tanks and storage units on waste sites and effluent plants
Prefiltering of highly loaded ventilation extracts.
Biofilters - dispelling the myths:
There is a history of poor design and installation of Biofilters, particularly in the waste industry, and as a consequence they can be considered inadequate for emission control. This is incorrect and we can help explain where they are appropriate.
These issues have mainly resulted from poor application, inadequate design, and a failure to carry out ongoing servicing. The below table highlights some of these issues and how they can be resolved.
| CHALLENGE | ISSUE WITH APPLICATION OF BIOFILTER | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Stringent control of odours or emissions on the process - <1000ou/m3 for example | Biofilters are less efficient than other technologies so will not necessarily reach this level of control. In addition, they release a mild odour from the media bed. | A secondary filter, such as a secondary carbon polishing filter, can be required for additional filtration. |
| Emmission contaminant contains chemicals which kill biofilm | Biofilters have a ‘living’ media bed and are not suited to substances which are poisonous, or inorganic chemicals. | Use alternative abatement technology for these applications |
| Woodchip or other short-life material used on media bed | Biofiltering is an active process and degenerates beds such as woodchip. Typically woodchip will last around 12 months. | Use Pumice stone or Coir. |
| Open Top biofilter | These have multiple issues as detailed below but the largest problem is the protection of the bed. | Open-top biofilters do not maintain performance and should be covered to protect from weather, animals etc. |
| Inadequate irrigation | A biofilter should have irrigation covering the complete surface / overlapping. Open top biofilters do not have this so typically struggle with dry areas of the bed and subsequent emission bypass. | Used close top biofilters with correct overlapping irrigation |
| Incorrect distribution of air across the bed causing tracking | If the airflow is not spread correctly across the bed, the air will not have sufficient contact time on the media bed to remove emissions. | The air should be ducted across the filter media bed for correct distribution to ensure correct dwell times. |
| Poor ongoing maintenance, sometimes due to systems that are very difficult to service | Design of unit, and operator neglect. | Ensure good access, and that specified maintenance regime is maintained. Good supplier training is vital. |
What is Biofilter Odour Control?
Biofilter odour control is a highly effective, environmentally-friendly solution for managing odours in industrial settings. Using natural biological processes, biofilters filter and neutralise odours by breaking down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances. The system works by passing contaminated air or water through a media bed that houses microorganisms, which degrade pollutants into harmless byproducts. This provides a sustainable and efficient method for air and wastewater purification.
CONTACT USWhy Is Biofilter Odour Control Needed?
Industrial operations often produce unpleasant and potentially harmful odours. Left unchecked, these emissions can harm air quality, negatively affect surrounding communities, and lead to compliance issues with environmental regulations. Biofilters for air pollution control offer an ideal solution by targeting and eliminating odours at the source. Furthermore, biofilters play a crucial role in reducing industrial waste and lowering the carbon footprint of various facilities.
Who Uses Biofilter Odour Control?
A wide range of industries benefit from biofilter odour control. Biofilters are particularly effective in the wastewater treatment sector, where biological filters for wastewater treatment and biofilter sewage treatment plants help remove organic compounds from water. The food processing industry also employs biofilters to manage the release of organic odours during production. Furthermore, biofilters are critical in industries like chemical manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, where air biofilter systems effectively control emissions of hazardous materials.
At Exeon, we provide modular biofilters tailored to the specific needs of our clients, allowing for scalability and flexibility across different industrial applications. Whether it’s for biofilters in air pollution management or biofilter water treatment in facilities handling large volumes of liquid waste, our solutions are designed to meet stringent environmental standards.
What Environments Benefit the Most from Biofilters?
Biofilters are particularly beneficial in environments where emissions of odours and pollutants are continuous or highly concentrated. Wastewater treatment plants, including aerobic biofilter systems and biofilters in water and wastewater treatment, significantly reduce odours and improve the overall environmental impact. Industrial plants that emit gases containing VOCs, ammonia, or hydrogen sulphide—such as chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers—benefit greatly from biofilter odour control. Biofilters are also effective in agricultural settings, including livestock facilities, where managing odours is crucial for both environmental compliance and community relations.
Reach Out to Exeon for Biofilter Solutions
At Exeon, we are committed to making cleaner air a reality for the industrial sector. Our bio filter systems, including the innovative bioflo technology, provide robust solutions for air and water odour control. Whether you’re looking to install a new biofilter or upgrade an existing system, we’re here to help. Contact us today by either ringing 01462 410010 or emailing at sales@exeon.co.uk to discuss how our biofilters can improve your facility’s environmental footprint. Let Exeon be your partner in sustainable odour control.