Application of a simple empirical fixed-film model to the fluidized biofilter process

A biofilter process using a spongy media was operated to treat an artificial raw water which has similar characteristics to inflow for the use of public water supply. The growth of biofilm and the increase of specific gravity lowered the expansion rate of spongy media. The fluidized biofilter process was likely to behave as a fixed film type of reactors, but the excessive headless, clogging, and channeling problems, which are known as a major concern in the operation of fixed film process, were not observed throughout the entire operation period. The operational data were applied to an empirical fixed film model proposed by Eckenfelder. This model was found to be very useful for predicting performance of the biofilter process. The evaluated form of model equation obtained from these studies was S(e)=S(o)exp[-0.089(L/v^0.46)]. Also, the analysis of pilot plant operational data in the field shows that the performance of the pilot plant corresponds well with the predicted value.