Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Apparatus – Bioreactor
Patent
1998-04-06
2000-07-11
Beisner, William H.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Apparatus
Bioreactor
4352901, 435266, B01D 5385
Patent
active
060871598
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing odors from gaseous emissions and more particularly to an odor control system for use in the treatment of effluents from composting facilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A primary concern in any process which results in the generation of offensive odors is how to eliminate or reduce such odors and to bring them into acceptable emission levels. The unique system comprising the present invention achieves these ends in an efficient, simple and economic manner. A composing facility, like any other facility who's operation has the potential for offensive odor generation, must operate in a manner that safeguards the public health, safety and the environment. While the invention has wide application to various operating processes, it will be described and illustrated in connection with the co-composting of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge.
Most odors from a composting process result from the incomplete oxidation of organic materials, principally carbohydrates and proteins, in the feed stock. Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in compounds such as cellulose and sugars, which under anaerobic conditions readily decompose and produce odorous compounds such as alcohols, esters, aldehydes and organic acids. Proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur and can produce odorous compounds such as ammonia, amines and mercaptans. By utilizing the present invention, odor emissions from a composting facility can be controlled by the proper design and operation of an aerobic decomposition process and system which converts the odorous compounds into odorless carbon dioxide and water. Such aerobic decomposition occurs primarily in the composting process itself if proper aerobic conditions are maintained. However, it has been found that odor control by the composting process itself cannot typically be expected to reduce odors to acceptable levels. Accordingly, numerous techniques and methods have been employed in an attempt to treat or remove odorous compounds from process effluents. Such methods have included masking or covering an unacceptable odor with an acceptable one; chemical oxidation with agents such as ozone or chlorinated compounds; adsorption onto activated carbon; thermo-oxidation as by incineration; absorption by chemical solutions; or combinations of the above. These methods, on the whole, when applied to composting facilities, have not been too successful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A co-composting process typically employs one or more multi-stage digesters in which material being treated undergoes staged microbial decomposition. The conventional digester comprises a tube-like structure divided into two or more compartments or stages. During material processing, the tube is rotated while air is circulated through the digester at controlled rates under predetermined conditions in a flow direction counter to the material flow. This phase of composting is conducted 10 entirely within an enclosed vessel, the only source of odor production is the exhaust air. Typical of such prior art systems and methodology of operation are those set out and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,245,759 and 3,138,447, assigned to the assignee of the subject invention, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
A co-composting facility is comprised of three major areas, a tipping floor on which the waste is deposited, a processing area consisting of one or more multi-staged digesters and an aeration or curing area. In a preferred embodiment, the emissions from these various stages of operation are contained within an enclosed structure and conveyed from the enclosure via ducts through the unique odor control system comprising the subject invention. The odor control system comprised a bio-scrubber packed with means over which microbial impregnated water from an oxidation pond is caused to cascade. Effluent air drawn from the composting facility is passed through the bio-scrubber. In passage of the efflu
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Bedminster Bioconversion Corp.
Beisner William H.
Zeyher Stanley H.
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