Distributed parameter modeling of a fixed-bed biofilter with experimental validation

TLDR: In this article, a pilot-scale fixed-bed biofilter used for nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater is described by a set of mass balance partial differential equations, which allow the evolution of the several component concentrations along the biofilter axis to be reproduced.

Abstract: This paper is concerned with a pilot-scale fixed-bed biofilter used for nitrogen removal from m unicipal wastewater. Process dynamics is described by a set of mass balance partial differential equations, which allow the evolution of the several component concentrations along the biofilter axis to be reproduced. Based on sets of experimental data collected over a period of several months, alternative model formulations, corresponding to different macroscopic reaction schemes and kinetics, are c onsidered. Based on logarithmic transformations of the output signals and parameters, unknown model parameters are estimated b y minimizing an ou tput error criterion. The good model agreement demonstrates the validity of the modeling assumptions. Particularly, very long transient phases observed after changes in the feed flow rate ca n b e e xplained through the