Multi-Stage Biological Odor Treatment System

Multi-Stage Biological Odor Treatment System

Illustrative industry installation. Final equipment layout is designed for the project.

This system combines two or more treatment stages to manage exhaust air containing a mixture of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other odor-causing compounds. A typical arrangement uses a biotrickling filter for high initial contaminant loads, followed by a biofilter for broader odor treatment. Pretreatment or an activated carbon polishing stage can be added when the inlet air conditions or outlet requirements call for them. The process train is selected according to measured airflow, contaminant concentrations and the farm operating schedule.

• Sequential treatment stages can address different odor compounds and variable inlet loads.
• Modular or site-assembled layouts can be adapted to available space and future expansion plans.
• Corrosion-resistant vessels, ductwork and wetted components can be specified for humid farm exhaust air.
• Access points, isolation dampers and monitoring locations can be incorporated for routine operation and service.
• Controls can be configured to coordinate fans, recirculation pumps, irrigation and operating alarms.

A project configuration may include an exhaust collection header, centrifugal fan, inlet conditioning section, packed biotrickling reactor, liquid recirculation tank and pump, biofilter vessel or bed, optional final polishing unit, drainage connections, outlet duct or stack, and an electrical control panel. Vessel materials, biological media, access platforms and support frames are selected for the site environment and maintenance requirements.

Collected foul air first passes through any required dust, moisture or load-conditioning stage. In the biotrickling filter, recirculating liquid wets the packing and supports a microbial biofilm that treats suitable soluble contaminants. The partially treated air then passes through a biofilter, where microorganisms on the media treat remaining biodegradable odor compounds. An optional downstream adsorbent stage provides additional polishing where the project design requires it. Drainage and recirculation arrangements help maintain the operating conditions of the biological stages.

• Design airflow: According to project requirements
• Treatment stages and media: Customizable according to inlet air composition
• Vessel dimensions and arrangement: According to site layout and available footprint
• Construction materials: Available upon request
• Water supply, drainage and electrical connections: Defined during project engineering
• Operating controls and monitoring: Customizable
• Performance target: Established from inlet testing and applicable project requirements

Suitable for evaluation at commercial pig farms, covered manure storage areas, manure separation and composting facilities, livestock wastewater pump stations, equalization tanks and other enclosed farm processes with collected exhaust air. For pig houses, integration with the ventilation design must preserve the required airflow and static-pressure conditions for animal housing.

The number and order of treatment stages, vessel orientation, media selection, fan arrangement, control functions and access provisions can be customized. The system can be coordinated with new pig farm construction or a retrofit of an existing steel structure building. Weather protection, insulation and water management are designed according to local climate and farm conditions.

Installation planning covers the equipment foundation, lifting access, duct transitions, electrical supply, make-up water and drainage. Prefabricated sections may reduce on-site assembly work where transport and lifting conditions permit. Routine checks include fan and pump operation, liquid levels, spray distribution, pressure drop, drainage, media condition and instrument readings. Maintenance intervals are set according to the selected equipment and actual inlet loading.

Can this system connect to an existing pig house?
Yes, subject to an engineering review of the exhaust collection points, ventilation capacity, available pressure and installation space.

Is activated carbon always required?
No. A polishing stage is selected when the air composition and specified outlet target justify it.

What information is needed for a proposal?
Provide the process description, airflow by operating mode, available inlet measurements, site drawings, local climate data and required outlet criteria.

Illustrative industry installations; images do not represent a specific SHEWUYOU project.