BioAir's EcoFilter technology is capable of handling H2S concentrations in excess of 500 ppmv while achieving removal efficiencies of greater than 99.5%. In addition, BioAir said its EcoFilter functions continuously without the need to remove or replace the media. Thus, the operating costs are said to be "negligible compared to the activated carbon systems".
BioAir's proprietary EcoBase media operates without discharging any environmentally harmful by-products. It uses what the company called a "safe, biological process to consume the odour without the use of hazardous chemicals".
Ashghal is responsible for operating more than 150 pumping stations that handle the transport of sewage to the city's wastewater treatment facilities in the capital city of Doha. Each of these pumping stations is a potential source of odour. Due to the hot weather (up to 55°C in summer) and many kilometers of sewer lines, the H2S and organic odor concentrations at these pumping stations are normally very high (exceeding 500 ppmv H2S), said the company.
BioAid said: "Currently, most of the pumping stations in Doha use activated carbon to remove odours. Because of the high concentrations of H2S, the carbon quickly is "used up" and must be replaced. This has many negative impacts for Ashghal. Replacing the carbon is both labor intensive and costly for the utility. Proper disposal of the spent carbon is expensive because it cannot be landfilled. And, when the carbon in a system has been "used up," the odour problem immediately returns. This makes maintenance of these systems a laborious and expensive task."
A particularly difficult pumping station is said to have been selected by both Ashghal and BioAir Solutions as the demonstration site. A single EF52 will replace an activated carbon unit at this station. This carbon unit has often been overcome by the high H2S loadings at this pump station resulting in frequent odor complaints. It is hoped the EF52 will demonstrate its ability to eliminate this problem with little need for operator attention. www.bioairsolutions.com
