Biotrickling Filter for Biological Sulfuric Acid Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for biological production of sulfuric acid, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,268 B1, face limitations in production efficiency, particularly when using elemental sulfur as a feed, due to suboptimal oxidation conditions leading to clogged filters and limited sulfur feed capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a sulfur fed aqueous suspension trickled over a filter material covered with sulfur oxidizing microorganisms, with the suspension collected in a downstream reservoir for aeration, allowing optimal oxygen levels and maintaining sulfur in solution, enabling high sulfur feed and efficient conversion to sulfuric acid, using a biotrickling filter and reservoir configuration with air injection and recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If elemental sulfur is used as feed in biological production of sulfuric acid, then production efficiency is improved, but filter clogging occurs and sulfur feed capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aqueous suspension as an intermediary medium between elemental sulfur and the biological oxidation process. The sulfur is first converted to sulfurous acid in the suspension before being trickled onto the filter material, preventing direct contact of elemental sulfur particles with the biofilm and eliminating filter clogging while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the feed by converting elemental sulfur into an aqueous suspension form. This parameter change allows the sulfur to be delivered in a dissolved or dispersed state rather than as solid particles, preventing filter clogging while enabling efficient biological oxidation to sulfuric acid
2Productivity
If sulfur feed capacity is increased, then production efficiency is improved, but oxidation conditions become suboptimal leading to filter clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous suspension acts as a mediator that enables high sulfur feed capacity by dissolving or dispersing sulfur before delivery to the filter. This intermediary step maintains optimal oxidation conditions by ensuring uniform distribution of sulfur throughout the suspension, preventing localized overloading that would cause filter clogging
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the delivery form of sulfur from solid particles to aqueous suspension, the patent enables increased sulfur feed capacity while maintaining optimal oxidation conditions. The suspension allows for controlled delivery and uniform distribution, preventing the suboptimal conditions that lead to filter clogging
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves high yields of sulfuric acid with high sulfur feed capacity, preventing filter clogging and ensuring optimal oxidation conditions, resulting in environmentally friendly and efficient production without the need for complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
sulfur oxidizing micro-organisms produce sulfuric acid from sulfur
Implementation Method 2
aeration of the suspension takes place
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for biological production of sulfuric acid. The invention allows the use of high concentrations of sulfur as a feed for microbiological oxidation, resulting in high conversion of sulfur to sulfuric acid and, consequently, high sulfuric acid yields, which are obtained in an environmentally friendly way.