A Side by Side Test of 4 Different Types of Media in Bio-Trickling Filter at The Hyperion Treatment Plant

As part of the City of Los Angeles' (CLA) program to construct several new, large diameter interceptor sewers, seven (7) accompanying Air Treatment Facilities (ATF's) have been incorporated into the design. Based on extensive research and the need to use a non-chemical odor control solution, these ATF's utilize Bio-trickling filters (BTF's) as a primary treatment stage followed by carbon absorption as the secondary or polishing stage.In an effort to quantify the performance of the different types of media that can be used for BTF's, the CLA and other organizations throughout the country have conducted test programs. The recent BTF test program conducted by the CLA encompassed a side by side evaluation of four (4) separate types of media in the Bio-trickling filters. The selected media were Matala, Zander, lava rock and carbon.Through a joint effort between Daniel Mechanical Company and the City of Los Angeles, a 4-vessel test facility was designed and fabricated. This test facility included a foul air fan, pressurized manifold system and four (4) individual vessels. Through the common inlet manifold, each test vessel received foul air from the same source.This paper will present the results of extensive, side by side testing of these four media for hydrogen sulfide (H2S), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odor removal efficiencies. The paper will also present the results of parametric testing of:Empty bed residence timesMakeup water flow rates required to maintain a constant pHMedia pressure drop