| Abstract |
In recent years, Bio methanation has gained increasing attention and importance in recent years, particularly as a means of sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. Many countries around the world have been investing in the development and expansion of bio methanation facilities, both for the treatment of organic waste and for the production of biogas as a source of renewable energy. For example, Germany has been a leader in this area, with over 10,000 biogas plants in operation as of 2021 (IEA_T37_CountryReport 2021). A trickling filter is a type of wastewater treatment technology in which, wastewater is passed over a bed of media that is populated by a variety of microorganisms that break down the organic material in the wastewater and generate methane and carbon dioxide. This trickling filter method has been used for many years as a reliable and effective method for the treatment of pollution and contaminants from wastewater and the production of biogas while treatment of wastewater.
Packing material is a very important factor for trickling filter to enhance their efficiency and this packing material work as media is for microbial growth and bio methanation in bio-trickling filter. The ideal material should have high surface area, low pressure drop, be resistant to clogging, and fouling and be stable in chemical and physical properties. There are many types of packing materials are available such as wood chips, coconut coir, and synthetic material like PVC, PUF and glass fiber that can be used as media for trickling filters. The selection of material depends on various factors such as hydraulic rate, retention time required, availability, cost of material, and impact of material on environment.
This study aimed at identifying the best-suited packing material for use in bio-trickling filters that could be used as carrier material in biotrickling filter reactor for bio methanation through multi-criteria analysis using the TOPSIS method. The study considers six different materials, including vulcanized wood ash, clay pellets, Red Wood, clear PVC, PUF, and Glass fiber. The study involves selecting criteria based on material characteristics and assigning weights to them, evaluating the materials based on these criteria through expert opinion, and using mathematical approaches to identify ideal and non-ideal alternatives and make a decision on the best material for bio methanation in bio-filter. The criteria analyzed include economic, environmental, and engineering selection. This study is important as it seeks to improve the efficiency and sustainability of bio-trickling filters, which play a crucial role in generation of bio methanation.
Based on the multicriteria analysis, the best material for a bio-trickling filter is Polyurethane foam (PUF) to generate bio methanation due to its high score in important criteria such as surface area, durability, resistance to degradation, and performance, as well as its cost-effectiveness and availability. The worst material for a bio-trickling filter is clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to its low score in most criteria and negative environmental impact. |
