VATIS UPDATE Article

Exel Composites, Finland, has completed a four-year project called Next Air Biotreat that explored biotrickling filtration as a way to limit styrene emissions. Exel Composites collaborated with the University of Valencia, Spain, and Pure Air Solutions, the Netherlands, to explore biotrickling filtration.

“Biotrickling filtration is a combination of a biofilter and a bioscrubber. It is a biological system that uses clean and natural processes to remove VOCs [volatile organic compounds]. The styrene fumes are absorbed in water and decomposed by bacteria. The pilot unit erected at [our Oudenaarde, Belgium] factory proved to be very efficient. We will certainly do the necessary investments to take this process into use,” said Eric Moussiaux, at Exel Composites.

Professor Carmen Gabaldón from the University of Valencia, who led the project, believes the project was a success. “We are extremely pleased with the results of the project. In comparison with conventional technologies, biological VOC treatment is economically beneficial, it contributes to a lower ecological footprint and implies a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2)”, Gabaldón said.