Air biofiltration: a sustainable technology for industry

What is an air biofiltration system for industrial filtration?

Air biofiltration for industrial filtration is a biological treatment technology that uses natural microorganisms to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odours from industrial airflows.
It is an ecological and well-established process, ideal when pollutant concentrations are relatively low and the compounds are biodegradable and non-toxic for microorganisms.

Thanks to its simple construction, automated management and the absence of chemical reagents, air biofiltration systems are among the most sustainable and effective solutions for industrial emission filtration.

How does air biofiltration work?

In industrial biofiltration , polluted air is conveyed through a biologically active filter bed composed of solid, porous materials such as bark, shredded wood, peat, or mature compost.
This material is maintained at constant temperature and humidity conditions and colonized by a population of aerobic microorganisms (bacteria, molds, and yeasts) capable of degrading volatile organic compounds and sulfur and nitrogen compounds. 

                          Aerobic microorganisms

Inside the filter, biochemical reactions take place in the biofilm, the thin water layer coating the particles of the filter media. This is where dissolved pollutants are metabolized and transformed into carbon dioxide, water, heat, and biomass.

During the process, the air exiting the biofilter is filtered, deodorized, and compliant with the prescribed emission limits.

What components make up a biofilter?

A biofilter consists of a series of components that ensure stable and uniform operation:

• Polluted air inlet: conveys the emissions to be treated inside the biofilter.
• Distribution channel: ensures proper diffusion of air into the filter bed, avoiding preferential paths.
• Organic media bed: is the heart of the system, consisting of porous natural materials (peat, compost, bark, wood, plant fibers) on which the microorganisms responsible for pollutant degradation grow.
• Irrigation nozzles: maintain constant bed humidity, an essential condition for microbial life.
• Temperature and humidity sensors: allow automatic monitoring of operating conditions and adjustment of process parameters.

In which types of sectors is a biofilter useful?

Industrial air biofiltration is widely useful in sectors that generate VOCs and odors and is ideal when pollutants are biodegradable and emissions continuous.

Examples of industrial contexts requiring VOC and odour filtration include:

• food processing and feed production;

• cosmetic manufacturing;

• chemical and pharmaceutical processing;

• processes involving odorous emissions;

• waste disposal and storage;

• wastewater treatment;

• storage and handling of dusty solid materials.

Why use a biofilter?

Air biofiltration systems combine effectiveness, structural simplicity and environmental sustainability.
They require no chemical reagents, have low operating costs and run continuously, ensuring consistent performance over time.

They are the ideal choice for companies wishing to filter air naturally and efficiently, making a concrete contribution to environmental protection.

HFiltration designs and manufactures customised air biofiltration systems tailored to each specific production process.

Would you like to learn more about how industrial biofiltration works?