Efficiency of Hydrogen Sulfide Removal from Biogas Using a Laboratory-Scale Biofilter Packed with Biochar, Cellular Concrete Waste, or Polyurethane Foam: A COMSOL Simulation Study

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Abstract
This study investigated the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas using a laboratory-scale biofilter packed with biochar, cellular concrete waste (CLC waste), or polyurethane foam (PUF). The biofilter was tested under varied operational conditions, including H2S concentrations ranging from 60 to 100 ppm and biogas flow rates of 0.2 to 1.0 L/min, to assess the removal efficiency and elimination capacity (EC). The COMSOL simulation framework was employed to predict biofilter performance and validate the experimental findings. The results revealed that removal efficiencies (REs) varied significantly across the packing materials and operational conditions. The biochar achieved RE values exceeding 92% and an EC of up to 150 g H2S/m3/h, while the CLC waste demonstrated a moderate RE (~75%) and an EC of 100 g H2S/m3/h. The PUF exhibited the lowest RE (~48%) but provided structural support for microbial colonization. Notably, the outlet (fourth and fifth) stages of the biofilter consistently outperformed the inlet stages (bottom and first stages), highlighting the influence of the residence time and microbial activity on H2S removal. These findings provide a foundation for optimizing biofilter design and operational parameters to improve biogas purification efficiency.

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