Hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor for autohydrogenotrophic treatment of water

Abstract

The reactor includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle. Pressurized hydrogen and water are introduced into a volume containing the fiber bundle. The fibers are free to separate and more independently over most of their length. The fibers have microporous inner and outer layers and a nonporous layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers and are sealed on one end. Hydrogen is introduced inside the fibers, which are sealed on one end to prevent direct escape of the hydrogen gas. The H2 gas dissolves then diffuses through the nonporous layer. Water is introduced around the fibers, and the biofilm reaction occurs on the outer surface of the fibers. Oxidized contaminants are removed from the water by the biofilm reaction, which consumes H2 gas that diffuses through the membrane. The individual fibers are free, over most of their length, to separate in response to the water flow. This prevents excessive biofilm-to-biofilm contact. A gentle environment results in the tube around the membrane bundle for stable biofilm accumulation without channelization or clogging.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.