EP2237859A1

EP2237859A1 - Biofilter with defined flow channels

Info

Publication number: EP2237859A1
Application number: EP08707472A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fritz Hakemann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-31
Filing date: 2008-01-31
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Also published as: WO2009095035A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter for cleaning waste air formed by biological degradation processes, wherein the filter has filter material with defined flow channels in the primary direction of flow of the waste air, enabling efficient and regulated ventilation of the filter material with minimal loss of pressure.

Description

Weber & Heim * n D-3814 ₇ 7o9 ^d M Mü- ^a n ^s c ^s _h h ^e n e ³

German Patent Attorney Tel. + 49- (0) 89 799047

European Patent Attorneys Fax + 49- (0) 897915256

European Trademark Attorneys mail ^@ weber-heim.de

H 861

Biofilter with defined flow channels

The invention relates to a filter for cleaning exhaust air formed in biological degradation processes according to the preamble of claim 1.

In general, conventional filters for cleaning exhaust air formed during biodegradation processes, such as occur in agriculture, consist of materials of different origin, such as biological materials, such as wood, straw, peat or hay, or of plastics of different composition and structure.

The document DE 36 41 178 C2 describes a filter for purifying exhaust gases containing organic impurities, with a carrier layer of a mixture of peat, calcium carbonate, vegetarian waste, compost or bark, wherein the carrier layer is populated with microorganisms.

The document DE 101 10 519 A1 describes a filter for cleaning air from animal barns with a first load-bearing layer of wood scraps and a subsequent downstream layer of finer, non-acidic wood material.

Document DE 42 04 190 A1 discloses a method and a device for cleaning gases laden with pollutants. The raw gas is moistened and fed to a biofilter, which has a bed of populated with microorganisms carrier material. The loaded with the pollutants gas is passed through the bed, the microorganisms absorb the pollutants. The bed is sprinkled with water and nutrients and toxins. The document VDI-DIN manual "clean air", Volume 6, VDI manual "Environmental Technology", describes a biofilter for biological waste gas purification with an organic filter material from a mixture of styrofoam and compost with other additives. The styrofoam balls used are used to maintain a homogeneous structure of the material mixture.

The document DE 42 35 591 A1 describes a biofilter for cleaning organically contaminated exhaust air containing a horizontal, air-permeable filtered by the exhaust air filter substrate as a carrier material for bioactive, the organic exhaust air consuming microorganisms. The filter substrate is formed of a loose mass of soft, fine particles such as wood chips, wood flour, cork or foam granules, fibers and the like and is supported by an air-permeable support. Above the filter substrate, an irrigation device for moisturizing the microorganisms is arranged in the filter substrate. Furthermore, a separate, air-permeable, traversed by the exhaust air exchangeable filter mat is arranged above the filter substrate.

Straight filter of this kind, which are based on a random heap of different materials with widely varying particle diameters, have the disadvantage that the flow channels in which the exhaust air is transported through the filter, have an undefined structure, whereby the residence time of the exhaust air in the filter is uncontrollable, and the reproducibility and efficiency of the cleaning process of the exhaust air are affected. Furthermore, in such unstructured heaps of flow resistance is very large, so that in a complex manner, a high pressure must be built to squeeze the exhaust air through the filter. This increases the operating and maintenance costs of the filter.

The invention is therefore based on the invention to provide a filter that ensures a defined and controllable flow path of the exhaust air in the filter and thus a consistent and reproducible efficiency of the cleaning process. Furthermore, an operation of the filter should be made possible with the least possible expenditure of energy.

This object is achieved by a filter according to claim 1. An essential core idea of the invention is therefore to provide uniformly structured flow channels in the filter material for the transport of the exhaust air, in which the exhaust air is controlled and flows through the filter with a specific flow profile. In this way, a constant efficiency of the exhaust air purification is achieved, whereby unwanted flow anomalies such as bypass flows and dead zones, can be largely avoided. In addition, the required pressure, which is necessary to push the exhaust air through the filter, significantly reduced and can be between 50 and 80 Pa.

If the flow channels are arranged parallel to the direction of gravity, a further pressure minimization can be achieved by the buoyancy due to the existing density differences between warm and cold exhaust air.

The width of the flow channels is advantageously a few mm, in particular it is between 3 to 8 mm. For narrower flow channels, the flow resistance increases uneconomically strong, while at wider flow channels, the residence time of the exhaust air in the channels is very low, and thus the cleaning effect is reduced accordingly.

Due to the surface roughness of the filter material used a sufficient turbulence of the air flowing through the flow channel exhaust air is achieved. This turbulence is sufficient to carry out the biological treatment of the exhaust air. The surface roughness of the materials used can be further increased by roughening. Furthermore, it is conceivable to form the flow channels by notches on the surface. It is particularly appropriate to use the filter material by using plates which are notched on one or both sides and lie flat against each other, wherein the defined flow channels are formed by the notched grooves and provided for air flow from bottom to top. In this case, the respective notches not only in each case opposite each other, but also arranged offset from one another, so that different channels are formed on the various plates.

In addition to the defined flow channels, the filter material preferably has transverse channels. These transverse channels can be used as blind channels or as continuous connecting channels, which connect the defined flow channels to one another. that, be trained. As a result, the turbulence of the exhaust air flow and the mixing of the exhaust air can be improved.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the defined flow channels are designed to be wave-shaped in the direction of the exhaust air flow, so that the wave vector is substantially parallel to the main flow direction. This can be achieved by using plates with a wave-shaped profile. Due to the undulating course of the flow channels, on the one hand, the available surface for the adsorption is increased and, on the other hand, the turbulence of the exhaust air flow is improved. Both factors increase the efficiency of the exhaust air purification caused by the filter. As a filter material, for example, corrugated roofing panels of bitumen, synthetic resin, fiber cement or other composites of cement and tensile fibers, or aluminum are suitable. Also wave-shaped plates made of styrofoam or foam are suitable. In order to achieve a substantially constant distance from the plates arranged parallel to one another, spacers, for example in the form of blocks and in particular of a non-decomposable material, can be provided. Advantageously, a distance between the plates of a few mm, in particular 6 to 8 mm.

The plates used may suitably have dimensions of one to several meters, for example 2 to 2.5 m, and a thickness of a few cm, in particular 40 to 50 mm. The depth of the notches is expediently a few mm. The relevant surface roughness of the panels is either material-related, such as the natural roughness of wood due to the grain and the annual rings, as well as the porosity of foams, or the roughness is only produced by a later roughening process.

If wood is used as a filter material, so-called end grain wood is particularly suitable. End grain refers to the cross-sectional area that is created when a log is cut transversely to the length, ie across the fiber, so that the annual rings can be seen as circles. This wood has a high roughness on its cut surface and is also very resilient. In the wood can be milled to form the flow channels preferably a comb with a depth of a few cm, for example 2-3 cm. The comb should suitably so in the Be cut wood that the flow direction of the exhaust air is perpendicular to the axial axis of symmetry of the annual rings.

Alternatively, it is conceivable perforated plates, such as sound insulation, offset and arranged horizontally to each other. Here, a distance of a few cm, in particular 2-3 cm, be provided so that the air through the perforated plates undergoes considerable turbulence. These louver plates can be spaced apart by spacers, so that a further turbulence of the air is generated.

In particular, it is preferred if the plate is in a prismatic form. As a result, the removal of registered or formed by condensation water is best ensured.

The humidifier ensures a constant moisture content of the filter material, an even distribution of moisture and a homogeneous humidity.

Although the filter material may be made of a wide variety of materials, it is preferred if the filter material comprises plastics. Plastics are relatively inert and do not decompose even after a long time in a humid, chemically aggressive environment. Furthermore, plastics are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, the material properties such as particle size, porosity, density, interface properties, etc., can be varied almost arbitrarily and adapted to the respective requirements.

The plastic is particularly preferably a foam, in particular an open-cell foam. Foams have a relatively high surface roughness, thereby efficiently effecting the required turbulence and mixing of the exhaust air passing over it. In addition, foams are easy to work with low tooling costs. Foams include thermoplastic foams such as polystyrene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, elastomeric foams such as flexible polyurethane foam or nitrile rubber, and thermosetting foams such as rigid polyurethane foam and phenolic resins. Particularly suitable are polystyrene and rigid polyurethane foams. Polystyrene, also known as styrofoam, is very inexpensive and has a relatively low density, which facilitates the transport of the filter. Furthermore, styrofoam features a high surface roughness. In contrast, polyurethane hard foams are distinguished by a high level of strength and mechanical stability in addition to a likewise large surface roughness. Together these foams are their low thermal conductivity, whereby the heat generated by the biological decomposition processes remains largely present in the interior of the channels and positively supports the kinetics of the degradation processes.

Alternatively, wood materials and plastics can be used in combination. In addition to the turbulence and mixing of the exhaust air, the existing surface roughness also serves to house the microorganisms responsible for the biodegradation processes and to provide them with sufficient surface area for settlement.

Advantageously, the filter material is arranged in several layers. It is preferred if the layers of the filter material differ with regard to the number and / or the average cross section of the flow channels. As a result, a variability of the available adsorbable surface is achieved.

In the course of the filtering process, the chemical and physical properties of the exhaust air change, whereby it may be necessary to adapt the properties of the filter material, in particular those of the available Adsorbatoberfläche, in accordance with the present properties of the exhaust air to allow effective cleaning.

An advantageous construction is achieved if the layers of filter material in the flow direction have an increasing number of flow channels and / or a decreasing cross-section of the flow channels. In the exhaust air, the concentration of impurities and the moisture content will decrease in the course of the filtering process, so that an increase in the specific surface by increasing the number of flow channels has a favorable effect on a more necessary adsorption of the pollutants and moisture contained in the exhaust air. Furthermore, with a decreasing average cross-section of the flow channels, the swirling and mixing of the exhaust air increases, thereby causing a longer residence time of the exhaust air in the further course of the flow and thus also achieving a reduction of the residual pollutant concentration. Suitably, the filter material is provided on flow-through grates. For this purpose, air-permeable mats such as grid mats, perforated plates and the like can be used. The filter material stored on these grates can be easily replaced if necessary.

In this case, the grates can also be provided between the respective layers of the filter material in order to be able to easily adapt the structure of the filter, for example, depending on the type and composition of the exhaust air by changing the filter layers.

In particular, the layers can be replaced, which were most contaminated in the course of cleaning the exhaust air or lost by the entry of foreign particles in effectiveness. A costly replacement of the entire filter material is thus superfluous, since only the affected layers can be replaced separately. As an alternative to replacement, the layers may be cleaned by means of the temporary or continuous humidification system, which may act as a washing device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter, which can also be referred to as biofilter, is inoculated with microorganisms or treated with protein-containing substances, such as enzymes. These microorganisms or protein-containing substances are able to absorb organic contaminants and pollutants from the exhaust air and convert them into harmless substances.

In addition, by the microorganisms or the protein-containing substances pathogenic bacteria and germs that may be contained in the exhaust air, killed, so that the exhaust air can be released substantially free of pollutants and pathogens in the environment.

The microorganisms or protein-containing substances are relatively resistant to external influences, show high activity in the uptake and conversion of organic substances and are largely harmless, so that there is no risk of uncontrolled spread of the germs outside the filter or a transmission of diseases to humans , Thus, the filter can also be used in the vicinity of residential areas. Advantageously, the inoculation with microorganisms or the treatment with protein-containing substances is time-dependent, after a long standstill or after a defined volume throughput.

In order to be able to effectively counteract a varied concentration of organic impurities in the exhaust air, it is necessary to suitably change the use of the microorganisms, since these have only a limited potential for absorbing and processing the pollutants. Thus, after a standstill or low pollutant concentration, it will be necessary to repeat the inoculation after a relatively short time or after an unfavorable volume flow rate.

The filter preferably also has biomaterial, in particular in the form of a plate. As a plate-shaped biomaterial, for example, particle boards and veneer or plywood panels can be used. In particular, so-called biomix materials, that is a mixture of inorganic and organic materials, are also suitable. Such a mixture can be pressed into sheet form with a component having a binding effect, such as cement or synthetic resin.

Biomaterial, that is material of biological origin, such as wood, is present in large renewable resources and can often be obtained relatively inexpensively. Furthermore, it has mostly advantageous material properties such as low density and high porosity and can be disposed of simply and ecologically compatible after use. In addition, any added microorganisms may develop particularly well in a natural biomaterial environment. Alternatively, one or more further layers may include hay, straw, wool, peat, humus, compost, etc. or generally biological material containing natural polymers such as cellulose, lignin or keratin.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the biomaterial comprises wood or bamboo material. Such materials have a high moisture storage capacity and thereby support the biological purification processes which require some water content to maintain the metabolic and transport processes. In addition, most wood species have a generally pleasant fresh fragrance that can counteract the unpleasant odor components of the exhaust air. As a result, the acceptance of such a filter also within Residential areas improved. Furthermore, corresponding biomaterials are present on a large scale in the biosphere and correspondingly inexpensive to purchase.

The relatively low mechanical strength allows easy processing in virtually any geometry and size.

In addition, the specific surface of the material can be varied within a wide range by appropriate thermal and / or mechanical treatment.

It is further desirable that biomaterial disposed downstream of the filter material have a smaller average structure or particle size than biomaterial located upstream of the filter material.

In the downstream direction, the degree of contamination and the mean particle size of the pollutants decrease. In order nevertheless to achieve a further cleaning effect, this effect can be counteracted by a rising specific surface by a decreasing particle size, since with increasing specific surface the absorption / adsorption ability of the material increases.

Advantageously, the filter material is disposed in one or more intermediate filter layers, wherein the biomaterial is disposed upstream and downstream of the filter material.

Thereby, the filter material can be adapted specifically to the task as a core filter, while the biomaterial takes over the function of a prefilter, in the upstream arrangement, and that of a post-filter, in the downstream arrangement.

It is preferred if the biomaterial is provided on flow-through grates. For this purpose, air-permeable mats such as grid mats, perforated plates and the like can be used. If necessary, the filter material stored on these grates can be easily replaced.

The grates can also be provided between the respective layers of the biomaterial in order to be able to easily adapt the structure of the filter in accordance with the type and composition of the exhaust air by changing the layers. Above all, it is possible to replace the layers which have been most heavily contaminated in the course of cleaning the exhaust air, have lost their effectiveness by introducing foreign material or have already been greatly degraded by decomposition processes. A costly replacement of the entire biomaterial is thus superfluous, since only the affected layers can be exchanged separately.

It is also advantageous if in the biomaterial defined flow channels are provided for the exhaust air, which are arranged substantially parallel to the main flow direction of the exhaust air.

This ensures a well reproducible, clearly defined residence time spectrum for the exhaust air and reduces the pressure required to press the exhaust air through the filter. In this way, on the one hand, the efficiency of the cleaning operations is increased, and on the other hand, the energy expenditure for the operation of the filter is reduced.

It is preferred if the biomaterial is made of wood, in particular in the downstream region. In particular, the wood should be resin-free and may be, for example, beech, limewood or poplar wood.

Particularly suitable is the downstream biomaterial made of thin wood, for example made of Absperrfurnieren. In particular, plates with a thickness of 3 mm to 1 cm are suitable for this purpose. Also wooden boards of pallets can be used.

Particularly suitable above the downstream biomaterial moistening device is provided. The water discharged from the humidifier is efficiently taken up by the biomaterial, stored, and gradually released to the lower layers. Alternatively or additionally, a further moistening device may be provided in the upstream direction between the biomaterial and the filter material.

Due to the constant moistening by means of the moistening device, the downstream biomaterial is increasingly exposed to a weathering and decaying process and can be easily replaced by the arrangement on a separate grid if required. If emphasis is placed on longer usability, it is advantageous to manufacture the biomaterial stage from the very weather-resistant end grain. The moistening device may alternatively have permanently installed spray nozzles or nozzles arranged movably on a carriage. By a lateral movement of the carriage over the entire cross section of the filter, the filter and / or the biomaterial is evenly supplied with moisture or, if necessary, washed with a moistening system functioning as a washing device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter has an upstream settling chamber, which in particular has a water collecting tray.

In the settling chamber, the flow velocity of the supplied exhaust air is significantly reduced by their relatively large flow cross section, so that larger particles that are in the exhaust air can settle due to gravity and do not get into the filter.

The water sump serves to absorb excess moisture, which drips down. In particular, the lower section of the filter system can be designed as a washing device.

Particularly advantageously, the water collected in the drip tray is cleaned by a downstream sand filter of coarser impurities.

Subsequent to treatment with the sand filter, an ozone plant and / or a UV light system may be provided to further purify the water by oxidation of organic contaminants or by exposure to germicidal UV light.

The thus treated and purified water is capable of being supplied to the humidifier and re-entering the circuit.

Preferably, a vaccination device is provided with a pump which feeds acidic water into the circulation. Both acidic and organic acids are suitable for acidifying the water. In particular, inorganic mineral acids, such as sulfuric acid, are suitable as acidulants. Thus, the filter or biomaterial inoculated with acidic water and the ammonia discharged from the stable be neutralized. In addition to the neutralization of the alkaline and pungent smelling ammonia in the reaction with a protic acid, an ammonium salt, in the case of the use of sulfuric acid ammonium sulfate formed, which can be used as fertilizer on. For controlling the vaccination device, a control device with a pH sensor can be provided, which measures the pH value at various points in the filter and activates the vaccination device when a critical pH value is exceeded.

Furthermore, the settling chamber may have a floor rinse. With this soil rinse, the particles that have accumulated in the settling chamber, be removed and passed into a suitable container.

It is particularly advantageous if the bottom of the settling chamber is designed as an inclined plane. The opening to the water inlet is then on the raised side of the plane, while on the lower side there is an outlet. The sedimented particles are flushed away from the recessed water and fed through the outlet to a container.

It is also desirable that the exhaust air of the settling chamber is supplied from below.

The exhaust air supplied to the filter thereby experiences a change in the flow direction by at least 90 °. The particles contained in the flow are deposited by the centrifugal forces occurring in an increased degree in the settling chamber.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the filter according to the invention, the filter has at least one control device, for example as a fan or fan device for controlling the exhaust air supplied to the filter. With this blower or fan device, the volume of the exhaust air supplied to the filter, in particular depending on the present in the stable area temperature and / or the present concentration of organic impurities can be adjusted.

The volume flow is primarily temperature-controlled, ie the filter is operated at high temperature with a high volume flow and at low temperature with a low volume flow, with the pollutant concentration in addition can be considered far, as at a high concentration taking into account the limited capacity of the filter, a lower flow rate is advantageous, while at a low concentration of pollutants and a higher volume flow of exhaust air from the filter can be processed.

To measure the moisture content in the filter material, a humidity sensor can be used which is connected to and controls the humidification system. A uniform moistening of the filter material is essential for the absorption of pollutants in the filter material and for optimal activity of the microorganisms present in the filter material.

Furthermore, it is expedient if the filter is coated with a corrosion-resistant material, in particular with stainless steel. This allows the filter to be operated outdoors for extended periods of time.

It is also conceivable to line the filter with heat and the fan device with sound-insulating materials.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a schematic embodiment with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals designate the same elements.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a vertical cross section through a filter and a stable area.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of a filter module; FIG.

3 is a plan view of a filter module with comb structure. and

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a filter module with notches.

Various embodiments of the filter according to the invention are conceivable. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the filter 1 is connected to a stable 63 via a connecting section 65, which is roofed over by a roof 67. Between the stable 63 and the filter 1 is a fan 60. The fan 60 sucks air from the stall 63 into the filter inlet 13, which has a settling chamber 15.

Since the filter 1 forms a flow resistance, a pressure builds up in the settling chamber 15 and the filter inlet 13. In the intake air also larger particles, which are derived from the food of the animals, feathers or hair can be. Also dust is carried in the air. These particles may settle in the bottom of the settling chamber 15. The settling process of the particles is favored by two factors. On the one hand, the settling chamber 15 has a substantially larger flow cross-section than the filter inlet 13. The flow velocity is thereby significantly reduced and the particles have the opportunity to settle. Furthermore, the flow direction is deflected in each case by 90 ° at the transition from the filter inlet 13 into the settling chamber 15 and the transition from the settling chamber 15 into the filter 1, whereby the settling effect is assisted.

The filter material 10 consists of vertically embedded rigid foam plates with a comb structure, which lie close to each other in a parallel arrangement and are supported by a lower flow-through grate 33. Due to the comb structure of the rigid foam plates, vertical flow channels 12 are formed between the individual plates. This arrangement of rigid foam plates forms the first filter stage. This filter stage can be separated separately from other units of the filter if required. Inside the filter material 10 is a humidity sensor 11 for measuring the moisture present in the filter material 10. Adjacent to the filter material 10 is located in the downstream direction of a moistening device 20. The moistening device 20 is arranged in a gap 35.

The moistening device 20 has a carriage, which is horizontally movable by means of rollers in the intermediate space 35. On the carriage a scrubber nozzle tube is provided, which discharges water to the underlying filter material 10. By a periodic movement of the carriage in the horizontal direction over the entire width of the filter 1, a uniform humidification of the filter material 10 is ensured. The movement of the carriage is controlled semi or fully automatically, wherein the water discharge rate is controlled by the humidity sensor 11. The moistening device 20 is supplied with water via a water return line 50.

Subsequent to the moistening device 20, a second stage of the filter 1 with biomaterial 30 is provided.

The biomaterial 30 is formed from thin wood panels with notches arranged vertically. Through the notches on the thin wood plates flow channels 12 are formed in the vertical direction between the individual plates. This stage of biomaterial 30 is supported on a second air-permeable grate 37.

Above the biomaterial 30, at the filter exit 40, are spray nozzles 45 which are permanently installed and moisten the underlying biomaterial 30. The supply of the spray nozzles 45 via a water supply line 47th

The exhaust air entering the filter 1 from the settling chamber 15 flows through the filter material 10 made of hard foam within the flow channels 12, whereby due to the given porosity of the rigid foam 12 turbulences of the exhaust air form on the inner surface of the flow channels, which ensure a uniform mixing of the exhaust air , Within the pores on the inside of the flow channels 12 are the microorganisms which decompose adsorbed pollutant molecules.

The already pre-cleaned exhaust air in this way enters the further filter stage from biomaterial 30 and flows through this layer in the flow channels 12 formed therein. The surface roughness required for the turbulence of the exhaust air within the flow channels 12 is brought about by the roughness of the thin wood panels. Also in the provided in the biomaterial 30 flow channels 12 microorganisms are settled, which allow further degradation of organic contaminants. At the filter outlet 40, the largely odor-neutral, germ-free, filtered air exits and is released to the environment.

The grids 33, 37 provided between the layer of filter material 10 and the layer of biomaterial 30 are permeable to air and allow the exhaust air to flow through. In addition, with the help of the grates 33, 37, the individual layers can be exchanged separately. In the filter material 10 and the biomaterial 30 are microorganisms. These microorganisms are contained in commercially available substrates or liquids (so-called "bread drink") .The inoculation of the filter 1 with the microorganisms can then take place, for example, by sprinkling or pouring the substrates containing the microorganisms or the liquid from above into the filter 1.

Depending on the load of the filter 1, the inoculation with microorganisms can be repeated after a longer standstill, after certain time intervals or after a certain volume throughput. The microorganisms are able to absorb and convert the gases present in the exhaust air, such as methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide.

In addition, pathogens such as faecal bacteria or streptococci that are in the exhaust air can also be rendered harmless by the microorganisms. In addition to this microbiological purification is carried out by lowering the flow rate and by the two-fold change in the flow direction within the settling chamber 15 and a separation of larger particles. Through these two purification steps, that is, the mechanical cleaning by the settling process within the settling chamber 15 and the microbiological purification by the microorganisms, a far-reaching filtration of extracted from the stable 63 exhaust air, which can then be discharged to the environment without the environment with disturbing odors or pathogens.

Within the layer of filter material 10 or the layer of biomaterial 30 is a moisture sensor 11 which measures the moisture content within these layers and if necessary activates the moistening device 20 or the spray nozzles 45.

Another air sensor 18 may be provided within the stall 63, and measures the present air load of organic pollutants or larger particles.

Depending on the measured temperature or air load in the barn 63, the activity of the fan 60 is regulated, which sucks the exhaust air from the stall 63. As a result, legally stipulated limit values of pollutant concentrations in animal houses can be complied with. The moistening device 20 and the spray nozzles 45 distribute the moisture as homogeneously as possible from above onto the layer of filter material 10 or onto the layer of biomaterial 30. By means of gravity and capillary effects, the moisture is distributed into the regions lying further down.

A certain moisture content of the filter material 10 and the biomaterial 30 is essential in order to improve the absorptive capacity of the filter and to support the necessary mass transfer processes. Furthermore, many microorganisms rely on some moisture to maintain their population density. In addition, due to its high specific heat capacity, water is very well suited as a heat reservoir and compensates for any temperature gradients that may occur.

Not completely absorbed water is collected in the water collecting tray 17, which is located in the settling chamber 15. The accumulated in the water collecting tray 17 water is supplied to a sand filter 52 by means of a water return line 50. The amount of water supplied to the sand filter 52 is controlled by a valve 53. In the sand filter 52 coarser impurities, in particular larger particles from the stable air, which have settled in the settling chamber 15, recorded.

The prepurified water in this way enters an ozone system 57, which degrades organic impurities by oxidation of these substances or in particular kills anaerobic microorganisms by the action of free-radical oxygen. Subsequently, the water is further treated with a UV light system 58, which kills existing microorganisms and decomposes organic molecules by the high-energy UV radiation. Subsequently, the purified water is sufficiently treated and can be re-fed to the humidifier 20 to close the cycle. The hydraulic energy to maintain the water cycle is provided by a pump 55 whose activity determines the flow rate. The activity of the pump 55 is regulated by means of the humidity sensor 11 within the layer of filter material 10.

To protect against external mechanical and weather influences, the filter 1 is surrounded by a corrosion-resistant filter jacket 25 made of stainless steel. FIG. 2 shows the schematic structure of a filter module 70 on the basis of an enlarged plan view of a section of a module of the filter 1.

Between two supporting base plates 72 transverse plates 74 are provided in a parallel arrangement, which divide the space between the base plates 72 into individual flow channels 12. The material of the transverse plates 74 and the base plates 72 is different. While the base plates 72 are made of styrofoam or other foams, a wood material is selected for the transverse plates 74. The transverse plates 74 may also be made of plastics, in particular foam material or polystyrene. The respective selection of the individual materials depends in particular on the weight and cost aspects as well as on the surface roughness of the individual materials.

FIG. 3 shows, in an enlarged plan view, a further possible embodiment for a filter module 70 with a comb structure.

The individual flow channels 12 are formed by the spaces between the fins 84. The individual filter modules 70 may be in contact with each other or spaced apart. In this way, a very large surface is achieved, which is essential for the adsorption capacity and the efficiency of the filter 1. For the comb structures are particularly the so-called end grain or easily processed rigid foams.

4 shows an enlarged plan view of another possible embodiment of a filter module 70.

In this case, the filter plates 80 have on their surface notches 84 with a depth of a few mm. The flow channels 12 are formed by juxtaposition of the individual filter plates 80. It is possible, the individual notches 84 of the filter plates 80 offset from each other to order. In this way, a greater density of flow channels 12 is formed. Such notches 84 can be easily produced with common milling equipment.

Claims

Weber & Heim 19 T D-81479T Münche 3nGerman Patent Attorneys Tel. + 49- (0) 89799047European Patent Attorneys Fax + 49- (0) 897915256European Trademark Attorneys mail@weber-heim.deH 861PATENTIAL CLAIMS

1. A filter for cleaning exhaust air formed in biological degradation processes, the filter having filter material (10) and a humidifying device (20) is provided, characterized in that in the filter material (10) defined flow channels (12) are provided for the exhaust air, which are arranged substantially parallel to the main flow direction of the exhaust air.

2. Filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter material (10) comprises plastics.

3. Filter according to claim 2, characterized in that the plastics are foams.

4. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter material (10) is arranged as a layer or in several layers.

5. Filter according to claim 4, characterized in that the layers of filter material (10) differ in terms of the number and / or the average cross section of the flow channels (12).

6. Filter according to claim 5, characterized in that the layers of filter material (10) in the flow direction an increasing number of flow channels (12) and / or a decreasing cross-section of the flow channels (12).

7. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filter material (10) is provided on flow-through grates (33, 37).

8. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter is inoculated with microorganisms or treated with protein-containing substances.

9. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the filter material (10) biomaterial (30).

10. Filter according to claim 9, characterized in that the biomaterial (30) comprises at least one natural polymer.

11. Filter according to claim 10, characterized in that the biomaterial (30) comprises wood or bamboo or other materials of renewable resources.

12. Filter according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the biomaterial (30) in one or more layers downstream and / or upstream of the plastics material having filter material (10) is arranged.

13. A filter according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that downstream of the plastics-containing filter material (10) arranged biomaterial (30) has a smaller average structure or particle size than upstream of the plastics-containing filter material (10) arranged biomaterial (30).

14. Filter according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the plastics material-containing filter material (10) is arranged in one or more intermediate filter layers, and upstream and downstream of the plastics-containing filter material (10) biomaterial (30) is arranged.

15. Filter according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in the biomaterial (30) defined flow channels (12) are provided for the exhaust air, which are arranged substantially parallel to the main flow direction of the exhaust air.

16. Filter according to claim 15, characterized in that the flow channels (12) in a downstream of the plastics material having filter material (10) arranged biomaterial (30) have a smaller average diameter than the flow channels (12) of the plastics-containing filter material (10).

17. Filter according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the biomaterial (30) is provided on flow-through grates (33, 37).

18. Filter according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that an upstream settling chamber (15) is provided, which in particular has a water collecting tray (17).

19. Filter according to claim 18, characterized in that the exhaust air of the settling chamber (15) is supplied from below.

20. Filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device is provided for supplying the exhaust air to the filter.

21. Filter according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that for filtering the water collected in the water collecting trough (17) a water filter (52) is provided.

22. Filter according to claim 21, characterized in that an ozone system (57) and / or a UV light system (58) is provided for treating the collected water.

23. Filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter has a vaccination device with a pump for seeding the filter material (10) and / or biomaterial (30) with acidic, especially sulfuric acid water.

24. Filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter material (10) and / or the biomaterial (30) in addition to the defined flow channels (12) has transverse channels.

25. Filter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the defined flow channels (12) are formed wave-shaped in the main flow direction.