The science behind GES Biotek’s Cell-Max™ and Enhanced Cell-Max™ odor control media are their biological odor control systems. Specifically, we're talking about the roles of two essential types of bacteria: Autotrophic and Heterotrophic. Their distinct biochemical processes are key to effective odor removal.
- Autotrophic Bacteria: Think of these bacteria as the “solar panels” of odor control. They don’t require organic food; instead, they capture energy from inorganic sources, much like solar panels capture sunlight. In odor control, autotrophs use hydrogen sulfide as their energy source, converting it into harmless byproducts and carbon dioxide, which they utilize as a carbon source to build and maintain cell material. Our Cell-Max™ media supports an autotrophic ecosystem, optimized to target these compounds.
- Heterotrophic Bacteria: Acting as the “recyclers” or “composters” of the system, heterotrophic bacteria require organic material to thrive. They break down odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — such as Methyl Mercaptan, Ethyl Mercaptan, and Dimethyl Sulfide — into simpler, odorless compounds. Similar to composters converting kitchen scraps into fertile soil, these bacteria decompose complex odor-rich organics into harmless byproducts. Our Enhanced Cell-Max™ media is designed to support this heterotrophic ecosystem.
Understanding the specific roles of these bacteria in biological odor systems is essential to selecting the right solution for your facility.
Understanding GES Biotek Media
Cell-Max™ and Enhanced Cell-Max™ media are built upon the same durable, lightweight, and chemically resistant substrate, which serves as an integral part of the ecosystem for bacteria growth. The main difference between the two media is their use of either autotrophic or heterotrophic bacterial ecosystems.
Cell-Max™ (autotrophic) media is ideal for treating extremely high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), especially in a low-pH environment.
Enhanced Cell-Max™ (heterotrophic) is well suited to treat more complex, high molecular weight organic odorous compounds — such as mercaptans, methyl and ethyl sulfides, and amines — as well as low levels of H2S.
Below is a brief description of how the products work:
- Pressure Drop Plateau: Once the media bed is established and microorganisms have formed colonies, the pressure drop across the biofiltration system stabilizes. This indicates that the system has reached a point of equilibrium regarding its filtration efficiency.
- Fluctuations in Pollutant Concentrations: Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan concentrations in the gas stream can vary over time. These fluctuations lead to changes in the population of microorganisms within the media bed.
- Microorganism Activity: As pollutant concentrations increase, microorganisms responsible for pollutant removal will proliferate. Conversely, when pollutant concentrations decrease, some microorganisms will die off.
- Biomass Accumulation: Over time, as microorganisms continue to grow and die off in response to pollutant fluctuations, sufficient biomass accumulates within the media bed. This biomass is essential for the biological removal of pollutants from the gas stream.
- Operating Pressure Drop: Over time, variations in microorganism growth may increase the operating pressure drop in the biofiltration system. The two main factors influencing this increase are the duration the media bed is in operation and the degree of fluctuations in hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan concentrations.
- Media Kernel Durability: The media kernel is impervious to the biofiltration environment. This means that it doesn’t break down or contribute to an increase in the pressure drop over time. This is an advantage compared to other biofiltration systems where some components will deteriorate.
Summary
The behavior of the Cell-Max™ and Enhanced Cell-Max™ media in a biofiltration system is influenced by the growth and death of microorganisms in response to fluctuations in pollutant concentrations. The key factor affecting the operating pressure drop is the duration of operation and the extent of pollutant concentration fluctuations during the media bed’s lifetime.
GES Biotek understands the specific roles of these bacteria in biological odor systems. We are always available to provide site-specific media selection and design support. Contact us now to create the ideal odor control environment tailored to your application needs.