| abstract |
The invention relates to a bioreactor which is used for the oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) and which takes the form of a cylindrical container having a lower feed inlet and an upper effluent outlet. Said container houses an internal structure in which a series of cylindrical mesh tubes are connected by means of guide rods. Said cylindrical tubes contain independent polyurethane foam (or other elastomer polymer) units in which the micro-organisms are immobilised. Said internal structure, which is fixed to the container by means of a cover, can be removed from said container and, owing to its design, the cylindrical tubes can be handled independently for colonisation purposes, repair purposes, etc. Furthermore, the inventive reactor comprises aeration and thermostat control elements. Said reactor can be used in a procedure for eliminating hydrogen sulphide (H2S) present in biogas flows. In said procedure, the gas is washed with ferric sulphate, thereby oxidising the H2S to elemental sulphur and producing ferrous sulphate. In order to recover the ferric sulphate from the ferrous sulphate, the bioreactor containing immobilised iron-oxidising micro-organisms, such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, is used. |