BIOCONSERVACION S.A.U.– C/ Vapor 12. P.I. El Regàs 08850 Gavà (Barcelona), Spain
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Avocado is a fruit that is considered a superfood also called "green gold" and has an increasingly widespread use making the export industry grow exponentially. Global avocado production is expected to reach 12 million tons by 2030, 3 times more than in 2010, according to data from Rabobank. One of the biggest logistical challenges is to ensure that the product arrives in the best conditions and without shrinkage. Thus, ensuring the good condition of the cargo during transit becomes a priority. Once harvested, avocados emit ethylene, which accumulates in storage chambers and transport containers. Some of the effects of ethylene on avocados are: - Accelerated ripening and overripening - Softening and skin color change. - Increased avocado respiration - Increased incidence of chilling injury (vascular and pulp discoloration). - Increased incidence of rots and fungal infections (anthracnose and terminal purple rot). - Reduced lot homogeneity At BION we have the technology and the product to solve this need. The combined use of controlled atmosphere and ethylene absorption technology is the best solution to minimize production loss and extend avocado shelf life. The use of ETHYL STOPPER sachets and TRANSPROTECKT BION filters, allows the product's properties to be maintained and the shelf life to be extended. As these products do not directly touch the fruit, they are compatible with organic farming.
READ MORE »There are three commonly used technologies for the prevention and control of odor gases: 1: chemical scrubbing The chemical scrubbing treatment system consists of passing the gas through scrubbing towers where air/water/reagent contact takes place. In chemical scrubbing, an acidic or basic chemical solution is injected into the system from the top, passing through the flow of the gas, and is then recovered at the bottom of the tower for recovery and recirculation. The gaseous compounds are retained in the chemical solution which must be replaced periodically. This technology has a high operating cost and a high risk associated because of the handling of this kind of chemicals. 2: filtration with solid adsorbents There are different types of solid adsorbents for odor removal, the most common is activated carbon. The gas passes through tanks containing the adsorbent media. The adsorbent media and its ability to remove odorous gases can vary depending on: - The porous structure of the base material (activated carbon, natural clays). - The chemical impregnation of the agents that cause the adsorbent media to react with specific gaseous contaminants to retain them or convert them into non-odorous ones. Activated carbon filtration is a technology with a low initial investment cost, which does not require qualified personnel for its operation, which makes its use extensive. The installation of covers in different areas of the wastewater or sewage treatment plant (pretreatment, thickeners, sludge storage, decanter channels (1st and 2nd), allow to mitigate the dispersion of odorous gases and to channel the air flow towards a tank with adsorbent media that allows the filtration of odor causing compounds (H2S, ammonia, sulfides, mercaptans, VOCs). BION offer solutions consisting of adsorbent media or chemical filter media (https://www.bioconservacion.com/chemical-filtration-media). These solutions include virgin activated carbon and other adsorbent chemical media that effectively remove odor gases generated in a WWTP even better and more efficiently than activated carbon solutions. 3: advanced biofiltration (biofilters) The biofiltration deodorization process is based on the action of microorganisms capable of decomposing odorous compounds. They are effective when it is necessary to remove high concentrations of odor compounds or to treat large air flows. The operating cost is minimal. But microorganisms are sensitive to atmospheric conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Also need a constant supply to survive. It can be affected by process stoppages or decreases in the concentration of the compounds reaching the filter. Each of these systems has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The most appropriate technology will depend, to a large extent, on the type of gaseous effluent to be treated.
READ MORE »The sick building syndrome is a set of discomforts and diseases caused by multiple causes such as poor ventilation, suspended particles, gases and vapors of chemical origin and aerosols, among others. The WHO defines it as the set of diseases caused or stimulated by air pollution in enclosed spaces. The effects on human health associated with the sick building syndrome include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Headaches, migraine, dizziness and fatigue. Respiratory discomfort. Symptoms tend to increase with increasing time spent in the building and disappear when not inhabited. In this way, Sick Building Syndrome causes a substantial alteration of work performance and interpersonal relationships, as well as a considerable loss of productivity. Some of the gases that cause this syndrome come from common construction materials, furniture, textile materials, paints, wallpapers, floors and even cleaning products, air fresheners and deodorizers. Some of the most common gases present are: Formaldehydes α-pinenes VOC's Tetrachloroethylene Acetones Etc. In BION we have a wide range of medias that are able to eliminate practically 100% of these gases and ensure a good Indoor Air Quality. BIOGRAPHY https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality#note3 https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality https://www.wondermakers.com/Portals/0/docs/Sick%20building%20syndrome%20by%20WHO.pdf
READ MORE »We live in a world where pollution constantly surrounds us. There are a multitude of polluting gases both outdoors and indoors that affect us in an invisible way. Pollution from outside can cause serious respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, cough, lung cancer, asthma, etc. and cardiovascular diseases among others. What is not so commonly known is that inside homes and buildings can also have an environment 5 to 10 times more polluted than outside, according to the WHO. Currently, people living in urban environments in industrialized countries spend up to 90% of their time indoors. These data reveal that it is necessary to have good air quality in closed environments and thus avoid the discomforts generated and stimulated by poor air quality. Some of the most common consequences are headaches, dizziness, nausea, persistent colds, irritation of the respiratory tract, etc. On the other hand, living in buildings with adequate indoor environmental quality can bring great benefits: - Increasing environmental comfort - Increased productivity - Decrease short-term sick leave - Reducing viruses and bacteria in the environment - Reducing the risk of respiratory disease contagion - Decrease the risk of allergic sensitization. Fortunately, technology makes it possible to actively treat bacteria, pollution and many of the pollutant gases present. BION as an expert in gas filtration focuses its knowledge and commercial offer on the elimination or treatment of the most common gases present in environmental pollution. Target Gas Indoors Formaldehyde α-pinene VOCs (medium and high molecular weight) Tetrachoroenthylene Acetone Outdoors SOx NOx Ozone VOCs (medium and high molecular weight Our solutions can be applied as a complement in particulate filtration technologies, from an individual level in non-professional refrigeration systems to large installations in residential buildings, commercial centers and civil buildings.
READ MORE »The blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a fruit highly appreciated for its intense flavor and color in the gastronomy of many countries. It is a climacteric fruit that surprisingly behaves like a non-climacteric fruit. This is because, once harvested, its respiration rate drops considerably. Blueberries are usually transported and marketed in micro-perforated clamshell boxes to avoid bruising and crush damage. One of the most common diseases affecting blueberries is the botrytis fungus, which directly affects the softening of the skin, causing extensive damage to the fruit. The botrytis fungus (botrytis cinerea) or gray mold is present in the harvest field although it becomes evident in the post-harvest stage. Benefits of using FUNGI STOP on blueberries INCREASES THE SHELF LIFE OF BLUEBERRIES. REDUCES THE PRESENCE OF FUNGI: Fungi Stop works as a biological filter reducing the population of Botrytis spores suspended in the environment. STOPS BLUEBERRY SENESCENCE: Due to the ethylene adsorption capabilities of BION's Fungi Stop media, senescence is not induced and blueberry skin weakening is stopped. GREATER FIRMNESS: Fungi Stop keeps the fruit firmer and more resistant by preventing botrytis fungus from penetrating the blueberry skin. CHEMICAL ADDITIVE FREE TECHNOLOGY: It is a chemical additive free technology that avoids the use of synthetic agrochemicals, making it safe and suitable for organic products. For more information about FUNGI STOP and our post-harvest sachets visit: https://www.bioconservacion.com/postharvest-sachets
READ MORE »Most fruits ripen due to the action of ethylene. Ethylene is the hormone known as "the ripening hormone". It is produced naturally in fruits causing the color, firmness, flavor and characteristic aromas of each fruit to change. However, once the fruit or vegetable has been collected, ethylene does not act in the same way in all cases. Depending on how ethylene intervenes on fruits, they are classified into two typologies: Climacteric fruits have the capacity to continue ripening once separated from the plant. They are also characterized by a rapid increase in the rate of respiration and ethylene release. The most common examples of climacteric fruit are: apples, pears, tomato, custard apple, avocado, banana, mango, papaya, kiwi,.... Non-climacteric fruits, on the other hand, undergo a gradual and continuous ripening process. Once collected, they do not ripen by themselves, so it is important to collect them at the right moment of ripening. Ethylene, in this case, acts in a way that accelerates fruit degradation and senescence. Some non-climacteric fruits are: cherries, citrus fruits, red fruits, cucumber, pineapple, litchi, ... In BION we have been working for 25 years hand in hand with producers and exporters of these fruits and thanks to the accumulated experience we have designed two formulas that allow us to stop in a natural way the effects of ethylene on the fruit. ETHYL STOPPER has been designed and formulated to control ethylene and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) in climacteric fruits. FUNGI STOP is specially designed and formulated to keep climacteric fruits free of fungi and bacteria. All our post-harvest formulations are safe and suitable for organic crop products. They provide permanent protection to the crop from the moment of cultivation to the final destination, maintaining the #air chain and protecting the agents involved from production losses. They can be found in different formats, adapting to the needs of our customers. Sachet Filter ETH Equipment At BION we are experts in maintaining the air chain.
READ MORE »Odour treatment in sewage tunnel ventilation ducts Case Study: Izmir Wastewater Plant (Turkey) Project Description BION's distributor for municipal, biogas and odor treatment applications in Turkey, Biotek, has recently won a contract to supply equipment and filter media for odor abatement from ventilation ducts in wastewater tunnels in the municipality of Izmir, managed by IZSU. These tunnels are used to remove stale air in subway areas and replace it with fresh air, and are common in mines and wastewater plants. A wide variety of malodorous contaminants are present in these gases. Depending on the O2 content and the turnover rate, the compounds present can range from aldehydes, ketones or inorganic compounds such as NH3 or H2S, to the really problematic ones from anoxic processes such as dimethylsulfide, dimethyldisulfide, mercaptans, especially problematic because of low detection levels. The ventilation duct is 3.6 m in diameter. There are two aeration shafts in the tunnel, whose dimensions are 2.5x4 m and are closed with AISI 316L lids. The gas stream is passed through a tank packed with filter media in order to release contaminant-free air. Odour problems generally appear between August and September. Characterization of the gas stream Biotek analyzed the composition of the vent effluent in order to find the most accurate solution in terms of filter media selection. The results revealed H2S concentrations and NH3 concentrations in the range of 1 to 5 ppmv, O2 content around 20% v v-1, while CO2 was measured at lower levels than in air. Interestingly, CH4 was measured at concentrations of about 0.5% v v-1, which may indicate a lack of O2 in certain areas of the duct. Solution After studying the composition and concentration of the odorous stream, as well as the design of the installation, Biotek with advice from BION, suggested the following proposal for tanks and filter media: - BION ACPA in the bottom layer to remove NH3. - Mixture of BIONSIGMA and BIONISORB to remove H2S and low molecular weight volatile organic compounds. It is important to note that the proposed solution has a higher capacity due to the presence of O2, which helps the BIONSIGMA to self-regenerate, prolonging the autonomy of the unit. Descriptions of the filter media BION ACPA is an adsorbent media impregnated with phosphoric acid. It has been widely used in applications involving odors and irritating gases associated with printers, fertilizers, cleaning products, urine and fish processing. BION ISORB is designed to successfully target a wide range of gases. It is especially recommended for the control of acid gases, nitrogen containing compounds, sulfur compounds and low molecular weight gases. BIONISORB uses a combination of two processes for contaminant removal. One of a physical nature, trapping the molecules inside the pellet due to its large internal surface area and a second by chemical oxidation. The oxidized gases are converted into harmless products. A particularity of BIONISORB is that it maintains its effectiveness even in the treatment of streams with relative humidity contents above 95%. This filter media is commonly used in applications such as wastewater treatment plants, pulp and paper plants, airports, chemical plants, refineries or laser cutting and engraving plants. BION SIGMA is a filter media especially suitable for H2S adsorption, consisting of an extruded pellet composed of a porous material and Fe(OH)3 iron hydroxide. Hydrogen sulfide is removed from the gas stream according to the following reaction: 2 Fe(OH)3 + 3 H2S ® 2 FeS + 1/8 S8 + 6 H2O The generation of ferrous sulfide, FeS, changes the original color of the pellet from yellowish to blackish, indicating that the media has been consumed. Once exhausted, the media can be regenerated with air and the following reaction takes place: 2 FeS + 3/2 O2 + 3 H2O ® 2 Fe (OH)3 + 1/4 S8. No H2S is released during the regeneration process. Considering that one cycle is defined as the completion of these two reactions, BIONSIGMA can undergo at least 10 cycles before its total exhaustion, each cycle results in the removal of 45 mg H2S per gram of BIONSIGMA which means that the total removal capacity is approximately 450 mg H2S / g of filter media. In the absence of oxygen, BIONSIGMA shows a higher H2S adsorption capacity than a caustic impregnated activated carbon. On the other hand, the spent activated carbon cannot be regenerated and must therefore be discarded after a single cycle. The main application of BIONSIGMA is the removal of H2S in gas streams under anaerobic conditions, e.g. for biogas desulfurization. However, depending on the O2 content, BIONSIGMA can be used for the treatment of low H2S concentrations, as in this application, where the depletion and regeneration processes take place at the same time.
READ MORE »Controlling odor problems in sewage collectors and wastewater treatment plants is currently one of the main objectives to reduce and prevent potential problems related to worker safety and minimize the negative social perception that odor problems can generate. The main sources of odor generation in WWTPs are the phases in anaerobic conditions, where the lack of oxygen favors the development of sulfate-reducing bacteria that use the sulfates present in the system and reduce them to H2S, in collectors and pumping stations. BIOCONSERVACION recently signed a contract with SIMTEJO (Grupo Águas de Portugal) for the replacement of filter media in several pumping stations located in Lisbon (Portugal). The objective of the project was to reduce H2S levels below 1 ppmv. SIMTEJO is a reference company in Portugal whose main strategic objective is to control the pollution of water resources. Therefore, the collection and treatment of pollutants generated in domestic and industrial activities, the protection of water resources and the guarantee that water returns to nature free of pollutants are its main objectives. SIMTEJO aims to contribute to the well-being of about 1.5 million people in a geographical area of 1000 km2. Pumping station characteristics All the pumping stations present a spectrum of pollutants very similar in type and concentration, which are notably increased during the summer season. - The pumping stations are installed outdoors, with the exception of some that are underground due to their sensitive urban location. - The purification systems that have been implemented are basically standard upflow reactors. However, in some pumping stations, where higher flows are treated, Split type reactors have been installed in order to achieve better performance. Characterization of emissions in pumping stations Emissions generated in pumping stations normally contain a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), H2S concentrations in the range of 10-30 ppmv, as well as other pollutants such as NH3 or mercaptans among others, depending on the nature of the wastewater. Occasionally, H2S concentration peaks of up to 100-200 ppmv can be measured. The objective is to reduce H2S concentration levels below 1 ppmv, as well as the rest of the malodorous contaminants. Solution Considering the nature of the emissions we are dealing with, BION carb OX was chosen as the most suitable media for the case, due to a number of advantages: - BION Carb OX consists of a combination of very high quality wood activated carbon and a unique blend of inorganic catalytic phases, which enables an extraordinarily high H2S adsorption capacity to be achieved (80 kg H2S/100 kg BION Carb OX). - Unlike other products, BION Carb OX does not convert H2S to sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which could lead to corrosion problems in equipment and make it difficult to dispose of the waste generated. - Instead, the active centers of the metal oxides in BION Carb OX catalytically convert H2S to sulfur (S). The sulfur then migrates and accumulates in the micropores of the activated carbon. Consequently, the metal oxides are again available to oxidize new H2S molecules. - BION Carb OX also performs very well in the removal of other acid gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) or hydrogen chloride (HCl). In addition, it is a remarkably effective means of removing some VOCs that may be present in the gas stream to be treated. - Unlike in the case of impregnated coals, the presence of high concentrations of CO2 does not affect the H2S absorption capacity. - Minimization of the risk of fire, due to the very high ignition temperature of the product (420 ºC). In summary, BION Carb OX is an ideal product for use in wastewater treatment plants due to its high H2S adsorption capacity, as well as its good performance with other malodorous compounds such as methyl mercaptan and some VOCs. Other applications include refineries, paper industry, pumping stations and sludge tanks. In-service media evaluation BION continues to work with the end customer after the solution has been implemented and verifies the result. By evaluating the remaining capacity of the media it is possible to re-optimize the process in order to obtain the maximum profitability of the installation. Moreover, BION tracks the evolution of several key operating parameters by means of versatile sensors that can be easily placed in the reactors. With the data collected, BION is able to re-adapt and re-optimize the process on a facility-specific basis. This strengthens the customer-supplier relationship, which results in technical improvements to the facility itself.
READ MORE »Project Description BION has recently been awarded the supply of high capacity odour removal filter media for two deodorization systems at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC) is located in the east end of the city, right next to the Ottawa River. Using an extensive sewer network, it collects all wastewater from urban and industrial areas between Stittsville, Orleans and Manotick. The ROPEC WWTP treats an average of 390 million liters of wastewater per day, generating 39 tons of dry biosolids per day, which are used as agricultural fertilizer. The ROPEC treatment plant has a significant number of carbon-packed tanks to purify all the polluted streams generated in different areas of the plant. They are all vertical fixed beds, packed with filtering granules supported on fiber-reinforced plastic grids (Figure 1). The media tanks were originally designed for in situ regeneration (using water and caustic solutions). However, regeneration is an arduous process and the filter media tended to lose, on average, 70% of its initial capacity. In order to obtain an optimal solution, the City of Ottawa launched a tender for the supply of activated carbon, determining a number of criteria (capacity, odor removal efficiency, surface area, pore size distribution, bulk density, etc...). After evaluating all the bidders, Chemco Inc, Bioconservacion's Canadian distributor, was awarded the contract to supply the replacement filter granules for the deodorization of the Pretreatment zone (grids) and Biosolids. Characterization of Wastewater Treatment Plant Emissions Typical gaseous emissions at a WWTP include a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), H2S at concentrations between 10 - 50 ppmv, reduced sulfur compounds and other pollutants such as NH3 or mercaptans among others. Depending on the nature of the wastewater and the area of the plant, the concentration of the contaminants can vary in composition and concentration. The objective of this project was to reduce H2S concentration levels to concentrations below 1 ppmv, as well as decreasing concentrations of the other odorous pollutants. The ROPEC WWTP deodorization tanks can be divided into three main areas, where the composition of the streams is assumed to be similar. This consideration was carried out assuming a relative humidity of at least 90% and a temperature between 10 - 30 ° C. The areas considered and the requirements of the granulates without the following: Pretreatment Zones: require granulates with high capacity for the removal of H2S, reduced sulfur compounds (mainly DMS, DMDS, MM) and a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Biosolids Zone: requires granulates with high affinity for H2S, reduced sulfur compounds (mainly DMS, DMDS, MM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia / amines. Solution After studying the composition and concentration of the flows to be treated, as well as the design of existing facilities, Bioconservacion proposes the following solution: - Pretreatment zones: 100% BION Carb OX. - Biosolids Zone: 75% BION Carb OX and 25% BION ACPA. It is important to note that the proposed solution does not require any regeneration, which simplifies the operation of the purification systems. Description of the filtering granulates: BION ACPA consists of a carbon impregnated with an acidic compound for the reduction of basic contaminants, such as ammonia or amines. BION carb OX consists of a high quality wood activated carbon and a unique blend of inorganic catalytic phases, which allows an extraordinarily high H2S adsorption capacity up to values of 80% w/w (80 kg H2S/half kg 100). Compared to other products, BION carb Ox does not convert H2S into sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which could cause corrosion problems in equipment. The active metal oxide centers of BION Carb OX convert H2S into sulfur (S). This sulfur subsequently migrates and accumulates in the micropores of the activated carbon. As a result, the metal oxides are again available to oxidize new H2S molecules. BION carb OX achieves very effective results in the removal of other acid gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). In addition, it is a very effective granulate for the removal of volatile organic compounds, which are most likely to be found in the gas stream to be treated. Unlike other impregnated carbons, the high H2S adsorption capacity is not affected, even in the presence of high CO2 levels. In addition, it has a high ignition temperature (420 ºC), which minimizes the risk of bed fire. Thanks to these advantages, BION carb OX filter granules are ideal for use in wastewater treatment plants due to their high H2S removal efficiency, as well as their affinity for other typical malodorous compounds such as mercaptans and a wide range of volatile organic compounds. Other applications where this granulate can be used are: refineries, pulp and paper mills, pumping stations, sludge storage tanks, composting facilities, etc. Performance evaluation BION offers a customized service through a close relationship with our partners and end customers, which continues once the solution has been implemented. Chemco and Bioconservacion visit this plant once the contract has been awarded, before the supply of the filter granulates and during the changeover, in order to witness the installation and answer any questions that may arise. BION also offers the service of performing a remaining life analysis of the filtering granulates, halfway through their estimated life, in order to optimize the replacement of the granulate mix, in the event that the actual working conditions differ from the initial ones taken into account in the characterization.
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