Biofiltration is a technology widely used in the wastewater treatment, manufacturing, and coating application industries as an effective neutralizer of odorous and polluted air or “off-gas”. Typically, odorous off-gas, such as that produced by a wastewater treatment facility, is blown underneath a bed of “media” containing an appropriate biological material. As the air passes through the media, the biological material reacts with and degrades the pollutants in the off-gas to produce clean air. The clean air is then released into the atmosphere as it rises from the filter media. The concept of blowing off-gas through a biofilter to remove pollutants is simple, however the biofilter itself requires testing and regular maintenance to achieve optimum performance across it’s life cycle. One of the most important elements of biofilter performance is the distribution and consistency of the off-gas as it passes through the filter media.

Why is airflow so important?

It is essential for biofilters to maintain a certain level of moisture to preserve the biological filter material within it. Having a moisture level outside of the desired range can greatly reduce or eliminate the biological material’s ability to neutralize pollutants. Of course, the airflow characteristics of the off-gas as it is blown through the biofilter has a direct impact on moisture level. Typically, in an effort to maintain optimum moisture level, the flow rate and moisture rate of the off-gas is controlled and optimized before it reaches the media. While this is essential, it is only part of the equation. Less easily controlled, yet equally important, is the distribution of the off-gas as it is pushed through the filter. Ideally, an even and consistent airflow throughout the biofilter will yield the best results. Off-gas will be exposed to the entire content of the biofilter, both maximizing the filter’s efficiency and maintaining an even moisture level throughout the media. On the other hand, when airflow is inconsistent and flowing at a higher rate in a concentrated area of the biofilter, there is a risk of drying out the media in that area and severely reducing efficiency.

What causes uneven airflow?

As biofilters age, their performance and airflow characteristics change. Typically, media is suspended on a sturdy elevated sub structure which is perforated with slits or holes. These holes are small enough to support the larger filter media resting on top of it, but large enough to allow off-gas to pass up from underneath the structure and into the media. Over time, media material breaks down into smaller pieces and begins to fall and clog these openings. As the problem worsens, airflow becomes restricted and air distribution less consistent. The result is increased airflow in concentrated areas, dried out media, and less efficiency. Poor airflow can also be caused by a breakdown of the substructure itself.  The air and media in a biofilter can often be or become acidic and slowly break down the structure. As integrity declines, it is not uncommon to have failures or collapses which can seriously restrict airflow.

Uneven airflow is not only caused by aging. In fact, one of the most important times to test for even airflow is after the initial install of the biofilter and after any replacement or adjustment of the media. The bed thickness, particle size, and compaction level of the biofilter media all play an important role in airflow. Just because the filter media looks level does not mean all of these factors are perfectly consistent throughout the filter. Testing must be done and adjustments may be required to achieve maximum efficiency.

How to test biofilter airflow

The easiest way to test for even airflow in a biofilter is to perform a smoke test. A smoke test is a simple and inexpensive way to visually confirm that air is moving evenly and consistently throughout the media

Find structural faults and leaks in vehicle cabs

Heavy machinery is under constant stress, it is important to test regularly for structural fatigue, damage, and infiltration. Our smokes will immediately fill the cab of your machine and quickly reveal structural cracks, faults and any sources of gas or water infiltration.  Used widely throughout the mining industry and by operators and manufacturers of heavy machinery, smoke testing is a proven effective, fast, and amazingly affordable procedure.

Burn some newspaper, or use a blowtorch to establish a flue draw. Ignite smoke generator according to instructions. When smoke begins rising from top of chimney, seal the top and base of the flue. Close all doors, ash pit covers and vents. Do not seal flue if it is to be used with a gas appliance. Check all sides for leakage, including areas around windows near the chimney, and roof space areas.

The Most Realistic Smoke for Fire Training

Smoke Generators and Smoke Machines are safe and effective tools for simulating the confusion and danger of a real fire. Regular drills with training smoke teach firefighters and other first responders to avoid disorientation, improve efficiency, and minimize panic – enabling them to concentrate on fighting fires and making rescues.

here are a lot of options out there when selecting a Smoke Machine – many companies offer low grade “consumer” or “theatrical” machines that rarely last a season, while others sell overpriced machines with useless bells & whistles that are out of reach for all but the largest fire departments. In the end what really matters is Smoke Output, Reliability, and Price. Our EGX18 are perfect for this.

Smoke testing effectively and inexpensively reveals leaks and other faults in heat­ing and air conditioning duct work. The Superior method of generating smoke by chemical reaction eliminates costly equipment and time consuming operations in pinpointing HVAC leaks.

Smoke testing has eliminated the need for tedious and time consuming soaping techniques. When smoke testing HVAC systems, smoke is traditionally introduced through the system intake.

Did you ever wish you had a rand for every time a customer asked you about an annoying odour on their property? Well, you can get a lot more than a couple of rands

if you know how to find the source of that odor quickly and professionally. The solution to this problem is smoke testing! Although there are hundreds of sewer and septic service professionals regularly performing plumbing smoke tests, it is surprising how many contractors have yet to discover this quick, inexpensive, and effective test.

Find sources of Odor:

Anywhere a smell can go, the smoke will go too. In minutes a plumbing smoke test will reveal sources and causes of odor that might take days to find any other way.

Find plumbing faults:

Plumbing smoke tests reveal cracked or broken pipes, leaks, bad connections, improper venting, open pipes or fittings, dry traps, etc.

Test new plumbing:

As your primary test, or as a secondary test to locate the leak, a plumbing smoke test is fast and easy.

Find Sources of Inflow & Infiltration Fast!

Sewer smoke testing is the most cost effective method to find sources of surface water inflow & infiltration – the leading cause of wet weather SSO’s. Fast and easy to do, smoke testing produces immediate results that can be acted on quickly – often at minimal expense to the municipality.

Common sources of sewer inflow & infiltration include:

Need to train with smoke but don’t want to spend a fortune? Our Smoke Generators are unmatched in performance, reliability, and value. Our professional grade smoke generators come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Our products are popular in both the Military and Police communities and are sure to meet your specific training needs at a great value.

Fast & Effective Trailer Leak Detection

Leaks in trailers and cargo containers can result in water infiltration, damaged cargo, and wasted energy.

You can easily pinpoint even the smallest trailer and container leaks in minutes!

There are literally hundreds of applications for smoke. Some examples include:

• Model Aircraft
• Skydiving
• Atrium Testing & Smoke Control Systems
• Greenhouse Leak Testing
• Motion Picture Special Effects
• Still Photography Special Effects
• Agricultural Pathology
• Wind Tunnel Testing
• Law Enforcement

• Military Training
• IED Simulation
• Location Signal for Sportsmen
• Animal & Pest Abatement
• Radon Mitigation
• Pond Liner Testing
• Roof Testing
• Smoke Alarm Testing
• Aircraft and Glider Aerobatics