Bpi.industrial is now using oysters to eliminate the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it releases into the atmosphere. Its Ardeer production site on the west coast of Scotland currently employs a prototype, oyster-based bio-filter.
The principle behind this filter is quite simple: VOCs emitted from bpi.industrial's printing process are pumped into a series of large containers half filled with oysters before being forced through these mollusc beds with the help of a water spray. Harmless bacteria, which naturally live on the oyster shells, then feed on the VOCs, allowing cleansed air to be exhausted to the atmosphere.
Previously, bpi.industrial had used mussels in the filter. These fulfilled the same function but it was discovered after an extended period of time, that the mussel shells would begin to collapse causing a reduction in performance. “Using oysters has not only overcome this issue, but has also doubled the efficiency of the system due to their much larger surface area and thicker bodies,” the company says.
