Odour Abatement

This publication presents a methodological model for odour control solutions and applications for diffuse sources, which impact surrounding communities and thereby generate risks to business operations. The problem is described, and definitions are provided for the points to be considered in the proposal and implementation of solutions that include technologies to enable the effective application of neutralising products. Finally, the results and the actual application of this methodology in an industrial environment at a company in the South of Chile are presented.

Sergio Canales ¹

   In order to establish possible measures to ensure the absence of impact in a population exposed to significant odour episodes it is necessary to undertake odour studies which are sufficiently rigorous, comprehensive and tailored to each individual case as opposed to the mechanical application of routine methods that only provide information that has no practical use for the effective resolution of real cases.

M. Almarcha^1,2 *, I. Barrutiabengoa¹, M. Puigcercós¹, D. Almarcha¹, M. Latorre² y S. Nadal ²

¹ Ambiente y Tecnología Consultores S.L., C/Còrsega 112, local 1, 08029-Barcelona

² Sistemas y Tecnologías Ambientales S.A., C/Còrsega 112, local 1, 08029-Barcelona

* E-mail: malmarcha@sta-at.com

Keywords: odours, fertilizer manufacture, quantitative field olfactometry (Nasal Ranger^®), volatile organic compounds (VOC), supplementary atmospheric dispersion, EOLAGE^®.

Abstract

    In order to establish possible measures to ensure the absence of impact in a population exposed to significant odour episodes it is necessary to undertake odour studies which are sufficiently rigorous, comprehensive and tailored to each individual case as opposed to the mechanical application of routine methods that only provide information that has no practical use for the effective resolution of real cases.

    This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the odour impact of a NPK fertilizer manufacturing plant located in a major conurbation where numerous odor complaints systematically occur, and which may be attributed to different sources. Both olfactometric and chemical speciation techniques have been used in this work in order to characterize the emissions of the plant and also the surrounding ambient air. From the information obtained The actual odor impact of the plant, as well as the detailed composition of the emissions responsible for it, were stipulated from the information that was obtained. Subsequently, an expert evaluation of the actuation alternatives was conducted, and technologies that allowed to ensure reasonable conditions of absence of odour were selected before choosing the most appropriate one. Afterwards, the design, engineering and installation processes of the chosen solution were carried out, took out the project design, engineering and installation of the adopted solution (a supplemental pneumatic propulsion system) were carried out and, finally, its efficacy was experimentally checked. Therefore, the plant is currently already outside of the focus of odour complaints in the area.