Odor Abatement

Technology selection the key to success

Odorous substances emitted by industrial sources include both organic and inorganic gases as well as particulate. Many of these odorous compounds result from biological activity or are present in emissions from chemical processes.

The odorous emissions derived from the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter usually contain sulfur and nitrogen. These emissions are generally classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total reduced sulfur (TRS) compounds, and amines.

The main technologies currently used for odor abatement are:

• thermal oxidizers of the catalytic, recuperative and regenerative (RTO) types
• bio-filters
• absorption and adsorption media

In order to operate odor abatement equipment efficiently, the particulate must first be removed. Typically, one of the following methods is employed:

• electrostatic precipitators (ESP)
• baghouses and filters
• wet scrubbers

The efficiency of an odor abatement system can be further improved by concentrating the odorous gases prior to treatment. A common method is to use a rotating honeycomb wheel impregnated with the appropriate zeolite.

Effective odor abatement requires:

• accurate characterization of the odors
• definition of the discharge limits
• selection of the most appropriate and effective technology

Dick Engineering has completed several odor abatement and related air pollution control projects including the following applications:

• bio-waste conversion plant - wet venturi scrubbers followed by an RTO processing 30,000 odor units with an odor destruction rate of over 99%, at a flow rate of 120,000 acfm
• pulp mill spent liquor incinerator (SLI) - wet ESP followed by an RTO
• automotive paint shop - upgrade of a venture scrubber to maintain less than 1 gr/scfm

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