Environmental Odour Control
for Odour Control System Design & Implementation
Specifying Plant-Based Odour Neutralization Solutions
Executive Overview
Environmental odour management has become a critical operational and compliance challenge across multiple industries. From wastewater treatment facilities and waste management sites to food processing and manufacturing operations, persistent malodours threaten community relations, regulatory compliance, and workplace health.
Growing community expectations and increasingly stringent environmental regulations demand effective, sustainable solutions. Traditional approaches often fall short—they either provide temporary masking or introduce hazardous substances into treatment environments.
Why This Manual Matters
This engineering manual provides comprehensive technical guidance for designing and implementing plant-based odour control systems. It encompasses:
ANOTEC's plant-based formulations achieve genuine odour elimination through multiple chemical and physical mechanisms—adsorption, absorption, solubility enhancement, and chemical reaction—without relying on synthetic fragrances or introducing harmful substances into the environment.
Plant-Based Odour Neutralization Technology
1.1 Introduction to Advanced Odour Control
ANOTEC's scientifically proven odour control systems neutralise odours at their source—both in liquid and vapour phases—providing long-term results without masking effects. Our molecular neutralisation technology distinguishes ANOTEC from conventional approaches by breaking down odorous compounds into harmless byproducts such as water and carbon dioxide.
1.2 Essential Oil Science and Mechanisms
An essential oil comprises volatile compounds extracted from botanical sources through physical processes. Over 3,000 essential oils have been identified across diverse plant species, with several hundred commercially available for industrial applications.
Geographic Origin Impact: Identical plant species cultivated in different regions produce oils with varying chemical profiles and performance characteristics. Soil type, harvest timing, moisture content, sun exposure, and post-harvest storage all influence composition and efficacy. This variability necessitates rigorous quality control—a commitment ANOTEC maintains throughout our product development.
1.3 Mechanisms of Odour Neutralization
In typical airborne applications, ANOTEC plant-based formulations are atomized into the atmosphere where formulated droplets interact with airborne malodorous compounds. Research has identified multiple mechanisms through which properly formulated products achieve neutralization:
1.4 Product Formulation and Function
ANOTEC's multi-component essential oil blends function as acid-base buffer systems capable of reacting with both weak acids and bases. For basic gases such as amines, acid-base neutralization reactions occur. For acidic gases, complementary reactions proceed through ion transfer and addition reactions across conjugated double bond systems, yielding non-volatile organic salts with zero residual odour.
The multi-component nature provides significant advantages, enabling control across the full malodour spectrum without generating peripheral odours or undesirable byproducts.
Odour Generation and Characteristics
2.1 Understanding Malodours
Odour is defined as a sensation resulting from stimulation of olfactory organs. "An odour" represents the subjective experience of perceiving a smell. The property of a substance affecting the sense of smell is termed an "odorant" or "osmogene."
Key Characteristic: Significant individual variation exists in odour detection capabilities. Many people cannot detect specific odours while exhibiting high sensitivity to others. This variability, combined with the subjective nature of odour perception, makes odour control a complex engineering challenge.
2.2 Principal Odour Sources
Malodorous substances in domestic and industrial wastewater, sludge, and process streams typically result from biological activity. Most malodours originate from anaerobic decomposition of organic matter containing sulphur or nitrogen compounds.
Sewer gas commonly includes hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane, often accompanied by highly odorous indoles, skatoles, mercaptans, and amines. These compounds generate in any location where anaerobic conditions develop in wastewater or solids deposited as scum or sludge.
2.3 Hydrogen Sulphide: The Primary Industrial Malodour
Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) represents the most commonly encountered malodorous gas from domestic and industrial wastewater systems and chemical processes. It is highly soluble in typical wastewater streams (2,800–5,650 mg/L depending on temperature).
Health Hazards: Beyond its characteristic rotten-egg odour, H₂S is extremely toxic. Death may result from exposure to concentrations of 225 ppm. Maximum permissible exposure for eight-hour working periods is 10 ppm. Water droplets containing dissolved H₂S form corrosive sulphurous and sulphuric acids through bacterial oxidation, damaging paint, concrete, metals, and infrastructure.
ANOTEC Solution: ANOTEC 0307 provides immediate and permanent H₂S neutralisation through molecular neutralisation, addressing this challenge at its source.
2.4 Common Industrial Malodorous Compounds
| Compound | Characteristic Odour | Odour Threshold (ppm) |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) | Rotten eggs | 0.00047 |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | Sharp, pungent | 0.037 |
| Methyl Mercaptan (CH₃SH) | Decayed cabbage | 0.0011 |
| Trimethylamine ((CH₃)₃N) | Fishy, putrid | 0.00032 |
| Skatole (C₉H₉N) | Fecal, nauseating | 0.0012 |
Odour Control Methodology
3.1 Comparison of Available Odour Control Technologies
Chemical Scrubbers
Combine acids, caustics, oxidisers, and surfactants in controlled environments. Advantages include precise monitoring and control. Disadvantages: potential chlorination effects, corrosion-resistant materials requirement (stainless steel), substantial capital costs, complex operation, and application-specific design limitations.
Activated Carbon Adsorption
Retain organics on granular solid surfaces. Effectively adsorb sulphur compounds, aldehydes, and ketones. Challenges: preferential adsorption effects, internal heat generation and fire risk, critical contact time requirements, and expensive disposal of saturated toxic media.
Ozone Oxidation
Ozone is one of the most powerful oxidants available. However, it is toxic, explosive, and effective only for narrow malodour spectrums. Complete systems require ozone generators, monitors, and destroyers—making installations expensive and often impractical.
Biological Filters
Utilise microorganisms to oxidise odorous compounds. Advantages: effective organic compound degradation. Disadvantages: large physical footprints, sensitivity to flow and temperature variations, 100% humidity requirements, and periodic media replacement (every 3–6 months).
Thermal and Catalytic Converters
Burn odorous waste gases at high temperatures. While effective against certain organics, systems are expensive, require complex operation, and may create dioxins and furans. Effectiveness against hydrogen sulphide and ammonia is reduced.
ANOTEC Plant-Based Odour Neutralization
3.2 Application Delivery Methods
The most suitable delivery method is determined by several factors:
- Type of odour requiring control
- Odour emission source characteristics
- Area size requiring treatment
- Existing odour control hardware presence
- Ambient or process gas conditions
- Location of areas requiring protection
- Facility flexibility and operational constraints
3.3 Key Application Techniques
Atomization Quality: The term "atomised" rather than "sprayed" is deliberately used. Effectiveness increases with reduction in applied droplet size. For airborne applications, target droplet sizes below 25 microns are optimal, with sizes below 10 microns most desirable.
Efficiency Formula: System efficiency is proportional to:
Where: CONC = product concentration | TIME = contact time | VEL = droplet velocity | POL = polarity | SIZE = droplet size
System Design & Equipment Specifications
4.1 Atomization Nozzle Selection
Engineers have two options when specifying nozzles: use recommended products or specify custom selections. Engineers specifying custom nozzles must ensure droplet sizes below 25 microns, optimally below 10 microns.
Spray Particle Definitions
4.2 Water Quality Requirements
All atomization systems require careful attention to supply water quality. Atomization nozzle designs typically include small orifices (0.2 mm typical) and narrow passages (0.5 mm common). Untreated potable water inevitably causes nozzle blockage.
Water Analysis: If water quality is questionable, obtain analysis reports and implement treatment or filtering based on factual information. Water with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) exceeding approximately 200 ppm or high calcium content should be treated. Recommended treatments include water softening or reverse osmosis (RO) filtration. Deionised water is not recommended due to aggressive characteristics affecting pumps and components.
Filtration Standard: All high-pressure systems should specify at least two filtration stages: 20 micron and 5 micron. This prevents nozzle blockage and maintains system reliability.
4.3 Hydraulic High-Pressure Systems
Hydraulic high-pressure systems represent the preferred choice for most outdoor installations and many indoor applications. These systems provide excellent atomization through specialised nozzle design and are straightforward to install and specify. Systems should always include adjustable, automatic product proportioning, injecting concentrated ANOTEC product into low-pressure water streams.
System Components
- Atomization nozzles (6 mm ID flexible hose, various spacing options)
- Flexible feed/manifold lines (6, 10, or 12 mm diameter)
- Reusable male, female, and female swivel hose fittings
- Brass or stainless steel fittings (galvanized not recommended)
4.4 Pneumatic (Compressed Air) Atomization Systems
Compressed air atomization nozzle systems provide excellent atomised product delivery. Systems are simple in design and easily installed. The primary advantage involves superior control capability: higher air pressure produces smaller, faster droplets, while higher liquid pressure increases product volume.
Design Considerations
- Nozzle location and spacing follow hydraulic high-pressure principles
- Careful analysis of air consumption required to avoid overloading facility compressed air systems
- Proper header sizing essential
- Common nozzles operate at 140–210 kPa pressure ranges for both liquid and air
4.5 Hollow-Blade Fan Systems
Hollow-blade fans originally designed for agricultural humidification effectively disperse diluted or concentrated ANOTEC formulations into open air. Systems include oscillators ensuring even distribution. Primary applications include enclosed areas up to 300 m², with series installations covering larger spaces.
Advantages
4.6 Vapor Phase Systems
True vapor phase odour control systems provide simple, effective methods for transforming ANOTEC products into vapor states easily transmitted into malodorous environments. Systems vaporise products for maximum utilisation without requiring large water volumes—critical where added moisture and humidity are unacceptable.
While nozzle and fan systems add visible moisture to process air, vapor phase systems add minimal moisture while excellently delivering active ingredients. Applications include indoor and outdoor settings where odour sources are easily isolated.
Safety and Environmental Profile
Comprehensive Safety Testing
Comprehensive testing by independent laboratories establishes that properly formulated ANOTEC plant-based odour neutralizers are non-hazardous according to international hazard communication standards. Products contain no hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
ANOTEC products undergo rigorous testing following international guidelines including:
In all test categories, ANOTEC plant-based odour neutralizers receive the safest possible classifications, with no toxic, corrosive, or sensitising effects observed at typical use concentrations.
Aquatic Toxicity Testing
Comprehensive fish toxicity testing establishes complete non-toxicity to marine life. Tests performed on multiple species including Daphnia Magna, Fathead Minnow, and Rainbow Trout demonstrate no adverse effects. This confirms that accidental spillage or discharge into water systems poses no environmental risk—a critical advantage over traditional chemical-based alternatives.
Volatile Organic Compound Analysis
Testing according to international methods for volatile organic compound analysis detects no harmful VOCs in ANOTEC formulations. While products contain natural active ingredients that are organic and volatile, these botanical compounds differ fundamentally from harmful industrial VOCs and contribute minimal atmospheric burden. Volatile matter content testing confirms less than 1.5% volatile content for concentrated formulations, with proportional reductions in diluted working solutions.
ANOTEC Product Performance Specifications
Performance Characteristics
| Malodorous Gas | Performance Metric |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen Sulphide | Demonstrable reduction on contact |
| Sulphur Dioxide | Greater than 97% reduction on contact |
| Ammonia | Significant reduction within minutes |
| Ethyl Mercaptan | Greater than 97% reduction on contact |
| Methyl Mercaptan | Greater than 97% reduction on contact |
Physical Properties
Regulatory Compliance
Application Case Studies
Sewage and Wastewater Treatment
Sewage treatment plants represent among the most odour-intensive facilities, with emissions dominated by hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and organic vapours. ANOTEC 0307 provides immediate and permanent odour solution through molecular neutralisation of airborne and dissolved compounds during processing and storage.
Typical Applications Include:
ANOTEC 0307's dual-phase action makes it ideal for both vapour suppression via atomising nozzles and liquid treatment via drip-feed dosing. By addressing odour at the molecular level before it escapes the system, ANOTEC solutions create safer, more pleasant environments while maintaining complete regulatory compliance.
Landfill and Waste Management Operations
Landfill emissions present one of the toughest odour control challenges due to high volumes of volatile organic compounds and reduced sulphur compounds released during waste decomposition. ANOTEC 0307 rapidly neutralises these complex odour profiles when applied via fogging, misting, or spray systems, forming an invisible protection around emission points.
Key Benefits:
For liquid-phase odour control within leachate management systems, ANOTEC PRO5L delivers targeted reduction in dissolved odorous compounds while maintaining system performance.
Environmental Remediation Projects
During environmental remediation or soil reprocessing, odours from hydrocarbons and decaying organic material can cause immediate community complaints. ANOTEC PRO5L excels in these conditions, acting as a profiling agent that breaks down complex odour molecules in contaminated water, leachate, or damp soils without affecting chemical stability.
Its water-soluble, non-hazardous formula can be applied in misting systems, mobile sprayers, or injected directly into affected materials for deep neutralisation. This flexibility makes ANOTEC PRO5L ideal for temporary remediation projects where both performance and portability matter.
Industrial and Manufacturing Operations
From food processing to mining and metal treatment, industrial odours range from organic vapours to chemical emissions. ANOTEC's odour control solutions are tailored for every scenario, leveraging over three decades of experience in industrial environments across Australia.
Key Capabilities:
For routine maintenance or emergency containment, ANOTEC 0307 provides flexible deployment through atomising nozzles, fixed misting rigs, or portable trigger bottles.
Paper and Pulp Mill Operations
Pulp and paper mills generate unique malodour challenges from reduced sulphur compounds and organic vapours. ANOTEC systems integrate seamlessly with existing air handling and scrubber installations, providing economical odour control without disruptive facility modifications.
Rendering and Processing Plants
Rendering facilities face intense odour challenges from protein decomposition and volatile organic compounds. ANOTEC's broad-spectrum formulations neutralise these complex odour profiles while maintaining food safety compliance—critical for facilities operating within sensitive urban or commercial environments.
Livestock and Agricultural Facilities
Agricultural operations generate ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and organic odours from animal waste decomposition. ANOTEC atomising systems installed around facility perimeters or within enclosed structures provide effective, non-intrusive odour control while remaining completely safe for animal and plant life.
Material Compatibility and System Integration
Material Selection for System Longevity
Proper material selection ensures system longevity and reliable performance. ANOTEC plant-based formulations exhibit specific compatibility characteristics with various construction materials. Always verify material compatibility before system installation.
Recommended Materials for Container and Contact Surfaces
Seal Materials
Materials Not Recommended
Tubing Compatibility
Dosage Rate Optimisation
Understanding Equilibrium Point Concept
The quantity of ANOTEC formulation required for effective odour control depends on malodour source volume and intensity. Correct application and dilution rates create atmospheres where neither malodours nor product scents are noticeable. Increasing product consumption directly relates to malodour sensitivity reduction.
Once the equilibrium point of "neutral odour" is reached, increasing product use results in slight product scent within the surrounding atmosphere. Many clients lose perception that odour problems exist or products are working effectively once neutral points are reached.
Recommended Practice
Best practice involves increasing product levels slightly beyond equilibrium points so that slight product hints become noticeable to operators. This provides operational guidelines for adjusting product delivery rates based on real-time feedback.
Determining Optimal Rates
Most effective application and dilution rates for ANOTEC products must be determined on-site. Malodour levels present determine required product levels. Key determining factors include:
ANOTEC Systems: Overview and Selection
Application Equipment Selection Matrix
| Application | Portable Fogger | Pneumatic | High Pressure | Fan System | Vapor Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Handling Systems | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Chemical Processes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Clarifiers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Composting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Food Processing | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Headworks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Industrial Waste | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Landfills | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Livestock Facilities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Paper/Pulp Mills | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Pump Stations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Refineries | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Rendering Plants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Scrubbers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Sludge Dewatering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Solid Waste Stations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Wet/Dry Wells | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
ANOTEC Flagship Products
ANOTEC 0307
Purpose: Dual-phase odour neutraliser for liquid and vapour applications
Applications: Landfills, sewage plants, waste facilities, industrial processes, landfill operations
Key Benefits: Rapid molecular odour elimination in air and liquid; flexible deployment through foggers, fixed misting rigs, or portable trigger bottles; proven performance across diverse industrial environments
ANOTEC PRO5L
Purpose: Water-soluble liquid odour control formulation
Applications: Process water, trade waste, leachate management, environmental remediation
Key Benefits: High-concentration formula; chemical odour profiling; direct injection into affected materials; ideal for temporary remediation projects requiring portability
Conclusion
Plant-based odour neutralization technology represents a scientifically validated, environmentally responsible approach to industrial and commercial odour control. Through multiple mechanisms including adsorption, absorption, solubility enhancement, and chemical reaction, properly formulated ANOTEC products achieve genuine malodour elimination without relying on masking fragrances or introducing hazardous compounds.
Engineering Successful Odour Control Systems
Engineering successful odour control systems requires understanding fundamental odour science, malodour source characteristics, application methodologies, and equipment specifications. This manual provides design engineers and environmental consultants with comprehensive technical guidance for specifying, designing, and implementing effective plant-based odour neutralization systems.
Key Advantages of ANOTEC Technology
Moving Forward
As environmental regulations intensify and community expectations increase, plant-based odour neutralization systems provide practical, proven solutions enabling facilities to maintain excellent neighbour relations, ensure regulatory compliance, and create healthier working environments.
ANOTEC Environmental: Science, Not Perfume
With over three decades of experience in environmental odour control across Australian industries, ANOTEC Environmental remains committed to providing scientifically proven, sustainable solutions that eliminate odours at their molecular source.
www.anotec.com.au
ANOTEC Environmental Pty Ltd
Environmental Odour Neutralization Solutions
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