Download the questionnaire and submit it to us
info@torch-air.com
Made in the USA
Scan the QR code or click on it to start a chat in WhatsApp
Author:
Nikulin V, Head of Engineering
Nikulin V, Head of Engineering
Unpleasant odors and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose a significant challenge for industrial and commercial facilities. Beyond causing discomfort, they can negatively affect the health of personnel, leading to respiratory irritation and reduced operational efficiency. From an engineering perspective, a key aspect is comprehensive air odor control: identifying the source, analyzing the chemical composition of emissions, and calculating the required performance of treatment systems.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in environmental and regulatory risks, including exceedances of emission limits and complaints from the surrounding community. Effective engineering solutions in the field of industrial odor control systems include the use of specialized neutralizers and automated monitoring systems.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in environmental and regulatory risks, including exceedances of emission limits and complaints from the surrounding community. Effective engineering solutions in the field of industrial odor control systems include the use of specialized neutralizers and automated monitoring systems.
Areas of Application
Odor control systems are critically important in industrial, municipal, and commercial facilities, where emissions of organic and chemical substances pose environmental and operational risks.
Industrial plants
The issue is particularly acute in the food, chemical, and pulp and paper industries. Sources of malodorous compounds include the processing of organic raw materials, reactive processes, and the release of sulfur-containing species. Engineering solutions include:
- Wet Scrubbers for the neutralization of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, as well as for smoke odor control;
- Biofilters for breaking down organic compounds with the help of microorganisms;
- Activated carbon-based adsorbents for removing VOCs.
Manufacturing Plant
Treatment plants and municipal facilities
- Sewage treatment, landfills, and waste processing release hydrogen sulfide, methane, and other substances that must be controlled to comply with regulations and protect public health.
- Combined units are used, where reactive treatment is complemented by biofiltration.
- Automated air parameter sensors enable real-time adjustment of gas flow rates and dosing of neutralizing reagents.
Commercial odor control and high-density buildings
Compact indoor odor control units are implemented in restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings:
- Carbon filters and photocatalytic units integrated into ventilation;
- Automatic gas flow management and monitoring of pollutant levels to maintain acceptable standards.
Tank Vent Wet Scrubber
Main Methods
Odor control solutions are selected based on the composition and concentration of pollutants, as well as the volume of gas. The main methods can be divided into physical, chemical, biological, and combined solutions.
1. Physical methods
Activated carbon adsorption – removes VOCs and sulfur-containing compounds by binding molecules to the surface of the carbon material. Effective for medium and low concentrations.
Filtration and separation – mechanical filters, fabric filters, and HEPA filters remove aerosol particles that may carry foul-smelling substances.
Intermediate techniques – cooling or humidifying air to condense and partially remove volatile components.
1. Physical methods
Activated carbon adsorption – removes VOCs and sulfur-containing compounds by binding molecules to the surface of the carbon material. Effective for medium and low concentrations.
Filtration and separation – mechanical filters, fabric filters, and HEPA filters remove aerosol particles that may carry foul-smelling substances.
Intermediate techniques – cooling or humidifying air to condense and partially remove volatile components.
2. Chemical odor control technology
Wet scrubbers – contaminated stream passes through a liquid phase (water or solution), where active compounds such as acidic and alkaline gases, VOCs are absorbed and neutralized. The pollutant concentration decreases due to chemical reactions or dissolution. Effective for large gas volumes and heavy load, with reagent dosing to optimize the process.
Oxidation and photocatalysis – use of ozone, ultraviolet light, or catalytic devices to break down organic species.
Combined cleaners – integration of wet scrubbers with adsorption or oxidation to increase efficiency.
Wet scrubbers – contaminated stream passes through a liquid phase (water or solution), where active compounds such as acidic and alkaline gases, VOCs are absorbed and neutralized. The pollutant concentration decreases due to chemical reactions or dissolution. Effective for large gas volumes and heavy load, with reagent dosing to optimize the process.
Oxidation and photocatalysis – use of ozone, ultraviolet light, or catalytic devices to break down organic species.
Combined cleaners – integration of wet scrubbers with adsorption or oxidation to increase efficiency.
3. Biological methods
Biofilters – airstream passes through a layer of biological material where microorganisms break down pollutants. Effective for continuous emissions.
Bioreactors with liquid media – aerobic or anaerobic degradation processes in a liquid phase followed purification.
Biofilters – airstream passes through a layer of biological material where microorganisms break down pollutants. Effective for continuous emissions.
Bioreactors with liquid media – aerobic or anaerobic degradation processes in a liquid phase followed purification.
Overview | Air purification with biofiltration
4. Combined solutions
Integration of different odor control methods for maximum efficiency and compliance with regulations.
The choice of method depends on the chemical composition of the impurities, their concentration, gas volume, and regulatory requirements. In engineering practice, combined solutions are often preferred, as they allow flexible control of the purification process, optimize energy consumption, and minimize operational costs.
Integration of different odor control methods for maximum efficiency and compliance with regulations.
The choice of method depends on the chemical composition of the impurities, their concentration, gas volume, and regulatory requirements. In engineering practice, combined solutions are often preferred, as they allow flexible control of the purification process, optimize energy consumption, and minimize operational costs.
Types of Systems
Selection of equipment should be performed by specialists in air filtration and purification. Without proper expertise, there is a high risk of choosing an ineffective system. Contact our odor controls experts for consultation and calculations at info@torch-air.com — we can help you make the right choice.
The selection of optimal industrial odor control solutions depends not only on the type of pollutants but also on the operational parameters of the site, including temperature, humidity, concentration, air volume, and equipment operating mode.
Wet scrubbers are most effective under conditions of high humidity and the presence of soluble gases, such as H₂S and NH₃ vapors. They provide stable operation even under variable loads but require wastewater handling and pH monitoring.
Wet scrubbers are most effective under conditions of high humidity and the presence of soluble gases, such as H₂S and NH₃ vapors. They provide stable operation even under variable loads but require wastewater handling and pH monitoring.
Odor Wet Scrubbers Design, Applications, and Advantages
For variable concentrations and intermittent emissions, adsorbers are preferred, as activated carbon quickly responds to changes in air composition, ensuring a high level of purification without complex automation.
Continuous streams with organic pollutants, typical for food and agricultural industries, are best managed using biofilters or bioreactors, which offer long-term stable performance with minimal operating costs.
In facilities with stringent air quality requirements, such as laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, or office buildings, catalytic equipment is practical, as it produces no waste and requires minimal maintenance.
For large industrial complexes, combined and automated solutions integrating several types of odor control systems provide the most efficient and reliable performance.
Continuous streams with organic pollutants, typical for food and agricultural industries, are best managed using biofilters or bioreactors, which offer long-term stable performance with minimal operating costs.
In facilities with stringent air quality requirements, such as laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, or office buildings, catalytic equipment is practical, as it produces no waste and requires minimal maintenance.
For large industrial complexes, combined and automated solutions integrating several types of odor control systems provide the most efficient and reliable performance.
Deodorizing Media
Adsorptive materials are used to capture volatile organic compounds and sulfur. These include activated carbon, zeolites, polymers, and granules. Activated carbon is the most commonly employed material, with high porosity and surface area, allowing it to retain a wide range of VOCs. Zeolites, natural or synthetic minerals, have high selectivity based on molecule size and are effective for low concentrations. Synthetic polymers and granules are applied in compact units and localized ventilation setups.
The Process of Adsorption, Absorption and Sorption
Chemically modified sorbents (granules impregnated with sodium hydroxide or hydrogen peroxide) are media whose surfaces are coated with reagents to neutralize specific gases. They are employed in both wet and dry absorbers.
Biological materials (compost, peat, tree bark, synthetic carriers) are employed in biofilters and bioreactors, serving as substrates for microorganisms that degrade organic compounds. It is important to maintain optimal conditions for these odor control media, including humidity, temperature, and nutrients for microbial activity.
Choosing the appropriate media is based on the pollutants’ chemical composition, concentration, and the type of equipment. Adsorbents are best suited for VOCs, reactive sorbents for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, and biological materials for continuous emissions of organic substances. In large installations, combined media are often employed to achieve maximum efficiency.
Biological materials (compost, peat, tree bark, synthetic carriers) are employed in biofilters and bioreactors, serving as substrates for microorganisms that degrade organic compounds. It is important to maintain optimal conditions for these odor control media, including humidity, temperature, and nutrients for microbial activity.
Choosing the appropriate media is based on the pollutants’ chemical composition, concentration, and the type of equipment. Adsorbents are best suited for VOCs, reactive sorbents for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, and biological materials for continuous emissions of organic substances. In large installations, combined media are often employed to achieve maximum efficiency.
Engineering Design
Odor control system design is a comprehensive engineering process that involves analyzing odor sources, the chemical characteristics of the emissions, and the operating conditions of the facility. The main goal is to ensure effective removal of pollutants while optimizing operational costs and complying with regulatory requirements.
During the design stage, the following key parameters are considered:
A well-designed configuration ensures not only high contaminant filtration efficiency but also minimizes operational costs and enhances equipment durability.
During the design stage, the following key parameters are considered:
- Chemical composition and level of malodorous compounds, including VOCs, acidic and nitrogen-containing compounds, and other gaseous substances.
- Airflow volume and velocity, which determine the size and capacity of the equipment.
- Operating conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of dust or aerosols, which affect the choice of technology and materials.
- Automation and monitoring requirements, including the integration of air quality sensors and setups for controlling airflow and chemical dosing.
A well-designed configuration ensures not only high contaminant filtration efficiency but also minimizes operational costs and enhances equipment durability.
Air Quality Testing
Odor control performance test not only confirms the stated parameters of the equipment but also allows optimization of its operation in real-world conditions. The collected data show how closely the actual odor removal efficiency matches the design specifications and help identify bottlenecks—for example, uneven airflow distribution in a biofilter or insufficient contact between phases in a scrubber.
Test results are used to adjust operating modes, including increasing contact time, regulating the dosing of reagents, or replacing/regenerating sorbents. In automated setups, this data is integrated with monitoring setups, enabling dynamic process management and maintaining stable purification efficiency under variable loads.
Performance testing is a specialized engineering procedure that requires qualified personnel and proper equipment. In practice, it is carried out by independent laboratories, equipment suppliers, or in-house facility teams.
Regular testing is therefore a key tool: it increases system reliability, minimizes operational risks, and ensures compliance with air quality standards and environmental regulations.
Test results are used to adjust operating modes, including increasing contact time, regulating the dosing of reagents, or replacing/regenerating sorbents. In automated setups, this data is integrated with monitoring setups, enabling dynamic process management and maintaining stable purification efficiency under variable loads.
Performance testing is a specialized engineering procedure that requires qualified personnel and proper equipment. In practice, it is carried out by independent laboratories, equipment suppliers, or in-house facility teams.
Regular testing is therefore a key tool: it increases system reliability, minimizes operational risks, and ensures compliance with air quality standards and environmental regulations.
Join the Conversation!
Share your thoughts on this article, rate it, or spread the word by sharing it with others.
Your feedback is appreciated!
Share your thoughts on this article, rate it, or spread the word by sharing it with others.
Your feedback is appreciated!
We always perform precise calculations and offer expert assistance in selecting the optimal dust collection or gas cleaning systems, typically completing this process within 1 to 2 days
Head of Engineering,
Vladimir Nikulin
Vladimir Nikulin
CALCULATION AND SELECTION
After filling out this form, you will obtain the cost of the equipment and time frame over which it will be delivered
By filling out this form, you agree to our personal data processing policy
DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION ALL OVER USA, CANADA, MEXICO
FULL ADHERENCE TO QUALITY STANDARDS
WE CUSTOMIZE INSTALLATIONS TO SUIT YOUR COMPANY
FAVORABLE PRICES FROM A US MANUFACTURER
Operating in USA, Canada, and Mexico
