Odour samples composition varies in time and strongly depends on meteorological conditions and atmosphere dispersion, being very difficult to obtain accurate samples in time before the emission is dispersed. Furthermore, the time delay from detection to sampling also results in the analysis of non-representative samples and has no legal validity for odour control enforcement.
LabService has developed and patented a new system for odour monitoring capable to solve the delay problems of current odour sampling techniques (man-operated), so the data can be used in mandatory control measures being enforced. This technology, with trademark granted as ODORPREP, will be the first real time automatic and remote sampling system for odour emissions designed according to the Standard EN 13725. Once the odour emission takes place and it is detected, either by the site operator or through citizens’ complaints, ODORPREP is remotely activated in real time via a simple SMS message or telephone call, avoiding the existing delays that cause changes in air composition from the moment of detection to the time of sampling. The whole system includes the detection, sampling, sample maintenance and transportation, laboratory analysis and report.
The two main targeted groups for using ODORPREP will be industrial companies, responsible for controlling its odour emissions, and the competent authorities in charge of enforcing the odour legislation. There are a total of about 2 million manufacturing enterprises in Europe responsible for air pollution (over 3.9 million installations in the world) which are potential sources of odour emissions. In Europe, the implementation of odour regulations resulted in the creation of the standard EN13725, which unifies the need of several European countries in one single norm for odour assessment. According to EU thematic strategy on air pollution, odorous compounds emissions need to be further reduced by 2020 (e.g. Ammonia by 27% and volatile organic compounds by 51%). The initial targeted industrial sectors will be oil refining, chemistry industry, livestock production, and digestion plants.
