Odors – How to treat them

In a previous article we discussed the odorous molecules. In particular, we examined the definition of smell, its chemical nature and the methods used to analyze them. It is now our interest to answer other important questions: how is it possible to intervene to break down the odor molecules? What type of technologies do we have?
Let us examine the main solutions used, along with their application proposals.The first technology to analyze is that of deodorization.

Remember the phenomenon of absorption? We talked in the article on the abatement of VOCs, treating in wet scrubber.

Let us review quickly this principle: if they are put in contact, a gas phase (containing a specific pollutant) and a liquid phase, the mixture pollutant tends to migrate in the liquid phase. The amount of pollutant absorbed from the liquid phase and the absorption rate are respectively governed by thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, which in turn depend on the chemical-physical properties of the substances involved and on the experimental conditions in play.

Well, also the deodorization is based on the phenomenon of absorption. The molecules present in the gas phase migrate into the liquid phase and react with suitable deodorizing chemical compounds, which modify the chemical structure of odor molecules and will neutralize olfactory effects.
In order make happen this efficiently, it is appropriate to create a large contact surface between gas and liquid, by means of a fine dispersion of droplets which come into contact with the entire gaseous phase.
There is a method which allows to neutralize odors by chemical transformations: biofiltration.

For us humans the odorous molecules are often annoying. You cannot say the same for some microorganisms, which are greedy and that cleverly fit into their metabolism. Biofiltration is based on this principle: the use of specific strains of microorganisms to metabolize the volatile compounds and odors.
Ok, the principle is simple. How can we develop it in practice? In practice, it makes necessary the presence of a substrate, on which the microorganisms can flourish. To this end, it is used the ligno-cellulosic material, ideal for the development of the microorganisms themselves if mantain in certain operating conditions. Among these we include:

• Proper hydration: the sustrate moisture should be neither deficient (as a drying of the bed would decrease the activity) or too high (as it may result in anaerobic zone creation)
• The concentration of pollutants: since the odorous molecules serve as raw materials of the metabolic process, their concentration should be neither too low (otherwise there would be unsufficient nourishment) nor too high (otherwise a certain percentage would not torn down and escape to microrganisms)
• A certain range of temperature: the life of the microorganisms is favored if the temperature is between 20 and 40 ° C.
• The pH range: it is good that is between 6.5 and 7.5 for the reproduction of the microorganisms.

On the basis of these parameters Tecnosida® has developed BIOCLEAN, a modular biofilter suitable for various situations.
The odor reduction can also be made using others technologies that reduces VOC. They are:

• Activated carbon filter
• Wet Scrubber
• Thermal Oxidation

Read the article where we talked about this equipment and chemical-physical principles that underlie it!
See you soon with new information!