Odournet offers a range of services for measurement of odour emissions using methodologies compliant with the standard for olfactometry CEN EN 13725 (2003), and other relevant European and International standards. Services range from provision of specialist sampling teams, advice and training to client staff in odour sampling techniques, and provision of specialist odour sampling equipment.

Source sampling (olfactometry and specific odorous compounds)
Sampling of odour emissions at source is conducted using equipment and techniques fully compliant with the standard for olfactometry, EN13725. Samples can be collected from a range of sources, including stacks and ducts, liquid sources (e.g. open tanks), solid area sources (e.g. open biofilters, waste, composting windrows) and from within buildings. Odournet also provides services for collection of samples from high temperature sources, up to 1200C.
Samples are collected into sampling bags and transported to Odournet’s in-house olfactometry and chemical analysis laboratories located in the UK, Holland and Belgium.

Field panel assessments
Measurement of diffuse, fugitive or complex emissions is achieved by the use of field panels. This approach has been developed from standards available in Belgium and Holland for quantifying odour emissions from a facility from ambient sampling. The panels comprise 1-6 to 8 individuals (depending upon the technique applied) with a known acuity to odours. By conducting observations in the environment surrounding a facility, and comparing the results of these observations with the prevalent meteorological conditions at the time of the study, it is possible to obtain estimates of the total odour emissions released from a given facility.

Odour source mapping
Qualitative identification of potential odour sources is achieved by measurement of trace gas concentrations (e.g. hydrogen sulphide, VOCs) over a grid, across a wastewater treatment works or landfill site for example. From interpolation of the data, compiled into a Geographic Information System (GIS), a contour map of gas concentration across the site can be derived, highlighting emission hotspots. This information can be used to identify sources of diffuse or fugitive emissions of odour (e.g. escape of gas from landfill sites), and can be used as a preliminary survey prior to source sampling, or to define and/ or demonstrate the effectiveness of odour abatement strategies to control identified sources of emission.


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