OUDOR CONTROL

ODA- BLOCK ™ (BIO-ODOOUR FILTER)

A bio-odour filter is designed to remove foul-smelling gases - commonly referred to as odorous compounds - from the air, using biological processes. It's not treating the water itself but rather cleaning the air that usually originate from uncovered structures such as pump pits, equalization basins, or UASB ™ methane reactors.

To ensure proper odor control, these open areas should be sealed or covered using removable GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) panels. The air trapped in the headspace of these enclosed structures is then extracted and directed, using a medium-pressure fan, to an odor treatment system. The volume of air handled is typically quite large — this helps dilute any potentially explosive gases like methane to concentrations well below the lower explosion limit (typically by a factor of 10), and also accommodates peak airflow when pumps are activated.

The ODA-BLOCK ™ biofilter is a highly effective system for odor removal in biological wastewater treatment facilities. It is constructed as a rectangular tank made of corrosion-resistant HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and includes two main sections: an air humidification chamber and a filter chamber. In the humidification chamber, spraying nozzles and a recirculation pump maintain the necessary moisture. Fresh water is added periodically through a timer-controlled solenoid valve to compensate for evaporation and replenish the system.

In the large filter chamber, the humidified air flows through a moist filter bed made up of wood chips, limestone powder (to maintain a stable pH), nutrients, and microbial starter cultures. This filter media has a service life of 0.5 to 2 years, depending on the concentration of hydrogen sulfide (HS) in the air. A diverse community of microorganisms— including bacteria and fungi-thrives in the moist environment, breaking down and oxidizing the odorous compounds that have dissolved into the filter media. Organic acids are completely biodegraded, while hydrogen sulfide is converted into sulfur and sulfuric acid. The resulting acid is then neutralized by the lime in the filter material.

The system operates without the need for chemical additives, and operating costs are minimal - limited mainly to power for the air extraction fan and occasional replacement of the filter media, which is made from low-cost materials available locally.

CHARACTERISTICS & ADVANTAGES