Air & odor analysis

Advanced scientific analysis of air and odor composition

Treating air problems, especially odor, is very challenging. Part of the challenge lays in the uncertainties of the air to purify. To improve this issue, we offer air analyses for a better understanding of the air conditions and a real tailor-made ozone solution.

Since our applications are very diverse, we offer many analyses aimed at identifying and quantifying the air pollutants. We carry out the analyses both internally and/or in collaboration with certified independent partners, based on the request from the client. We always aim to have the highest accuracy possible for our analyses, so we use cutting-edge instruments equipped with state-of-art technologies.

Analyzed air variables

Below there is a list of the most common analyzed variables, according on our applications.

Other types of analysis are available, contact us for more information.

Odor analysis

The odor values are the most difficult to measure since there is no electronic instrument providing accurate measurements. Each single “odor” is a complex mixture of different types of compounds. When this mixture reaches the receptors in the human nose, each compound has a different interaction with the receptors. Some compounds are detected already at ppb (parts-per-billion) concentrations while others are completely odorless. In addition, the hedonic tone of the sample should be considered, since it can affect the odor measurement. The hedonic tone is an indicator for how much a specific odor is pleasant compared to others. While an intense but pleasant odor can be tolerated, often a small but unpleasant odor source must be treated.

Only from what has been presented, it is possible to understand that a proper odor measurement is very complex. However, there are even more advanced features to consider, such as “masking effects” and the “nose fatigue”.

To measure the odor accurately, we have developed two alternatives. The first alternative is a computational tool considering the compounds concentration and odor activity, resulting in a prediction of the odor values for the whole air mixture. With our tool, a good accuracy can be reached for the odor values, with relevant comparisons between different cases (e.g. with and without ozone treatment).

Our second alternative is an actual odor measurement, certified according to the standard EN 13725:2003 for odor analysis. Since no instrument can replace the human nose, the analysis is carried out by a panel of assessors smelling the sample at different dilutions. The assessors establish whether a certain dilution still has an odor content, thus determining the odor value of the sample. This measurement will be carried out in collaboration with our independent partners.

Report and solution design

After the air and odor analysis, we will deliver a professional report with relevant conclusions regarding the air pollution. Together with the analysis report, we can include a solution for the air treatment. The design of the solution and the description of the units will be presented in our suggestion. The solution will use the analysis results and the client requirement for designing a tailor-made solution specific for each case.