Advanced odor monitoring at an Organic Recovery Center (ORC) in Drôme, France

To address these challenges, an advanced monitoring system from Ellona was deployed at the Organic Waste Recovery Center, integrating WT1 Pro devices and the EllonaSoft analysis platform. This solution allows for precise monitoring of critical odor and atmospheric pollutant emissions, ensuring optimal management of environmental data via a secure and user-friendly cloud interface.

The monitored gases and odors include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemical components that can affect air quality and human health. VOCs are often emitted from industrial processes and the decomposition of organic materials. Additionally, the system monitors aldehydes, a group of potentially toxic organic compounds, and amines, which can contribute to unpleasant odors in certain industrial environments.

Meanwhile, the platform continuously detects and measures the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and mercaptans, sulfur-containing gases known for their foul smell. These substances can be generated during organic waste processing and are regularly monitored to minimize impacts on the environment and public health.

This allowed Ellona to create a qualitative footprint of the site’s odors and install monitors capable of detecting the specific odor components present on site. By integrating these advanced monitoring devices, the operator strengthens its commitment to responsible and effective environmental management while adhering to strict regulatory standards and maintaining the quality of life in surrounding communities.

The successful integration of the WT1 Pro in the fermentation-maturation area of the Organic Waste Recovery Center (ORC) led to the following results:

• The WT1 Pro proved to be particularly effective for monitoring the various operational phases of the ORC, such as watering, transfers, and turning of compost. It distinctly identified the emission profiles associated with each of these activities.
• The data collected by the WT1 Pro is easily accessible via a secure web platform, facilitating an in-depth analysis of signal variations based on the specific activities of the ORC.
• The WT1 Pro demonstrated its ability to generate timely alerts during emission peaks, which is essential for taking corrective measures quickly and avoiding significant odor nuisances.
• The quantitative study conducted to correlate the data from the WT1 Pro with conventional olfactometry results according to the EN 13725 standard confirmed the accuracy of the measurements and improved the calibration of the device, thus enhancing its reliability and relevance in the specific context of the ORC.