eBook

Introduction To
Plant-Based Odor
Control Solutions

How plant oils are used to

neutralize industrial odors
eBook

Introduction To Plant-Based
Odor Control Solutions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3
What is Odor? 4
The Science of Odor 4
Odor Effects on People 5
Common Odor Sources 5
What Are Plant-Based Odor Solutions? 6
Plant Oils as Odor Control 6
Simple Science 6
Benefits 7
Other Common Odor Control Methods 8
Masking Agents 8
Chemical Scrubbers 8
Adsorption 8
Ozone 8
Biological Filters (Bio-Filters) 9
Biological Oxidation (Scrubber) 9
Thermal & Catalytic Converters 9
Incineration 9
Odor Solution Method Comparison Chart 10-11
Using Plant-Based Odor Removers 12
Ecosorb by OMI Industries 12
Application Options 12
Process 13
Get Started 13
INTRODUCTION

Odors are a by-product of many industrial processes. In fact, some numbers

estimate more than 1 million industrial sites in the U.S. generate odors as part
of their operations. Because odor control is usually a non-essential expense, it
is often the last problem addressed by an odor-producing operation and often
only after pressure is brought by the public or government agencies.

Some of the strongest odors come from facilities that were once remote
but have seen residential and commercial development close in on its
buffer space. Odors that were once negligible are gaining more attention —
bringing complaints, regulations, fines, and even lawsuits. These facilities and
industries include (but are not limited to):

• Asphalt production • Mining

• Breweries • Petroleum refineries
• Energy companies • Printing
• Fertilizer manufacturers • Pulp & paper processing
• Fluid handling • Rubber & plastic production
• Cannabis growers • Tanneries
• Chemical & pharmaceutical plants • Textile mills & plants
• Composting stations • Urban drilling
• Food processing • Wastewater treatment plants
• Landfills • Woodworking & material
• Liquid waste production
• Metalcasting

To combat these nuisance odors, facilities have historically relied on complex

air scrubbing systems, masking agents, or other complicated solutions — many
of which are either expensive to implement and maintain or not effective
at removing odors completely or permanently. To make it worse, many odor
control methods use harmful chemicals, toxic ingredients, or leave behind
noxious residuals that can cause danger to workers, neighboring residents,
and the environment.

Enter plant-based odor removers, a natural, safe alternative to more costly,

complicated solutions. Plant-based odor removers use plant oils to find and
neutralize odor molecules. And since they only use ingredients you’d find
in nature, they are safe to use around people and leave behind no harmful
pollutants.

Many industries are turning to plant-based odor solutions to remove

the toughest odors, while lowering maintenance costs and boosting
effectiveness — especially as they look to engage more eco-friendly
practices. The result is less odor complaints, better company reputation,
happier employees, and fewer legal issues.

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WHAT IS ODOR?

The Science of Odor

The chemical and physical structure and characteristics of molecules in most
odorous substances produce the stimuli to the olfactory sensory cells that are
responsible for smell. The sensation of odors differs among people. Many are
incapable of detecting some odors, but are very sensitive to others.

Some odor-bearing substances in weak concentrations cause more intense

olfactory response than when in strong concentrations. For instance, hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) in low concentrations is easily detectable; but in concentrations
greater than 100-150 ppm, H2S overcomes the olfactory senses and becomes
odorless to humans (as well as toxic).

These and many more varying characteristics of odor production — and

the randomness to which people are affected by smells — have made odor
control a very difficult problem for engineers at odor-causing industrial
facilities.

Odor Facts
• Individual substances cause different and unique odors.
• Some substances have several possible odors, although this normally
depends on concentration.
• Two or more odors can cancel out each other. Both mixed together can
be scentless.
• Nearly all odors can be lessened, made worse, or neutralized.
• Odors can only be detected for a limited amount of time before the
sensory nerves are saturated.

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WHAT IS ODOR?

Odor Effects on People

People can distinguish more than 5,000 odors. Odors can alter or create
moods. People can remember, recall, and make connections between odors
and experiences or places. Good or bad odors can become a signature scent
of a facility or business, even overriding positive characteristics.

It has been proven that odors can cause increased heart rates, respiration,
blood pressure, and even pain. Continued exposure to an odor can eventually
cause loss of the ability to smell. People associate some odors with human
excrement, spoiled food, disease, or other unpleasantness. When such odors
are present, people often become uncomfortable, unhappy, or fearful and can
associate these emotions with their source.

The increasing population and density in urban areas and development into
rural areas has made odor more of an issue. Odor-causing industries are
removed from their neighbors as they were even a few decades ago, when
population was more spread out.

Common Odor Sources

Chemical Group Compound Smells Industries/Sources

Asphalt, Brewing,
Composting, Food
Sulfides Hydrogen Sulfide Rotten egg
Processing, Pulp &
Paper, Wastewater

Landfills, Oil &

Petroleum, Plastics,
Mercaptans Methyl Mercaptan Rotten vegetables
Pulp & Paper,
Wastewater

Composting,
Urine, rotten fish, rotten
Amines Ethylamine Metalcasting, Tank
meat
Cleaning, Wastewater

Fatty acids Composting, Food

Butyric Acid Rancid butter
with odor Processing

Adhesives,
Aldehydes Formaldehyde Pungent, bitter Manufacturing, Plastics,
Tank Cleaning

Chemicals &
Pharmaceuticals,
Ketones Acetone Acrid
Solvents, Synthetic
Fibers

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WHAT ARE PLANT-BASED ODOR
CONTROL SOLUTIONS?

Plant Oils as Odor Control

Plant oils can be extracted from various plant parts, such as leaves, fruit, bark,
root, grass, wood, heartwood, gum, balsam, berries, seed, flowers, twigs,
and buds. Science once believed plant oils were only good as odor masking
agents and had no potential to actually neutralize smells. However, testing
shows that certain plant oils have the ability to neutralize odors.

Simple Science
With the use of bio-based surfactants, plant oils can form an emulsion with
water. This mixture can be sprayed into the air to combat odorous compounds.
The atomized droplets form a weak interaction with odorous compounds in
the air.

The first mechanism in plant-based odor control is solubility. Industrial

malodor gasses vary in terms of solubility in water. This variation ranges from
“insoluble” such as styrene to “very soluble” such as ammonia. When in an
emulsion with water, plant-based odor removers increase the solubility of most
malodor gasses and make them more able to be controlled.

Once the gas is dissolved (absorbed) into the atomized droplets, the second
mechanism of neutralization comes into play. Plant oils and some odorous
gasses react through acid/base reactions resulting in neutralization of the
odorous gas.

Contact Adsorption Absorption

Ecosorb is delivered into an Ecosorb attaches Ecosorb surrounds odor
area affected by odors and to odor molecules. molecules, neutralizing
attracts to odor molecules. their smell.

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 WHAT ARE PLANT-BASED ODOR
CONTROL SOLUTIONS?

Benefits of Plant-Based Odor Removers

When examined against other common odor solution techniques, the
comparisons are stark. Most solutions require complex systems which are
costly to build, use, and fix, and demand expertise to maintain. Many solutions
depend on hazardous materials that can produce harmful compounds,
exhaust, or even residual odors.

Effective Natural Safe

Uses the natural power of No harsh, toxic chemicals Independent research and
plant oils to remove odors, mean products are not testing prove they work to
without complicated systems dangerous for people neutralize even the
or synthetic materials. or the planet. toughest odors.

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OTHER COMMON ODOR
CONTROL METHODS

How they compare to plant-based solutions.

MASKING AGENTS
How it Works:
Chemicals are sprayed into the air, using synthetic fragrances to “hide” odors.
PROS
• Masking agents can come in many scents and cover a broad range of odors.
• They can be used outside facilities so they do not impact finished goods and can
come in non-hazardous formulas.
CONS
• Give an immediate cover to odors, but the odor eventually returns as the fragrance
and odor molecules separate.
• Many use hazardous chemicals and are delivered by harmful aerosols.
CHEMICAL SCRUBBERS
How it Works:
Odors are added to highly reactive chemicals — acids, caustics, oxidizers, and
surfactants. The odorous compounds chemically react with the solution, removing
odors.
PROS
• Mechanics can be monitored and carefully controlled.
• Systems are popular: known technology with standard, “textbook” designs.
CONS
• Expensive to build; must be operated by trained personnel and serviced in protective
gear.
• Must be designed for a specific application, with careful considerations for
dangerous exhaust gas .
• Chemicals used are considered reactive, hazardous, and must be neutralized before
disposal.
ADSORPTION (CARBON FILTERS)
How it Works:
Gas particles from the air penetrate the pores of an adsorbent material – activated
carbon, zeolite, or silica gel – and removes odors from the air as it passes through.
PROS
• Carbon is porous and has a large surface area, which allows it to absorb odors in
the air.
• Activated Carbon is a common adsorbent for organic odor removal.
• Activated Carbon is used to remove sulfur bearing compounds, aldehydes, and
ketones.
CONS
• Reversible in nature, which allows odors to return if heated.
• Spent media disposal can be messy and expensive, especially when it contains
hazardous compounds.
• Adsorbents are consumable and must be re-activated or replaced.
OZONE
How it Works:
Generators create ozone molecules, which are highly reactive to organic material.
PROS
• Ozone is a powerful oxidant and anti-microbial.
CONS
• Can cause side effects if used around people; treated areas must be evacuated
while in use and hours afterward.
• E xtremely caustic and could damage items or react to other chemicals in treatment
areas.
• Not effective on inorganic odors.

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OTHER COMMON ODOR
CONTROL METHODS

BIOLOGICAL FILTERS (BIO-FILTERS)

How it Works:
Contaminated air passes through soil, compost, wood chips, or other organic
material. As the odorous air flows through the material, pollutants (including odor
molecules) transfer into a thin biofilm on its surface. Microorganisms in the biofilm
eliminate odors.
PROS
• Bacteria used are naturally occurring and can metabolize many organic odor-
causing compounds.
• Works on odors that are biodegradable and water-soluble.
• Effective at reducing sulfur containing volatile organic compounds.
CONS
• Large units with massive footprints are needed to treat airflow.
• Microbes must interact with the odorous compounds over long periods.
• Material must be replaced, causing odors to go untreated during downtime.
BIOLOGICAL OXIDATION (SCRUBBER)
How it Works:
Air is forced upward through an adsorption column filled with synthetic material.
Water containing microorganisms circulates through the system, feeding off odor-
causing compounds and releasing clean air.
PROS
• These units work well to reduce odors caused by ketones, alcohols, and ethers.
CONS
• Equipment needed to recirculate water in bioscrubbers makes for expensive up-front
and operating costs.
* Requires selection of lab-developed bacterial strain.
THERMAL & CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
How it Works:
The system burns odorous gases, supposedly destroying process odors. The
gas is passed over (or through) catalytic materials, converting residual gases into
compounds like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.
PROS
• There has been widespread development for different catalytic mediums, mainly
for “reduction” and “oxidation” catalysts.
CONS
• Can introduce a host of toxins and noxious substances into the air.
• Even for well-designed and operated systems, there is a need for catalyst
saturation and sterilization.
INCINERATION
How it Works:
Odor-causing waste and gas are burned at high temperatures.
PROS
• The incineration process is effective against organic odors.
CONS
• Dangerously high temperatures — usually around 1472°F (800°C)— are needed to
destroy gas.
• E xpensive, not always effective, and generally introduces toxins and additional
odors into the atmosphere.
• Additional air is sometimes required and can cause volatile gases to be released
from the waste gas.

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OTHER COMMON ODOR
CONTROL METHODS

Odor Solution Method Comparisons

Plant- Adsorption
Masking
Based Odor (Carbon Ozone Bio-Filtration
Agents
Removers Filters)
Uses Natural
Ingredients • • •
Non-Hazardous • • •
Safe for the
Environment • ?* • •
Simple Setup
and Use • •
Removes Odors
Completely • •
Effective on
Organic Odors • • • •
Effective on
Inorganic Odors • • •
Cost-Effective
(Implementation) • •
Cost-Effective
(Maintenance) • •
Thermal &
Biological
Catalytic Incineration
Oxidation
Converters
Uses Natural
Ingredients •
Non-Hazardous •
Safe for the
Environment •
Simple Setup
and Use
Removes Odors
Completely
Effective on
Organic Odors • • •
Effective on
Inorganic Odors •
Cost-Effective
(Implementation)
Cost-Effective
(Maintenance)
*
Masking agents that use fragrances have been proven to include harmful ingredients. In University of Washington research of common air
fresheners, they found on average 17 chemicals in each product — nearly a quarter which would be classified as toxic or harmful. Source

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OTHER COMMON ODOR
CONTROL METHODS

Odor Solution Method Comparisons

NON-
HAZARDOUS

Masking Agents*

Carbon Filters
REMOVES EFFECTIVE ON
ODORS Plant-Based Biofilters INORGANIC
COMPLETELY Odor Removers ODORS

Ozone Chemical
Scrubbers

EFFECTIVE
ON ORGANIC
ODORS

Masking agents that use synthetic fragrances have been know to use harmful ingredients
*

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USING PLANT-BASED ODOR REMOVERS

Get Rid of Odors. For Good. Trust Ecosorb by OMI Industries.

Ecosorb® by OMI Industries is the leader for natural, safe, effective, and
complete plant-based odor solutions for any industry. They don’t mask
smells, they get rid of them for good by breaking down and neutralizing odor
molecules. Each product includes plant-based ingredients that are safe for the
public — neighbors, employees, communities — animals, and the planet.

For almost 30 years, Ecosorb® has used simple science to harness the power
of plants as natural odor removers. Our proprietary blend of plant oils tackle
the toughest smells without dangerous side effects. Ecosorb is strong
enough to battle the worst odors — from landfills to refineries to wastewater
treatment facilities — yet safe for people and the environment.

Application Options

Additives
Infused directly into product with no effect on quality.
Asphalt binders, petroleum oils, synthetic oils, rubber, plastics

Atomization
Mixed with water and sprayed by nozzles or fans.
Airborne odor treatment at landfills, water treatment plants or
manufacturing facilities

Maintenance Hole Gel Insert

Placed inside manholes to “scrub” escaping air of odors.
Odorous gas escaping from underground

Spray Gel
Applied to top of open solutions to keep odors from escaping.
Waste trucks, landfills, food processing trucks

Vapor Phase (Vaporization)

Dry mist distributed without added water.
Airborne odor treatment in small or large spaces

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USING PLANT-BASED ODOR REMOVERS

Our Process
Implementing an Ecosorb solution is less complicated than other common
odor control methods. Our experienced team partners with each customer to
create a complete control plan based on specific odor issues.

Design
Using our years of expertise in odor control, we match your odor
problem to an existing Ecosorb blend. In some cases, a custom
formula is needed to battle unique odor combinations, like those
found in cannabis grows of different strains. Chemists at OMI
Industries can determine the best mix of ingredients for each
odor issue.

Build
We manufacture, engineer and customize equipment to deliver
Ecosorb, based on each application and its environment — weather,
delivery method, output volume, and more.

Outfit
Ecosorb delivery systems fully integrate with your existing equipment
and processes. Our engineers work with your team to install and
maintain a complete odor solution.

Get Started
To learn more about Ecosorb solutions and equipment,
visit EcosorbIndustrial.com or contact us at 800-662-6367.

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