How Does Ecosorb Compare to Other Odor Control Methods?

Chemicals are sprayed into the air, using synthetic fragrances to “hide” odors.

• 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

• Give an immediate cover to odors, but the odors eventually return as the fragrance and odor molecules separate
• Many use hazardous chemicals and are delivered by harmful aerosols

Odors are added to highly reactive chemicals — acids, caustics, oxidizers, and surfactants. The odorous compounds chemically react with the solution, removing odors.

• Mechanics can be monitored and carefully controlled.
• Systems are popular: known technology with standard, “textbook” designs.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Generators create ozone molecules, which are highly reactive to organic material.

• Ozone is a powerful oxidant and anti-microbial.

• Can cause side effects if used around people; treated areas must be evacuated while in use and hours afterward.
• Extremely caustic and could damage items or react to other chemicals in treatment areas.
• Not effective on inorganic odors.

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.

• Bacteria used are naturally occurring and can metabolize many organic odor- causing compounds.
• Works on odors that are biodegradable and water-soluble.

• 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.

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.

• These units work well to reduce odors caused by ketones, alcohols, and ethers.

• Equipment needed to recirculate water in bioscrubbers makes for expensive up-front and operating costs.
• Requires selection of lab-developed bacterial strain.

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.

There has been widespread development for different catalytic mediums, mainly for “reduction” and “oxidation” catalysts.

• Can introduce many toxins and noxious substances into the air.
• Even for well-designed and operated systems, there is a need for catalyst saturation and sterilization.

Odor-causing waste and gas are burned at high temperatures.

The incineration process is effective against organic odors.

• Dangerously high temperatures — usually around 1472°F (800°C)— are needed to destroy gas.
• Expensive, 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.