Index. Introduction. history

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4 Index Introduction history 1

5 Activities and capacities dynamic olfactometry correlation between odor concentration and pollutants electronic noses hedonicity evaluation verification of odor proper level in gases meant for domestic use 2 Consulting 3 on norms consulting and training courses dispersion models survey of odors on the territory

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7 LOD 1 Introduction H History The foundation of LOD Srl dates back to 2003, within the framework of Friuli Innovazione. Its services are of interest to public organizations, as well as private companies, to quantify odorigenous emissions and evaluate their potential olfactive impact. LOD is a laboratory specialized in the measurement of odors. As one of the most competent European laboratories of dynamic olfactometry, the company supplies analyses on odors originating from processes of any type and nature, in order to give objective data that may allow for the quantification of emitted odors, as of technical norm UNI EN 13725:2004. Odor is important from the point of view of the quality of life. It was defined the brother of breath (P. Süskind, Perfume). It is not possible to solve odor problems by using only chemical-physical analyses techniques. It is thus essential to associate more sensorial methodologies. This is where dynamic olfactometry comes in: a group of selected people (examiners) determines the perception threshold of sampled air. The number of dilutions necessary to have the odor reach the threshold of olfactive perception is expressed as an odor concentration index, in odorimetric units per cubic meter (ou E /m 3 ). 5

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9 Activities 2 & capacities A Activities and capacities LOD is a university spin-off company. Starting from odors measurement, LOD staff developed various types of capacities, also due to constant exchanges with the University of Udine. The main activities of the laboratory are the following: measurement of odors through dynamic olfactometry; correlation between odor concentration and pollutants; electronic noses control for a constant survey of the potential olfactive impact on receptors; evaluation of odor hedonicity; verification of the proper odor level in gases meant for domestic use. UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI UDINE 7

10 LOD Activities and capacities D Dynamic olfactometry This is the only method acknowledged on an international scale, to quantify odor concentration as of technical norm UNI EN 13725: Olfactometric analyses play a synergic role in industrial research and development activities of any plant. They are essential to control odors in plants subject to an Environmental Integrated Authorization or Environmental Certification. Phases of the activity: inspection on the spot; collection of odorigenous samples at emission sources; samples analysis in an olfactometric room by selected examiners identifying perception thresholds; statistic treatment of examiners responses; evaluation of results and comparison with norms. The olfactometric analysis also permits an evaluation of the efficiency of environmental protection equipment used to abate odors. Besides, it gives useful information in view of the proper management of the plant. 8

11 9 The human nose can distinguish different odors.

12 LOD Activities and capacities Samples collection takes place directly at the source of emission, as of Norm UNI EN 13725: 20 10

13 C Correlation between odor concentration and pollutants Correlation allows for the determination of chemical mixtures potentially causing odorigenous emissions. Establishing the correlation between odor concentration and pollutants is an olfactometric analysis complementary activity. Phases of activity: collection of odorigenous samples together with chemicals sampling; samples analysis, both chemical and olfactometric; comparison of chemical concentration values with respect to olfactive perception thresholds to be found in literature; determination of synergic masking reactions between various mixtures contributing to the formation of odor. This analysis is essential when a plant must have an environmental abatement equipment, as it allows getting a complete and exhaustive characterization of the emission requiring treatment. 11

14 LOD Activities and capacities E Electronic noses These are complex tools, based on a sensors matrix. They work as human noses and can be trained to be able to recognize many types of odors. Electronic noses measure the odor fall-out, in an area where sensitive receivers are located at a given distance from a production facility. Phases of activity: collection of odorigenous samples; laboratory analysis and training of monitoring tools; positioning on site and constant monitoring; quantitative and qualitative determination of the potential impact by various olfactive sources. The most important step in the whole monitoring process is the training of electronic noses that will create the data base for all the surveys and allow for meaningful results. In fact, electronic noses recognize an odor only if they experienced it previously. The electronic nose works as a human nose and recognizes an odor only after having experienced it. 12

15 Example of sensors reactions - training curve of n butyl alcohol. sensor 1 sensor 2 sensor 3 sensor 4 sensor 5 sensor 6 13

16 LOD Activities and capacities Olfactive perception thresholds of some chemical compounds are in the order of ppb (parts per billion). 14

17 H Hedonicity evaluation Hedonicity evaluation allows determining if an odor is pleasant or not, in order to define its potential nuisance. This analysis allows for a complete characterization of the odor and it is performed in the olfactometric room, in compliance with Norm VDI Phases of activity: collection of odorigenous samples; analysis in the olfactometric laboratory, as of Norm VDI 3882; statistic treatment and extraction of representative curves for every sample LOD relies on important cooperation relationships in this field. For example, in the evaluation of the proper action of cosmetic products and those used for body hygiene. extremely pleasant neither pleasant nor unpleasant extremely unpleasant 15

18 LOD Activities and capacities V maximum odor very strong odor strong odor average odor weak odor very weak odor no odor Verification of odor proper level in gases meant for domestic use ,5 0 higher sensation limit safe perception perception limit This is a new kind of activity for LOD. Based on its experience in the field of odor studies, the company created a rhino-analytical laboratory in compliance with Norm UNI 7133, to determine the proper level of gases odors. The main critical aspect, in view of an online introduction of gases (including bio-methane), regards their odor. In fact, gases meant for domestic use must have precise olfactive properties to guarantee users safety. Determining the proper odor level is extremely important. This activity takes place inside a rhino-analytical room, as specified by Norm UNI : The room has a 13m 3 volume approximately, and an aluminum coating. This is where a known quantity of odorizing product is made to evaporate and mixed with the gas to be tested. Selected and trained rhino-analysts go through the room and register their olfactive sensation based on the Sales scale. Results are compared with odors reference data. LOD is the only laboratory in Italy equipped with an olfactometric room, as of Norm UNI EN 13725:2004, as well as a rhino-analytical room, as of Norm UNI : Therefore, it is the only one in a position to ensure parallel analyses and correlate the surveyed data using both methods. Sales scale, i.e. scale for the definition of olfactive sensations. 16

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21 Consulting as 3 regards norms C Consulting on norms Odorigenous emissions from production facilities are becoming a real problem, also due to an increased awareness in this respect. Considering the continuous evolution in the field of norms and authorizations, it is extremely important for plants managers to receive exact and precise information to be able to comply with data required by control authorities. LOD activities give the possibility of getting an idea of the potential olfactive impact of a plant on the surrounding territory, through the model study of odors dispersion and territory survey (field inspection, using apps such as Geonose ). 19

22 LOD Consulting CConsulting and training courses LOD offers the following main services: support for the obtainment of authorizations (VAS, VIA, AUA, AIA ) Thanks to its experience, LOD may offer a complete support during the authorization procedure, starting from the Strategic Environmental Evaluation, to go through the Evaluation of Environmental Impact, and up to the permit itself authorizing activities, whether as an Environmental Certification or Integrated Authorization. specialists consulting Odor is a kind of pollution from every point of view, also important from the standpoint of civil disputes and consequent penalties. LOD staff people played a role in various cases as expert witnesses (whether for private parties or as experts nominated by the court itself). These cases covered animal breeding facilities, restaurants, wastewaters treatment plants, as well as environmental treatment plants. training experience LOD has held many courses for Regional Environment Agencies all over Italy, at various levels. LOD also ensures training activities during specific courses organized for professionals or in the case of conferences. The company periodically holds lessons at the University of Udine and the University of Trieste. 20

23 DDispersion models These are mathematical simulations on the computer, performed as of UNI norms and regional law n. IX/3018, dated February 2012, of the Lombardy Region. Mathematical dispersion models allow depicting the diffusion of substances spreading through the air (odor and pollutants) in the surroundings of production facilities, based on weather parameters usually supplied by the ARPA Institute. The purpose of the dispersion model offered by LOD is to have the sensation of olfactive nuisance perceived by the population in the surroundings of a plant become an objective element. It starts from olfactometric investigation data, to work through a scientifically supported simulation of odors dispersion. Characteristics of LOD activities: obtainment of weather parameters from ARPA weather stations; evaluation of the real odorigenous impact of the production facility; simulations of the effect of other polluting agents, not only olfactive ones. Nowadays, dispersion models are the only tool permitting some forecasts on the potential effect of pollutants and odors on the territory, before a plant is actually built. Example of dispersion on the territory. >50 ou E /m 3 >20 ou E /m 3 >10 ou E /m 3 >5 ou E /m 3 >3 ou E /m 3 >1 ou E /m 3 INDUSTRIAL ESTATE 21

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25 Survey of odors on the territory SGeonose is an odor monitoring system, having people play the role of sensors. It consists of a series of technologies (server and analysis software) supported by a cartographic cloud system and by mathematical models, necessary for spatial and territorial calculations. This application, available for tablets and smartphones, allows for a systematic collection of odor- data and their management in an organized way, so that it is possible to verify their reliability. Examiners enter a series of simple data in already preset fields, such as the type of perceived odor, intensity or other characteristics. As they do so, the system immediately integrates these data, automatically and autonomously, and creates coordinates showing where the signaling took place and the precise moment of the survey. It is important to underline that users cannot modify the data automatically entered by the app; this guarantees a high safety level and the fact that there can be no doubt about the data collected by the Geonose system. This system makes the survey objective and allows for a precise evaluation of odorigenous impacts on the territory. It is possible to use Geonose in a profitable way within the framework of Odour Field Inspection, as foreseen by technical Norm FprEN part 1 and part 2, in other words for selected examiners to determinate odor present in the air. ODOR LEVEL none weak average bothering Geonose allows getting an exact signal on an olfactive nuisance. 23

26 via Sondrio, Udine Italy Tel Fax lod@gruppoluci.it

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