Industrial Odour Control with Ozone – Effective Solution for Industry

Industrial Odour Control with Ozone

Industrial odour control with ozone is becoming a critical solution for modern manufacturing facilities facing increasing environmental regulations and community pressure. As industrial activity expands closer to residential areas, effective and sustainable odour management is no longer optional but essential.

Uncontrolled odours negatively impact workplace conditions, public perception, and regulatory compliance. Ozone-based odour control offers a proven alternative to traditional technologies that often rely on masking or adsorption rather than true neutralisation.

Why industrial odour control is becoming a critical issue

Industrial odours are not subjective sensations but measurable emissions caused by specific compounds such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances are commonly released from wastewater treatment, waste processing, food production, chemical manufacturing, and agricultural industries.

Traditional odour control solutions such as biofilters, activated carbon, or chemical masking agents tend to lose effectiveness over time, particularly under fluctuating airflow, humidity, and temperature conditions. In many cases, these systems reduce odour intensity without eliminating the source of contamination.

Industrial odour control with ozone addresses the root cause by chemically oxidising odorous compounds rather than merely trapping or covering them.

How ozone works in industrial odour control

Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive oxidising agent that rapidly reacts with odorous molecules, breaking them down into non-odorous and less harmful compounds such as oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O).

Within seconds, ozone reacts with H₂S, NH₃, and VOCs, disrupting their molecular structure. Properly designed ozone odour control systems include ozone generators, oxygen supply units (PSA or oxygen cylinders), injection and mixing modules, automated control systems, and ozone sensors to ensure safe and effective operation.

Ozone treatment does not create secondary waste streams and does not rely on consumable chemicals, making it particularly suitable for continuous industrial applications.

Ozone vs conventional odour control technologies

ParameterBiofilters / Activated carbonIndustrial odour control with ozone
Odour removal mechanismAdsorption or biological degradationDirect oxidation of odour compounds
Effectiveness on VOCsLimitedHigh
Performance stabilitySensitive to humidity and load changesStable under varying conditions
ConsumablesMedia replacement requiredNo consumables
Secondary wasteYesNo
Operating costsMedium to highLow to moderate

Unlike conventional odour control technologies, ozone-based systems provide consistent performance even under variable industrial conditions.

Key advantages of ozone-based odour control systems

  • Effective odour neutralisation: Oxidation of H₂S, NH₃, and VOCs instead of masking.

  • Regulatory compliance: Stable performance helps meet emission limits under changing process conditions.

  • Environmentally sustainable: No chemicals required; ozone decomposes naturally into oxygen.

  • Automation and efficiency: Real-time monitoring, automated control, and reduced operational costs.

  • Compact integration: Can be installed directly in exhaust ducts or combined with existing ventilation systems.

Industrial odour control with ozone is not just a technical solution but a strategic investment in operational continuity and environmental responsibility.

Industrial applications of ozone odour control

Ozone odour control systems are successfully applied in a wide range of industrial sectors, including:

  • Wastewater and sludge treatment facilities

  • Waste processing and recycling plants

  • Food and beverage production

  • Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing

  • Rendering plants and animal processing facilities

Ozone generators can be integrated into existing air handling systems, exhaust stacks, biofilters, or used as standalone solutions depending on process requirements.

Ozonation solutions for industry

If you are looking for a reliable, chemical-free solution for industrial odour control, ozone technology offers a proven and scalable approach suitable for continuous operation.

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References

European Commission JRC – Best Available Techniques for Waste Treatment
https://bureau-industrial-transformation.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference/waste-treatment

ScienceDirect – Ozone: properties and industrial applications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/ozone

Journal of Cleaner Production – Ozone and biofiltration synergy for odour control
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-cleaner-production