TECHNICAL SPAN TS 3009:2022

SPECIFICATION

ODOUR CONTROL SYSTEM

FOR WATER SERVICES
INDUSTRY (PERFORMANCE
VALIDATION PROCEDURE)

National Water Services Commission

 SPAN TS 3009:2022

SURUHANJAYA PERKHIDMATAN AIR NEGARA (SPAN)

Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) is a technical and economic regulatory body for
the water supply and sewerage services in Peninsular Malaysia and Federal Territories of
Putrajaya and Labuan. The Commission regulates all entities in the water supply and sewerage
services industry including public and private water supply and sewerage services operators,
water supply and sewerage contractors, permit holders and suppliers of water and sewerage
products.

SPAN vision is towards a sustainable, reliable and affordable water service for all and with the
mission to regulate the water services industry through fair, effective and transparent
implementation of Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).

© Copyright 2022
For further info or enquiries on SPAN-TS, please contact:
Bahagian Pembangunan dan Audit Industri
Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) Ground Floor and First Floor,
Prima Avenue 8,
Block 3510, Jalan Teknokrat 6,
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: 60 3 8317 9333/334/335
Fax: 60 3 8317 9336

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

Contents Page

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4

0. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1. Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Normative References ................................................................................................................................................. 7

3. Terms, Definitions & Abbreviation ....................................................................................................................... 8

4. Quality Assurance ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

5. Design of Odour Control System and Odour Treatment Unit ............................................................... 11

6. Performance Validation Procedure Testing .................................................................................................. 13

Appendix 1: Performance Verification Report Format (by Verifier) ..................................................... 16

Appendix 2: Available Odour Abatement Technology .................................................................................. 17

Appendix 3: Illustration of Odour Abatement Technology ......................................................................... 24

Appendix 4: Typical List of Odorous Compounds in Industrial Source Emissions ......................... 29

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

Foreword

This SPAN TS was developed by the Working Group on Odour Control System for Water Services
Industry.

This specification was developed with following objectives:

a) To provide a comprehensive guiding document that describes the requirements of Performance
Validation Procedures for Odour Control System for the Water Services Industry (water supply
system and sewerage system) which includes key information such as design parameters,
construction, installation and performance criteria noting that these requirements are neither
exhaustive nor constrictive; and
b) To assist the industries to validate their products’ performance; and
c) To describe the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the performance validation
process.

This SPAN TS applies to complete odour control systems and odour treatment units and not individual
equipment.

This specification will be subjected to review and reflect current needs and conditions. Users and other
interested parties may submit comments on the contents of this specification for consideration into
future versions.

This SPAN TS will be subjected to periodic review so as to reflect the current needs and conditions.
Compliance with this Standard does not by itself grant immunity from legal obligations.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

0. Introduction

Odour Problems have become a major environmental issue worldwide especially with increasing
populations and decreasing buffer boundaries.

Odour Control Systems (OCS) not only have to be installed but more importantly, be cost efficient and
sustainable long term.

This Technical Specification described the procedures for performance validation of OCS for the Water
Services Industry (water supply services and sewerage services) with requirements and methods for
the performance validation procedures. This Technical Specification is also applicable for the
performance validation of Odour Treatment Units (OTU).

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

1. Scope

This document specifies the procedures for performance validation of OCS or OTU for the Water Services
Industry with requirements and methods for the performance validation procedure.

The performance validation shall be conducted under the supervision and validation of an independent
third party appointed by the supplier. The implementation of performance validation and validation of
a technology’s performance shall include supervision of sample taking, logging of sample activities,
monitoring of all operation parameters and the surveying of prevailing conditions when the samples
were taken for laboratory analysis, and other activities and requirements described herein. The
performance validation procedures described herein apply to whole OCS and OTU.

The objective of the performance validation is to verify the performance of the technology/product from
a treatment performance, operational reliability and environmental impact perspective. The
performance validation is to be supervised and verified by an independent third party. The parties
involved in the performance validation shall include:
a) The Supplier,
b) The Independent Third-party Verifier,
c) The Accredited Laboratory,
d) The Site Provider, and
e) Any other party directly or indirectly involved.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

2. Normative References

The normative reference that are relevant to this are as follow:

SPAN, Malaysia Sewerage Industry Guideline Volume III, Sewer Network & Pump Station
SPAN, Malaysia Sewerage Industry Guideline Volume IV, Sewage Treatment Plants
SPAN, TS 1402 – Technical Specification for Standard Sewage Treatment Plant: Part 1-Extended
Aeration (150 – 5,000 PE), 2016
SPAN, TS(CT) 04-1-2018 – Technical Standard for Sewage Collection, Conveyance & Sewage Treatment
Plant for Ancillary Works – Part 1: Odour Control & Other Amenities
MS 1963:2007 Air Quality – Determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry.
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014.
Environmental Quality (Schedule Waste) Regulation 2005.
NZWWA, Manual for Wastewater Odour Management, 2nd Edition, Sept 2000
Sydney Water, ACP004 Odour Control Unit Standard Specification. Issue 05: May 2018
Air Pollution Engineering Manual: 2nd Edition 2,000
Akta Bekalan Elektrik 1990 (Akta 448)
Drainage, Sanitation and Sanitary Plumbing By – Laws 1976
Factories and Machinery Act 1967
Local Government Act 1976
Occupational Safety and Health, OSHA 514 – 1994
Peraturan-peraturan Elektrik 1994

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

3. Terms, Definitions & Abbreviation

3.1 Terms and definition

3.1.1 odour

Refers to Organoleptic attribute perceptible by the olfactory organ on sniffing certain volatile
substances.

3.1.2 odorous gases

Refer to gas that contains odourants.

3.1.3 odourant

Refers to the substance which stimulates a human olfactory system so that an odour is perceived.

3.1.4 dynamic olfactometer

Dynamic olfactometer delivers a flow of mixtures of odorous and neutral gas with known dilution
factors in a common outlet.

3.1.5 dynamic olfactometry

Refer to Olfactometry using a dynamic olfactometer.

3.1.6 odour control system (OCS)

Refer to whole complete system which involve in the process starting from odour accumulation,
transportation or delivery, Odour Treatment Unit (OTU), discharge point and related auxiliary and
accessories.

3.1.7 odour treatment unit (OTU)

Refer to the related equipment, instrumentation and accessories which are involved directly in the
odour abatement process.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

3.1.8 odour removal efficiency

Refer to the values to expressed as removal reduction after treatment process. Expressed value of
removal reduction shall be in percentage (%) by values comparison of odour concentration in the
amount of air stream before Odour Treatment Unit with value of odour concentration on the same
amount of air stream after Odour Treatment Unit.

3.1.9 odour unit (OU)

Refer to amount of odourant(s) that when evaporated into 1 cubic meter (1cu.m) of neutral gas at
standard conditions, elicit a physiological response from a panel (detection threshold) equivalent to
that elicited by one Reference Odour Mass (ROM), evaporated in one cubic meter of neutral gas at
standard conditions.

3.1.10 odour concentration (OU/cu.m)

Refers to the number of odour units in a cubic meter of gas at standard conditions.

3.1.11 reference odour mass (ROM)

Refers to accepted reference value for the Malaysian odour unit, equal to a defined mass of a certified
reference material. One ROM is equivalent to 123µg n-butanol (CAS-Nr.71-36-3). Evaporated in 1 cu.m
of neutral gas.

3.2 Abbreviation

OCS Odour Control System

OTU Odour Treatment Unit

OU Odour Unit

O&M Operation and Maintenance

Ppmv Air Pollution Concentration in part per million by volume

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

SPS Sewage Pump Station

STP Sewage Treatment Plant

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

4. Quality Assurance

To ensure the quality, integrity and validity of the Performance Validation Procedures, the supplier shall
appoint an Independent Third-party Verifier and Testing Laboratory according to the requirements
described herein.

4.1 Independent Third-party Verifier

The designated Third-party Verifier shall be selected from the list of authorised verifiers by SPAN.

4.2 Testing laboratory

The testing laboratory is a laboratory accredited under the Skim Akreditasi Makmal Malaysia (SAMM)
for all the characterisation parameters to be tested; and the air quality characterisation shall comply to
MS 1963:2007 Air Quality – Determination of Odour Concentration by Dynamic Olfactometry.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

5. Design of Odour Control System and Odour Treatment Unit

5.1 Design requirement

The OCS or OTU shall be designed to:

a) Be safe to construct, operate, maintain and decommission in accordance with the Safety in
Design Procedure; and
b) Provide reliable and effective odour control and treatment to a level specified in the minimum
requirements outlined in Section 5.3 of this Technical Specification; and
c) Comply with all relevant Statutory and Regulatory requirements, Standards and Code of
Practices; and
d) Not cause interruption to the normal operation of the Sewer System; and
e) Automatic continuous operation with capabilities of periodic operation at selectable time
intervals. Manual override features shall be provided with the system; and
f) Consideration must be given to the lifespan and overall costs including associated costs in
capital, operations, monitoring and maintenance.

5.2 General requirement

Odour is generated during conveyance and treatment of sewage due to the degradation of organic
material and possible non sewage pollutants infiltration by irresponsible external sources. Therefore,
all sources of odour generation must be identified and where possible prevented at the source itself.

The odour generating sources in sewerage processes particularly can be found at inlet points, primary
screen, channels, wet well, secondary screen, grit and grease removal, screenings, grit and grease
conveyance and storage, sludge treatment processes and emission of biogas from anaerobic digestion.

The range of odorous constituents from the identified odour sources is very wide and they include
hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, thiols and other organic sulphur compounds, amines, indole and skatole,
volatile fatty acids and a wide range of organic compounds caused by anaerobic fermentation.

Odour levels in odour unit (OU) and odour concentration (OU/cu.m) shall be measured in accordance
to MS 1963:2007 Air Quality – Determination of Odour Concentration by Dynamic Olfactometry.

The OCS shall be designed to isolate the identified odour sources from the general ventilation system by
the containment of such sources with effective covers or enclosures and conveying the resultant
odorous gasses through corrosion resistant ducting by separately mounted fans to an OTU for odour
abatement after the removal of known hazardous gaseous components including hydrogen sulphide.
Descriptions of common treatment technologies are described in Appendix 2.

The local exhaust flowrates of odorous gasses at each extraction point shall be designed to:
a) Provide a negative pressure within the covered space to ensure that the odorous air will not
escape into the surrounding areas from non-tight covers/enclosures or other contributing
factors
b) Prevent built-up of toxic, corrosive or explosive gasses inside the covered space
c) Provide for process air or air displaced by changes in the level of sewage inside the covered
space.

Accurate odour problem definition shall consist of the requirements of covers/ enclosures for the
identified odour sources, designed exhaust flow volume of odorous gasses and the level of odour
concentration to be treated.

Any likely increase in volume, due to anticipated process design changes, shall be incorporated in the
design and the equipment shall be sized adequately to cater for any such changes.
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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

The OTU shall be located nearest to the main extraction volume point. If not possible, any appropriate
location identified may be considered but avoid any location further from the extraction points as the
resultant higher static pressure will require larger exhaust fans with higher power cost.

5.3 Technical information

The technical information of the OCS or OTU shall be included in the Performance Validation Report.
Technical information shall include, but is not limited to:
a) Layout detail and design details of the containment system for all identified odour sources
b) The required odorous gas local exhaust flowrate for optimal containment of all the identified
odour generating sources
c) All features that may affect the operation and maintenance of the OTU are considered in the
design
d) Data on the characteristics and performance of the OTU to indicate ability to meet the
performance requirement
e) Description of the operation of the OCS including the OTU
f) Proposed type and details of the OTU including recommended spare part list
g) Electrical circuit and control panel layout to be.

5.4 Minimum requirements

Unless otherwise specified, the minimum requirements of the OTU are as below:

OTU Minimum Requirements.

ITEM REQUIREMENTS
Odour Removal For odour levels, the odour removal efficiency shall be minimum ninety (90)
Efficiency percent for inlet odour loading of 10,000 OU/cu.m. For inlet odour loading of less
than 10,000 OU/cu.m the removal efficiency shall be such that the treated outlet
gas discharged shall not exceed 1,000 OU/cu.m.
For hydrogen sulphide and any other identified hazardous gasses, the treated
outlet concentrations shall not exceed the emission limits as set by the
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations, 2014.

Noise Level Not exceeding 90dBa measured at 3m from the sources under free field conditions.

OCS shall comply with OTU Minimum Requirement and also comply to the following:
ITEM REQUIREMENTS
Local extraction The odorous gases local extraction flowrates shall be designed based on optimal
air flowrates containment of all the identified odour generating sources.

Exhaust Fan Duty and Standby. Centrifugal type constructed of fibreglass impellers and casing
with stainless steel shafts or of other corrosion resistant materials.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

6. Performance Validation Procedure Testing

Performance testing applies to all OTUs and OCS.

6.1 Objective of the performance validation

The objective of the performance validation is to verify the performance of the product from an odour
removal efficiency, operational reliability and environmental impact perspective. The performance
validation is to be supervised and validated by an Independent Third-party Verifier. The parties
involved shall include:
a) The Supplier,
b) The Independent Third-party Verifier,
c) The Accredited Laboratory,
d) The Site Provider, and
e) Any other party directly or indirectly involved.

6.2 Design criteria

The design criteria of the product shall be provided by the supplier to the Independent Third-party
Verifier and shall be included in the Performance Validation Report. The design criteria shall include but
is not limited to the following:
a) Description of treatment technology being used
b) Technical drawing
c) Process flow diagram / Process schematic
d) Process & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
e) Performance indicators
f) Consumable materials (i.e. chemicals, filter media, etc.)
g) Manpower requirements
h) Power consumption
i) Limitations of the system or subsystem
j) Typical layout plan
k) The actual layout plan of the system or subsystem performance validation at the test location.

6.3 Performance indicators

During the performance validation, the Supplier must ensure that:

a) The measurement of the performance indicators corresponds to the normal operating
conditions of the system under validation
b) These performance indicators have been documented in accordance with the requirements
specified herein
c) The sampling and characterisation shall be conducted by a Laboratory appointed by the
Supplier. The Laboratory shall comply with the requirements stated in Clause 4.2 of this
Technical Specifications
d) All samplings shall be conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standard
methods and to be clearly stated in certificates of analysis provided for each and every sample
e) Wherever and whenever relevant, necessary steps shall be taken by the Supplier, the
Independent Third-party Verifier and the Accredited Laboratory to ensure that the sampling
techniques are observed with utmost diligence to ensure that results are representative of the
product under validation
f) This shall include but is not limited to considerations of sampling size, location of sampling,
duration of sampling and frequency of sampling

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

g) The location of sampling points shall be confirmed by the Third-Party Verifier to ensure the
results are representative of the product under validation. The sampling location shall be
described clearly in the Performance Validation Proposal.

The main performance indicators shall include but is not limited to:
a) Inlet gas characteristics - whenever applicable this can be referred to as influent gas
b) Treated gas characteristics - whenever applicable this can be referred to as partially treated gas
c) Sludge or any byproducts or wastes generated
d) Consumables (i.e. chemicals, etc) (to be reported in RM/month)
e) Power consumption (to be reported in RM/ month)
f) Environmental footprint (i.e. GHG emissions, etc)
g) Removal efficiency and/or emission level.

Other performance indicators shall include;

a) Manpower requirement (i.e. competence level, number of staff): The number of staff required to
operate the system or subsystem. The level of competence or skills required should be
mentioned whenever required
b) Maintenance: The maintenance requirement for the system or subsystem. Activities required
and frequency should be described
c) Availability: The availability of the system or subsystem to run its operation under normal
conditions. Any downtime should be reported
d) Indicative Lifecycle cost (RM/month): The indicative cost which includes the capital and the
operational cost over the system or subsystem lifecycle.
i) Indicative Capital cost: The indicative capital cost for the system or subsystem.
ii) Indicative Operational cost (RM/month): Operational expenses which shall include
manpower, utility, preventive and scheduled maintenance, chemicals, and any other
consumable required shall be reported on the basis of per operation month.

6.4 Duration of testing

The minimum duration of testing for the performance validation of new registrations shall be 3 months
with a minimum of 30 samples taken throughout the period of validation. Refer to Table 1 for details of
the sampling program.

6.4.1 New installation

Table 1 – Duration of testing for new installation

Phase Duration Frequency Note

1 1st week Daily If successful proceed

to Phase 1

2 Subsequent weeks until 3 Weekly -

months

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

6.4.2 Renewal for existing system

The sampling should be 5% of installed plants or minimum 3 plants with 1 sample each. Duration of
testing should be not more than 4 months.

6.5 Performance validation report

The Performance Validation Report shall validate the performance of the OCS or OTU being tested for
given conditions (specified in 6.4) by following the performance validation procedure described in
Section 6 herein. The Performance Validation Report shall:
a) Be prepared and signed by the Independent Third-party Verifier compliance with the
performance validation procedure;
b) Include the Independent Third-party declaration of independence
c) Be prepared following the structure described in Appendix 1 herein
d) Include all documentation declaring the Supplier’s right to sell or distribute the product from
the principal product/technology owner
e) Details of any non-conformances relating to this TS
f) Manufacturer’s information including equipment type, model number details, operating
characteristics and relevant technical product brochures
g) Basic description of OTU or OCS including process flow description
h) Details of expected odour removal performance and statement of performance guarantee
offered
i) Detail of media offered, including media life guarantee
j) Detail of instrumentations proposed
k) P&ID drawings
l) Media, chemical and utility consumption based on design average and maximum conditions
m) Health & Safety requirements.

6.6 Records

All tests and inspections shall be documented identifying the date of the test, inspector’s name,
equipment used, results, and any adjustment action taken.

6.7 Safety

The Supplier shall ensure that all safety requirements and compliance in relation to any and all safety
requirements and regulations are met.

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

Appendix 1: Performance Verification Report Format (by Verifier)

(a) Confirmation of Validation Report by a Third-Party (signed by the Verification

Team Leader)
(b) Declaration of Independence by Independent Third-party Verifier
(c) Report Content
(d) Chapter 1 - Supplier and Manufacturer’s Contact Information
(e) Chapter 2 - Description of The Treatment Technology (refer to Appendix 2 for
example of treatment technology)
(f) Chapter 3 - Technical Specifications and Design Criteria
(g) Chapter 4 - Performance Validation Methodology
(i) Performance Validation Objectives
(ii) Test procedures and standards
(iii) Duration and load challenge of the performance validation
(h) Chapter 5 - User Guide and Operational Instructions
(i) Chapter 6 – Operation and Maintenance Records
(j) Chapter 7 - Byproducts and Waste Management
(k) Chapter 8 - Performance Monitoring (refer to the performance indicators in
Section 6.5)
(l) Chapter 9 - Cost Analysis
(m) Chapter 10 - Project Participants and Stakeholders Consulted
(n) Chapter 11 - Carbon Footprint estimation
(o) Chapter 12 - Maintenance Requirements
(p) Chapter 13 - Event log
(q) Appendix A - Certificates of analysis
(r) Appendix B - Pictures of all sample collection

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 SPAN TS 3009:2022

Appendix 2: Available Odour Abatement Technology

Available odour abatement technologies are categorised into the following:

a) Biofiltration
b) Chemical Scrubber
c) Adsorption System
d) Thermal Oxidation

2.1 Biofiltration

a) Biofiltration refers to the biodegradation of the pollutants in a waste gas stream by

microorganism to carbon dioxide, water and excess biomass.
b) Microorganisms are generally organized in thin layers called biofilm.
c) The pollutants in the waste gas act as a source of carbon and energy for growth and maintenance
of the microorganisms.
d) Microorganisms also require essential nutrients and growth factors in order to function and
produce new cells.
e) Most often these nutrients and growth factors are not present in the waste gas and have to be
supplied externally.
f) Available Biofiltration odour treatment systems are:

(i) Biofilter
(ii) Biotrickling filter
(iii) Bioscrubber

g) There are fundamental differences between the above technologies; type of media used and the
way microorganisms are organized (i.e immobilized or dispersed) to the state of the aqueous
phase in the reactor (i.e mobile or stationary).
h) When selecting the biofiltration technology, focus is placed on the operational and control
requirements needed to ensure an optimal chemical and physical environment for mass transfer
and biodegradation in order to achieve a high and constant removal efficiency of the gaseous
pollutants.

2.1.1 Biofilter
a) In a Biofilter, the odorous air is passed through a humid biomass bed containing specially
adapted biocultures on which pollutant degrading microorganisms are naturally immobilized.
b) The biofilter influent gas should ideally be moisture-saturated to avoid or minimise moisture
loss from the biofilter. It is usually necessary to humidify the gaseous emissions from sewage
reticulation and treatment system if these gas streams are to be treated by biofiltration. This can
be achieved by fine water spray in the influent ducting (with appropriate drainage), or by a
packed-bed water scrubber.
c) Design parameters for a Biofilter depend on the Specific Design and Construction details of the
overall Biofilter Plant itself. A guideline for determining the size of a typical biofilter would be
the range of odorous air flowrate across the biofilter bed.

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The media:
i) The odour removal performance and operating cost of biofilter depend primarily on the
media selection
ii) The media should have a large active particle surface area (ie. in general, small particles
should be used) to absorb gases, attached microorganisms, and effect good water holding.
The media however must be sufficiently porous to maintain a low pressure drop and provide
good drainage
iii) The media should have suitable characteristics that help to support and sustain the growth
of microorganisms. These characteristics include nutrient content, pH, and buffering
capacity
iv) The media is of organic carrier material, e.g. compost, wood bark or wood chip, soil, peat,
and containing specially adapted biocultures
v) The nutrients necessary for the growth of microorganisms are supplied by the organic
matter.

Specific Features:

i) Media drying and cracking will cause short circuiting of foul air through the biofilter. A pre-
scrubber is required to prevent drying out, regulate pH level and act as a buffer against
concentration peaks before entering biofilter media
ii) The Biofilter requires low maintenance and is particularly effective for treatment of odour.
(Refer to Appendix 3.1: Illustration of basic Biofilter and Biofilter c/w Pre-Scrubber)

2.1.2 Biotrickling filter

a) In a Biotrickling filter, odorous compounds are transferred from gas phase to biofilm, which
grows on an inorganic packing material. Because nutrients are not available in these inorganic
materials, they have to be supplied to the microorganisms by recirculating a liquid phase
through the reactor in counter current or crossflow wet scrubber.
b) The biotrickling filter shall be supplied complete with all auxiliary equipment required for
system operation. The biotrickling filter unit shall generally consist of an inlet isolation valve,
one or more contactors containing a suitable bio growth media and support frame, a liquor
recirculation system, if part of the suppliers’ design, to maintain the media in a moist state, a
liquor decant and makeup (water and nutrients) system, extraction fan(s), discharge stack,
control equipment panel, and monitoring equipment.
c) The diameter and height of the biotrickling filter shall be properly sized to meet the specified
performance requirements.
d) The biotrickling filter shall be designed structurally to withstand both the operating gas
pressures (whether operating under a vacuum as preferred or under positive pressure) as well
as any other stresses that might be expected during loading and unloading of the media (for
example, need to provide support for at least two people standing on top).
e) A demister may be required to prevent any carryover of liquid droplets with the outlet gas
stream.

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The media:
i) The media is inorganic and chemical inert material; e.g. random dump plastic packing, lava
rock, structured packing, and open-pore polyurethane foam
ii) Different layers of media will be of a design such that it provides sufficient surface and
contact time to treat agreed contaminant loads to the agreed discharge quality whilst
being open enough to not suffer from blockage or short circuiting over its operational life
span
iii) The number of media layers and treatment stages are as specified by the Supplier with a
neutral pH (pH 6-8) to provide optimal conditions for the heterotrophic microorganisms
iv) The supplier shall submit calculations to the principal, substantiating the choice of media
and the number of stages to meet the required performance and life span. The media
should be guaranteed for at least 10 years without the requirement of media change-out,
without pressure drop increase (no increase after start-up period) nor shrink or compact
(maximum 5% compaction of the original bed depth)
v) Nutrients that are not available in this material, rely on the microbial action in their
recirculation waters.

Specific features:
i) The biofilm of microorganisms on the media surfaces needs to be maintained
ii) Addition of nutrients required continuously to support the microbial activity. The nutrient
dosing system shall consist of a storage tank, duty dosing pump, low level indicator,
calibration tube, backpressure valve, pressure gauge and dosing line
iii) pH control required
iv) The biofilm condition needs to be monitored in order to maintain required microbial filter
activity
v) If the microbial activity occurred, the media should be dirty and scaled. If it is found clean,
there is no microbial biofilm activity and therefore No effective odour treatment
vi) High water usage to dilute effluent for acceptable water wash quality before recirculation
spray.
(Refer to Appendix 3.2: Illustration of Biotrickling Filter and Bioscrubber)

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2.1.3 Bioscrubber
a) A Bioscrubber consists of two reactors. The first reactor is a Biotrickling filter (refer to Appendix
2.1.2 of this TS) with the second reactor being an activated sludge unit to treat the effluent
contaminants resulting from the Biotrickling filter and recirculated back.
b) The biological reactor contains an aeration device to supply bacteria with enough oxygen to
break down the components. In the event of poorly soluble and difficult to degrade components,
there is a real risk of components being stripped into the air. In order to prevent pollutants being
emitted via stripping, it would be best to send the air from the aeration device back through the
bioscrubber.
c) The media inorganic and chemical inert material and features are described in the Biotrickling
filter as in Appendix 2.1.2of this TS.
Specific features:

i) The biofilm of microorganisms on the media surfaces needs to be maintained

ii) Nutrients that are not available in this material, rely on the microbial action in their
recirculation waters
iii) Addition of nutrients required continuously to support the microbial activity. The nutrient
dosing system shall consist of storage tank, duty dosing pump, low level indicator,
calibration tube, backpressure valve, pressure gauge and dosing line
iv) pH control required
v) The biofilm condition needs to be monitored in order to maintain required microbial filter
activity
vi) If the microbial activity occurred, the media should be dirty and scaled. If it is found clean,
there is no microbial biofilm activity and therefore No effective odour treatment.
(Refer to Appendix 3.2: Illustration of Biotrickling Filter and Bioscrubber)

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2.2 Chemical Gas Scrubber

a) In a Chemical Gas Scrubber, odorous air is contacted with chemicals dissolved in a spray or
packed bed contactor. The chemical constituents in the odorous gases will react with the
scrubber chemicals and be removed.
b) For the most efficient use of chemicals, the addition of chemicals is automated. This ensures
chemicals are added only on demand when there is pollutant load.
c) For caustic and acid scrubbing liquids, pH probes are used to activate and control the dosing
pumps. Similarly, an Oxidation – reduction – potential probe is used to control dosing of oxidant.
d) The measuring points and dosing points in the system must be selected carefully to achieve a
fast response time and minimise the escape of odorous compounds.
e) To minimise chemical consumption, most scrubbing solutions are recirculated.
The packing media:

i) The media is Inorganic and chemical inert material; eg. random dump plastic packing, lava
rock, structured packing, and open-pore polyurethane foam
ii) The most important element is the packing media’s ability to generate fresh liquid surface
area that can absorb the gaseous pollutants
iii) This is achieved by providing not large, continuous surface, but a large number of small
discontinuous surfaces and hold up points such as relatively fine filaments and
projections.
Specific features:

i) Various designs for the scrubbing of specific gaseous will provide different level of
efficiency
ii) To be effective in odour treatment, multiple scrubbing stages are used e.g. neutralizing,
oxidative and reductive
iii) Addition of an independent effluent treatment plant is required to treat the resultant
chemical by-products/wastes. The by-product is classified as hazardous and requires
special care and safety measures
iv) Due to the often complex combination of odorous compounds which may contribute to the
odour of an air stream, the odour removal capability of chemical scrubber cannot be
measured in terms of odour units.
(Refer to Appendix 3.3: Illustration of Chemical Scrubber)

2.3 Adsorption Systems

a) Gas adsorption is the process in which one or more components are removed from a gas through
adherence to a solid surface. The attractive force holding the gas molecule at the surface may be
either physical (physical adsorption) or chemical (chemisorption).
b) Adsorption is accomplished primarily on the surfaces of external passages within small porous
particles. The three basic mass transfer processes occur as follows: mass transfer from the bulk
gas to the particle surface, diffusion through the passages within the particle, and adsorption on
the internal particle surfaces.
The media:

i) The most common used adsorbent material for odours is activated carbon
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ii) Activated carbon is able to maximise gas-solid adsorption because it is a material with a
large surface area contained in a small practical volume
iii) Due to the non-polar nature of its surface, activated carbon has the ability to adsorb
organic and some inorganic materials in preference to water vapour
iv) The materials and amounts adsorbed depend on the physical and chemical characteristics
of the specific compounds
v) Adsorbers typically activated carbon (charcoal) consist of catalytic impregnated
(regenerable), impregnated carbons and non-impregnated (virgin).

Specific Features:
i) The efficiency of the odour removal will remain relatively constant until the carbon is fully
saturated. Consequently, it may be necessary to monitor the gas leaving the adsorption
bed
ii) A regeneration facility is required for regenerating saturated solid adsorbers to be used as
recycled adsorbers with acceptable adsorption capability
iii) If a regeneration facility is not available, the saturated absorbent waste has to be treated
to DOE Approval as classified under DOE EQA (Schedule Waste) Regulation 2005 - SW 411
Spent activated carbon excluding carbon from the treatment from potable water and
processes of the food industry and vitamin production.
(Refer to Appendix 3.4: Illustration of Adsorption System)

2.4 Thermal Oxidation

a) Thermal oxidation is a broad term that describes the use of oxygen or air at high temperatures
to destroy odorous compounds or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
b) In thermal oxidation, the odorous gases are oxidised by combustion into carbon dioxide and
water.
c) The speed and efficiency of the combustion reaction increases as temperature increases.
d) Heat produced during combustion of one molecule can increase the combustion speed and
efficiency of the next molecule. Once the correct mix of fuel and oxygen is achieved, the efficiency
of odour destruction is determined by the time, temperature, and turbulence of the reaction.
e) If insufficient time is provided at a given temperature, the destruction efficiency will be less than
100%.
f) Different odorants require different times and temperatures for destruction.

Specific Features:
i) The destruction of odorous compounds by thermal oxidation is a complex combustion
process that is dependent on many interacting chemical and physical phenomena
ii) Thermal oxidation is applicable for odorous gases with sufficient concentration of
combustible reactants, typically hydrocarbons such as methane and oxygen to sustain the
combustion processes
iii) For odorous gases with low concentration of combustible contents, effective thermal
oxidation can only be achieved with addition of fuel

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iv) The amount of external fuel required will depend on the type and concentration of
hydrocarbons in the odorous air, and the moisture content of the air stream
v) When additional fuel is added, it is important to make sure sufficient oxygen is available
to sustain the combustion process, otherwise partially oxidised compounds such as carbon
monoxide, aldehydes and ketones will form which can have strong odours.
(Refer Appendix 3.5: Illustration of Thermal Oxidation)

Important Notes

a) Pretreatment of all identified hazardous gases in the final exhaust odorous air flow must be
carried out before considering any of the above odour abatement technology as the OTU to be
selected.
b) Refer to Section 4.2.3 Selection Criteria of OTU of this TS for selection of the Odour
Abatement Technology or combination.
c) The selected OTU shall be design and performance tested to meet the odour emission limits in
full compliance to all required Government Regulations.

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Appendix 3: Illustration of Odour Abatement Technology

Appendix 3.1: Illustration of Basic Biofilter and Biofilter Plant c/w Pre-Scrubber
Illustration of Basic Biofilter and Biofilter Plant c/w Pre-Scrubber

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Appendix 3.2: Illustration of Biotrickling Filter and Bioscrubber

Illustration of Biotrckling Filter and Bioscrubber

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Appendix 3.3: Illustration of Chemical Scrubber

Illustration of Chemical Scrubber

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Appendix 3.4: Illustration of Adsorption System

Illustration of Adsorption System

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Appendix 3.5: Illustration of Thermal Oxidation

Illustration of Thermal Oxidation

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Appendix 4: Typical List of Odorous Compounds in Industrial Source Emissions

Compound Name Formula Molecular Volatility Detection Recog. Odour Descriptor

Weight at 25°C, Threshold Threshold
ppmv, v/v ppmv, v/v ppmv, v/v
Acetaldehyde CH3CHO 44 Gas 0.067 0.21 Pundent, fruity

Allyl mercaptan CH2:CHCH2SH 74 - 0.0001 0.0015 Disagreeable,

garlic
Ammonia NH3 17 Gas 17 37 Pungent, irritating

Amyl mercaptan CH3(CH2)4SH 104 - 0.0003 - Unpleasant, putrid

Benzyl mercaptan C6H5CH2SH 124 - 0.0002 0.0026 Unpleasant, strong

n-Butyl amine CH3(CH2) NH2 73 93,000 0.08 1.8 Sour, Ammonia

Chlorine Cl2 71 Gas 0.08 0.31 Pungent,

suffocating
Dibutyl amine (C4H9)2NH 129 8,000 0.016 - Fishy

Di isopropyl amine (C3H7)2NH 101 - 0.13 0.38 Fishy

Dimethyl amine (CH3)2NH 45 Gas 0.34 - Putrid, Fishy

Dimethyl sulfide (CH3)2S 62 830,000 0.001 0.001 Decayed, cabbage

Diphenyl sulfide (C6H5)2S 186 100 0.0001 0.0021 Unpleasant

Ethyl amine C2H5NH2 45 Gas 0.27 1.7 Ammoniacal

Ethyl mercaptan C2H5SH 62 710,000 0.0003 0.001 Decayed, cabbage

Hydrogen sulfide H2S 34 Gas 0.0005 0.0047 Rotten eggs

Indole C6H4(NH)2NH 117 360 0.0001 - Fecal, nauseating

Methyl amine CH3NH2 31 Gas 4.7 - Putrid, Fishy

Methyl mercaptan CH3SH 48 Gas 0.0005 0.001 Rotten cabbage

Ozone O3 48 Gas 0.5 - Pungent, irritating

Phenyl mercaptan C6H5SH 110 2,000 0.0003 0.0015 Putrid, garlic

Propyl mercaptan C3H7SH 76 220,000 0.0005 0.02 Unpleasant

Pyridine C5H5N 79 27,000 0.66 0.74 Pungent, irritating

Skatole C9H9N 131 200 0.001 0.05 Fecal, nauseating

Sulfur dioxide SO2 64 Gas 2.7 4.4 Pungent, irritating

Thiocresol CH3C6H4SH 124 - 0.0001 - Skunk. Rancid

Trimethyl amine (CH3)3N 59 Gas 0.0004 - Pungent, fishy

Source: Air Pollution Engineering Manual, 2nd Edition, Air & Waste Management Association; 2000

Notes: The above list is typical and not limited to odorous compounds emitted from industrial sources and their
odour detection and recognition thresholds. Most of the odour substances are gaseous under normal atmospheric
conditions or at least have a significant volatility.

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Acknowledgements

SPAN would like to thank the organisations who have contributed their ideas, time and expertise in the
development of this technical specification.

En. David Yap (Chairman) Association Of Environmental Consultants And

Companies Of Malaysia (AECCOM)

En. Hj. Azman Idris ANQAS Certification Sdn Bhd

En. Ammar Radzi Bin Azmi Aqua-Flo Sdn Bhd

Pn. Amirah Afina Binti Johari Faisal Stephen Excel Air Engineering Sdn Bhd

Pn. Shahriani Bt Abdul Wahab Excel Air Engineering Sdn Bhd

En. Kong Pang Kiong Hexagon Composite Engineering Sdn Bhd

En. Rosdi Shahdon Hexagon Composite Engineering Sdn Bhd

En. Fan Wai Hoong Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd

Pn. Fatin Zulaikha Binti Mohd Nasir Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd

Pn. Nor Diyana Binti Mohd Saodi Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd

Pn. Mashitah Darus Jabatan Alam Sekitar

Pn. Noor Asriah Ramli JKKP, Kementerian Sumber Manusia

En. Bernard Ng Nano Tree (M) Sdn Bhd

Pn. Katrina binti Mohamad Khidzir Nano Tree (M) Sdn Bhd

En. Kamal bin Abdul Rahim Progressive Crest Sdn Bhd

Dr. Chiong Kai Shing SEGi University

Ir. Kasim Ahmad SIRIM Berhad

En. Mohd Fahrurrozy Bin Wakimin Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN)

Pn. Nur Adeela Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN)

Pn. Suriani Binti Mohd Sukor Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN)

Dr. Razuana Rahim UPUM Sdn Bhd

En. Raja Shazrin Shah Raja Ehsan Shah UPUM Sdn Bhd

Prof. Dr. Nik Meriam Sulaiman UPUM Sdn Bhd

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© Copyright 2022

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this module may be reproduced or utilised in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior written permission from SPAN.

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