Wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands

Year: 2026

Site: Wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands

Issues related to odors from wastewater treatment plant sludge

The storage and loading of wastewater treatment plant sludge are particularly sensitive operations in terms of odor nuisance.

When the silo discharge hatches are opened, odorous compounds accumulated in the sludge can be suddenly released into the atmosphere, causing significant discomfort for operators and nearby areas.

Controlling these emissions is a major challenge for wastewater treatment plant operators seeking to implement an effective odor control solution, reduce the environmental impact of their operations, and neutralize odor nuisances as close as possible to the emission source.

Odor control solution implemented

To treat odors generated during sludge loading operations, AIRHITONE deployed a high-pressure spraying solution specifically designed for high-intensity, intermittent emissions.

The technology disperses an odor neutralizer in the form of fine microdroplets, creating a true odor-neutralizing curtain around the truck for the entire duration of the loading process.

This approach neutralizes odor nuisances as soon as they are emitted and significantly limits the dispersion of odorous compounds into the surrounding environment.

Technical description of the installation

The system includes:

• 20 linear meters of 316L stainless steel high-pressure spray bar;
• 14 high-pressure nozzles with a flow rate of 9 L/h each;
• Electrical tracing of the system;
• Uniform distribution of the odor neutralizer throughout the loading area;
• A fully automated control system linked to the silo’s operation.

The ramp is installed directly beneath the sludge storage silo to ensure odor treatment as close as possible to the source of emission.

Automated operation

The system is directly linked to the dry contact that opens the silo hatches.

When a truck is positioned beneath the silo for sludge loading, the opening of the hatches automatically triggers the activation of the high-pressure spray system.

An odor-control curtain then forms around the vehicle and the transfer area to ensure the neutralization of odorous emissions throughout the entire loading operation.

When the hatches close, a delay of approximately five minutes is maintained to continue treating residual odors emitted during truck departure and tarping operations.

This automated system ensures maximum treatment efficiency while optimizing reagent consumption.

Benefits of the solution

• Odor treatment directly at the source of emissions;
• Neutralization of odor nuisances during loading operations;
• Creation of an odor curtain around trucks;
• Significant reduction in the odor impact of the facility;
• Fully automated operation requiring no operator intervention;
• Targeted treatment of the most odorous point sources;
• Optimized reagent consumption through synchronization with silo operations;
• Robust 316L stainless steel installation suitable for wastewater treatment plant environments;
• Electrical tracing of the installation to ensure operation during freezing periods;
• Improved comfort for operators and nearby residents.

Thanks to this system, the wastewater treatment plant benefits from a high-performance odor control solution that effectively neutralizes the odors generated during sludge loading.

The system thus helps to sustainably reduce the site’s odor impact while ensuring fully automated operation that is seamlessly integrated into the operational process.