Using the MultiRAEPro Gas Detector to Monitor Odour Emissions from Biogas Plants Processing Municipal Waste ^†

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the work of the MultiRAEPro gas detector in terms of its application in monitoring odour emissions from biogas plants processing municipal waste constituting part of a mechanical–biological waste treatment plant. The obtained results provided the basis for formulating conclusions concerning the use of a gas detector in monitoring odour emissions from biogas plants processing municipal waste. The study results can be applied in practice in biogas plants processing municipal waste as well as in other municipal facilities.

1. Introduction

In addition to the unquestionable benefits related to the production of electricity and heat, biogas plants processing municipal waste also have a negative effect in the form of odour emissions. Odour emissions constitute a problem when they influence public health as a result of the dispersion of diseases and/or through being a source of nuisance to nearby inhabitants [1,2]. Complaints of residents in the vicinity of waste management plants often motivate research on odour emissions for the purpose of limiting the impact of the emissions. An important element of this type of research is the identification of the type of odorants causing the odours. A characteristic property of odorants is their negative effect on the human sense of smell—odour [3,4]. This paper presents a tool for the measurement of odour emissions expressed in odorant concentrations. Using the example of two biogas plants located in Wólka Rokicka and Stalowa Wola in Poland, the results of measurement tests carried out using a gas detector are presented. The conducted research allowed us to confirm the suitability of the analysed device for monitoring odorant emissions in waste processing plants, which also include biogas plants processing municipal waste.

2. Materials and Methods

The research involved the application of a multi-gas detector MultiRAE Pro (RAE Systems, Inc.; San Jose [California, USA]). The device was equipped with four sensors for the detection of gas concentrations (ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, and volatile compounds). Using the detector, the concentrations of odorants in the studied plants were determined. The detector cooperates with ProRAE Studio software (RAE System), permitting results to be recorded every minute.

In order to analyse the operation of the device, two biogas plants processing municipal waste were tested. The plants are located in Wólka Rokicka and Stalowa Wola in Poland. The tests were carried out on 19 February 2019.

The research also covered odour measurements, including determination of odour intensity by means of sensory assessment on a six-level scale (0–5), where “0” means “no odour”, and “5” means “very strong odour”, and measurement of the multitude of dilution of contaminated air with treated air (D/T – dilution to threshold) by means of a dynamic olfactometer Nasal Ranger (St. Croix Sensory, Inc.; Stillwater [Minnesota, USA]). Based on the known parameter D/T, odour concentrations were calculated at each of the study receptors [4,5,6].

3. Results and Discussion

Research conducted in the plants permitted the identification of sources of odour emissions in the analysed plants, which included: the hall of waste storage, the hall of the preliminary processing of waste, the hall of the preparation of substrate for fermentation, the hall of oxygen stabilization, the post-fermentation dewatering hall (in Stalowa Wola), the pile field, the surface of the open biofilter, and the retention reservoir of technological sewage. From the moment of commencement to the moment of completion of the study, the gas detector continuously recorded concentrations of the analysed odorants, allowing for information to be obtained concerning odorant emission at the plants. Figure 1 and Figure 2 present graphs showing fluctuations in the concentrations of the following chemical compounds: ammonia, hydrogen sulphate, volatile organic compounds, and methyl mercaptan. The values in the diagrams indicate the results of measurements recorded by the gas detector every minute throughout the duration of the measurement series at a given plant. By monitoring the time during the research, the concentrations of odorants emitted by a specific emission source can be read from the graphs. Odour intensity and odour concentration were also determined for each odour source.

Measurement research with the application of the analysed devices can facilitate measures aimed at minimising odour emission and finding the relation between odour emission and the type of processed waste, technological processes, and technological regime. The obtained results of measurements at the selected sources of odour emissions are related to the intensity and concentration of odour determined at the same points.

4. Conclusions

The obtained results provided the basis for the formulation of conclusions concerning the use of a gas detector to monitor odour emissions from biogas plants processing municipal waste. The chemical compounds for which the concentrations are indicated by the equipment (i.e.; ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds) are included in the Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions on waste treatment [7] as chemical compounds that should be monitored.

By combining different measurement methods, it is possible to characterise the odour emission sources on site, which is important for minimising odour nuisance, as well as for ensuring the comfort and safety of employees working in the plants. The study results can be applied in practice in biogas plants processing municipal waste as well as in other municipal facilities.