Distributor Spotlight with Ecolo Toronto

Ecolo Toronto President Nick Darwish answers questions about how the Ecolo Toronto team approaches odor control, in this first feature of Distributor Spotlight.

Rest of the Story:

The Ecolo Toronto Approach: Ecolo Toronto approaches each site and operation independently, reviewing the operations in detail to obtain a good understanding of how odors are generated. In some instances, only small operational changes need to be made to minimize odors. Then, Ecolo Toronto Representatives look to treat the odors in a way that can be easily replicated, with minimal maintenance, to ensure the most consistent results.

To determine the optimal solution concentration, Ecolo Toronto Representatives bag samples of the odorous air, which is then treated with the appropriate neutralizer at different concentrations. A system is then designed that maximizes contact between the malodors and the neutralizer. Odor control systems are integrated into operations, to ensure treatment always occurs where and when it is needed. Treatment close to the odor source provides the best outcome for both performance and cost.

What are the toughest odors to control?: According to Nick Darwish, President of Ecolo Toronto, the toughest odors to control are mercaptans. Darwish adds that other odors such as Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and ammonia or ammonia-based odors are easier to resolve.

Using System Design to Maximize Effectiveness: Darwish says that “The toughest conditions from an operation point of view are exhaust from exhaust stacks. The speed of the air leaving a stack requires a good understanding of how to arrange nozzles and operate the system to ensure contact between the odor neutralizer and the malodors. Once the odor neutralizer is determined, two design parameters need to be considered for effective contact and contact time. Reactions between the Ecolo odor neutralizer and the malodors are instantaneous, which is good because contact time is minimal. So the main design consideration for odor neutralizer to be effective is to maximize contact... We have to create greater chances for the odor neutralizer to come in contact with the odor molecule. This is where system design is important - the arrangement of the odor control system and operational parameters are determined to maximize contact." Darwish reiterates that treating odors closer to their source is easiest.

Working with All Partners: Darwish says that there are nearly always preventive measures to take to avoid the toughest odors. Using the example of a transfer station, he continues, “Operators soon know from experience which loads are the smelliest. It could be one from a food processing plant. The operators know that when they get these loads, the odor levels will be intense…the food waste may have been collected at the food processor for the past few days. The compactor bin could have been sitting in the hot sun.” Darwish refers to the gases from decomposition that would be trapped under the waste, "When the bin is taken away and offloaded on the tipping floor, odors from the decomposed waste and the trapped gases would be released causing complaints from neighbors.” In this example, Darwish and the Ecolo Toronto team work with both the waste hauler and their customer by treating the odors at the customer's site. Darwish concludes that in this case, the application of BioStreme 111F into the customer's bin once or twice a day can “significantly reduce these odors and the complaints received by the waste hauler.”