More to odour control than supplying equipment

Fermentation tank GRP cover at Driefontein WWTW

Established in 1996, OdorCure typically partners with contractors, consulting engineers and municipalities when dealing with odour control issues in wastewater treatment facilities. Each of these role players has a different approach and interest when dealing with odour control.

With over two decades of experience, OdorCure has the technologies and know-how to meet the needs of these different parties. The odour control business is more complicated than simply delivering a piece of equipment. There is a technical aspect, as well as a contract and project management side to the business. It is also important to understand the operational environment that requires odour control,” says Hennie Smal, project manager at OdorCure.

Main contractor

For a main contractor, the pricing of odour control is very important because cost weighs most in a tender award process. It is also important for the subcontractor providing odour control equipment, first, to supply fit-for-purpose equipment and, second, to install it properly and commission it to work correctly.

“If we are appointed by a main contractor to work as a subcontractor, it is important to understand not only the technical specifications but also the other contractual obligations and management process. Often, detailed drawings and documentation may have to be submitted and strenuous safety rules and regulations followed. It is important for the subcontactor to understand and be able to function in this environment with minimum fuss for the main contractor. “Incorrect pricing, or not understanding contract requirements, has caused many a subcontractor to lose a lot of money and may even result in them not being able to perform. They may then be in breach of contract. This can be a nightmare for the employer, main contractor and consultants alike,” adds Smal.

Dry scrubber at Buffalo City Pump Station (550m3/h)

Consulting engineers

A municipality may approach consulting engineers with an odour problem. The consulting engineers will then investigate the problem and recommend possible solutions. Once a decision on the best option is reached, the consulting engineers will write a tender specification that will form part of a formal tender document.

Smal explains that, with a tender specification, an odour control company has to understand what is technically required. “Sometimes, a company will offer a particular technology without truly understanding the complexity of the application.

“The first mistake that companies make is that they misinterpret the contract specifications. The second mistake is that they underestimate the process that needs to be followed to install odour control equipment.”

A large amount of information may have to be submitted, and this could include detailed technical papers, brochures, papers and drawings (electrical, mechanical and civil drawings). All this information is assessed by the consultants who will have many questions. These questions must be answered satisfactorily and revisions to designs may have to be submitted.

“This can be a time-consuming process, and there are time constraints under a contract. Your designs can take months to approve. If your equipment is imported, there can be delivery delays. It is very easy to get lost in that process and to be

late – causing problems for everyone,” explains Smal.

Typically, civil contracts have a supply component, while mechanical contracts also include design. The design aspect of a contract adds a lot more responsibility for the mechanical contractor because performance specifications must be met.

Smal maintains that OdorCure has good relationships with all the consulting engineers in the wastewater treatment field. “Odour control is not something that consulting engineers deal with on a regular basis, so a knowledgeable odour control contractor can reduce risk for all parties involved.”

Municipalities

Municipalities typically want an odour to be eliminated. “We cannot offer a solution until we have a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the odour,” explains Smal.

Therefore, OdorCure offers scoping exercises whereby the type and concentration of gases present are determined. From there, the company can determine the solution used to reduce

Biotrickling filter at the Fishwater Flats WWTW inlet works (79 200 m3/h)

the gases to the required level.

“Sometimes, a municipality will not have capital budget available, but can allocate operating costs. There may be a need for equipment that takes up minimal space or requires little maintenance. OdorCure offers a wide spectrum of options, including chemical, biological, electrochemical, thermal and physical solutions,” explains Smal.

OdorCure offers a turnkey service, as well as maintenance. “Some treatment works do not have the expertise to maintain the equipment. We either maintain the equipment ourselves or try to keep the systems as simple as possible,” adds Smal.

Off-site monitoring is also used to evaluate pressure, flows and the

Biotrickling filter at Boskrans WWTW (5000m3/h)

levels of chemicals at a site to improve the on-site capabilities of a wastewater treatment works.

Odour control contract

According to Johan de Bruyn, managing director at OdorCure, a successful odour control project requires fulfilment of three conditions: 1) Isolate the source – gases have to be captured; odour sources have to be enclosed. 2) Conveyance of the gases – the gases then have to be conveyed to a treatment system. 3) Treatment – the treatment technology must be capable of removing odours to below detection concentrations. “It is important to offer a turnkey solution because using different contractors for the various aspects can be complex and increases risk,” explains De Bruyn.

In order to ensure quicker delivery times at a more affordable rate, OdorCure manufactures many components of odour control equipment in South Africa.

OdorCure offers a range of odour control technologies and has access to all the leading suppliers in the field. “We are not tied to a single supplier and technology. We will always propose the best-fit technology that is suited to a particular client’s requirements,” he says.