Our Achievement

     The problem of odor nuisance from industrial factories is a recurring issue that often receives complaints from the surrounding community. Odors are difficult to measure, and it is believed to be a matter of perception. Additionally, environmental factors contribute to the ever-changing nature of odors. Therefore, research has been conducted and various technologies have been applied to investigate and assess the impact of odors on the external environment of the factory.

     In the initial phase, gas sensor devices were developed to detect odors suitable for the production of pulp and paper. These sensors measure the concentration of different gases, but due to the limitations of the technology, they cannot identify the specific type and intensity of the odor according to government standards. As a result, the Department of Pollution Control, which emphasizes air pollution, showed interest and studied odor detection and monitoring systems. They collaborated with both government agencies and educational institutions to develop odor detection devices and monitoring systems that can detect and assess odors in a manner comparable to human olfaction. These systems are used to establish, regulate, and control odor emissions according to legal standards, contributing to raising the odor detection standards in Thailand.

     Expanding the experimental results to encompass all 14 industrial factories from five different industry groups facing odor issues, such as rubber factories, animal food production facilities, Refuse Derived Fuel plants, paper manufacturing plants, and seafood processing factories. The installation of an odor detection system has enabled the measurement of odor intensity and identification of the specific odor characteristics. This aids in identifying changes in odors resulting from various factory activities. Moreover, it allows for the assessment of risks and the establishment of guidelines for preventing odor-related problems originating from these factories.