Odour Control Equipment: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Odour control equipment plays a critical part in any industrial odour mitigation strategy. Despite careful planning, operators frequently make simple mistakes. These can reduce equipment efficiency, increase costs and risk regulatory compliance. In this blog, we highlight common mistakes when selecting and operating odour control equipment. We also outline how to avoid them. Therefore, helping your site stay effective, efficient and complaint-free.
Are You Making These Mistakes With Your Odour Control Equipment?
Mistake 1: Failing to Plan – Don’t Cut Corners
Before investing in odour control equipment, you can take simple steps to reduce odour emissions. Even small, inexpensive changes can make significant improvements. For example, seal doors, cover raw materials and dispose of waste promptly. You can then think about whether you need additional abatement equipment.
Cutting corners in design often leads to underperformance and higher long-term costs. The best way to achieve an effective design is to use odour dispersion modelling. Here’s why:
| Understand the potential odour impact | Dispersion modelling shows how odours could spread, their likely concentration and which areas (residential, schools, businesses) are most affected. |
| Make informed decisions and minimise costs | The data helps prioritise which processes to target, how to allocate resources effectively and how to avoid ineffective investments. |
| Optimise design | Dispersion modelling allows you to simulate different scenarios to identify the most effective. You can test different technologies, such as scrubbers or biofilters, as well as different stack configurations. |
| Ensure regulatory compliance | Use modelling data to verify your equipment will minimise odour emissions in line with permit conditions and environmental obligations. |
Mistake 2: Underestimating the Problem
Many operators choose equipment based only on cost, selecting units that “do the job.” While initially cheaper, this can create longer-term issues. Instead, consider increasing your equipment capacity now to safeguard future operations.
- Future expansion or increased emissions may exceed current expectations.
- Oversizing provides flexibility for peak periods or unexpected events.
- Lower operational loads reduce wear and tear, extend lifespan and improve energy efficiency.
Mistake 3: Misordering Odour Control Processes
Odour control processes must follow the correct sequence to ensure optimal results. Treating odours incorrectly at the start makes them harder to eliminate later. They may then need extra time, energy or resources.
Consequences of misordering processes include:
- Increased operational costs
- Equipment damage or reduced lifespan
- Safety hazards
- Risk of violating permit conditions
Want a structured approach to odour control? Follow our 3-step guide.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure efficiency, reduce costs and prevent complaints.
Key tips:
- Consider maintenance access when designing equipment (for example, low sampling ports, stack access).
- Conduct daily inspections by a trained operator to spot emerging issues.
- Keep odour control strategies well stocked with the correct materials and up-to-date schedules.
Regular maintenance:
- Enhances the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment.
- Limits the risk of breakdown.
- Avoids the need for costly repairs.
- Minimises complaints and conflict with the community.
Here’s a great example of a failed maintenance routine: MP’s intervention solves biogas odour mystery | MRW
Support with Your Odour Control Equipment
Whether you need help with initial dispersion modelling, or odour sampling to check efficiency, Silsoe Odours can help. Our experienced odour specialists are well-versed in supporting clients with odour challenges.
Call: 01525 860222
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This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in April 2026 to reflect current best practices.
