Abstract
Odour emissions represent a significant environmental and social challenge for refineries and chemical plants operating under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) which often handle volatile organic compounds and many other odorous substances that, even at low concentrations, can lead to nuisance and complaints from surrounding communities. The IED requires installations to apply Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent or, where that is not practicable, to reduce emissions, including odours. The BAT Conclusions for the refining and chemical sectors emphasize integrated approaches such as improved process control, optimized storage and handling of raw materials, and the adoption of advanced abatement technologies.
Italy has implemented the provisions of the IED through the Directorial Decree n. 309/2023, which defines the guidelines for odour emissions from plants and activities, giving effect to article 272-bis of D.Lgs. 152/2006. In Annex 5, the decree defines the application fields of Instrumental Odour Monitoring Systems - IOMS (i.e. electronic noses), for which the reference technical standard is UNI EN 11761.
IOMS have recently become widely used as continuous odour monitoring tools; after an appropriate training period, can detect any changes of air composition, including the presence of odorous compounds.
This study analyses electronic Noses - eNoses networks installed in Italian refineries, highlighting how these instruments can detect any real time changes in odorous emissions, activating process control to restore the normal operating conditions.
