EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241060827, filed on 25 ^th October 2022 and titled “AN ODOUR CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of gas treatment, and more particularly, an odour control equipment and a method to operate the same.

BACKGROUND

Foul odours originate from anerobic decomposition of organic compounds. A natural by-product of the anerobic decomposition is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) which gives off a strong, nauseating smell. Due to its low solubility in water, it is released into the atmosphere, producing an offensive odour. In general, the foul odours may vary in intensity. A few of the foul odours are faint while others are pungent. The gases released from wastewater treatment plants and/ or process plants have a very pungent odour that is harmful to operators involved in the process. Further, the gases are carried away by winds and affects people who live or work in the vicinity. Prolonged exposure to such foul odours may cause undesirable reactions in people for instance, uneasiness, irritation, discomfort, anger, depression, nausea, headaches and vomits. The other effects reported by the people when subjected to environmental odours may include difficulty in breathing, frustration, stress, being woken during the night by the foul odour, reduces appetite, reduces comfort at night, embarrassment when visitors experience the foul odours and reduced business due to prospective customers being affected by the odour.

In the modern world of wastewater treatment, the control of odours has become a fundamental consideration for most collection and treatment facilities and in process industries. In other words, wastewater/industrial professionals have found the need to address odour as a primary concern in the design and operation of their facilities. As attention is now being paid to control the foul odour, several odour control technologies have emerged and are available in the marketplace.

Typically, any place or process in which wastewater is collected, conveyed or treated has the potential to generate and release nuisance odours to the surrounding area. However, most odour problems occur in a collection system, in primary treatment facilities and in solid handling facilities. In most instances, the odours associated with collection systems and primary treatment facilities are generated as a result of an anerobic or “septic” condition. In the anerobic state, the microbes present in the wastewater have no dissolved oxygen available for respiration. This allows microbes known as “sulphate-reducing bacteria” to thrive. These bacteria utilize the sulphate ion and produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a byproduct. This byproduct has a low solubility in the wastewater and a strong, offensive, rotten-egg odour. Additionally, H2S can cause severe corrosive problems as well.

Currently, there are two types of technologies that are applied to control odours from wastewater collection and treatment systems. The technologies include Vapor-phase technologies (used to control odorous compounds in the air or gas) and Liquid-phase technologies (used to control odorous compounds in the liquid wastewater itself). The vapor-phase technologies are generally used in point-source applications such as wastewater treatment plants and pump stations or for the treatment of biogas. Examples of the vapor-phase technologies include, but is not limited to, wet air scrubbing, liquid redox technology, biofiltration, solid scavengers and carbon adsorption. The liquid-phase technologies are generally used in multiple point odour control wherein both odours and corrosion are concerns. Examples of the liquid-phase technologies include, but is not limited to, iron salts, bioxide process, oxidizing agents and anthraquinone. The liquid-phase technologies involve chemical or biochemical addition which can be very expensive for large scale plants. The storage and dosage controls are also needed with additional care which is cumbersome. Therefore, vapor-phase technologies are the preferred method of treatment across most applications.

The present vapor-phase technologies also face challenges as complex odours associated with municipal and industrial gas emissions can be complex to treat. The complexity is caused by a combination of odorous substances and a single step treatment solution is not sufficient to treat such malodorous gases. The vapor-phase technologies face several shortfalls such as expensive stainless steel, non-corrosive coating which has a short life in highly corrosive atmospheres, requirement of frequent media replacements, need of online regeneration, lack of cold plasma ionization, metal construction of ventilation exhaust blowers that can erode and fall quickly in aggressive gas atmosphere and requirement of additional pre filters for removing dust and particulate matter. The pre filters can be cumbersome to use as they get frequently clogged and need manual replacement. Any negligence or malfunction of these filters can result in dust particles getting accumulated on the process media depleting its efficiency immediately. Another significant drawback of the vapor-phase technologies is the direct loading of single media or multiple media in layers of respective housings. The media is generally tightly packed causing restricted airflow through it. This increases a pressure drop across the media and thus requires higher pressure for operation subsequently increasing the power consumption. The increase in pressure erodes the media into a powdery form. The powdery form media increases the need for higher pressure thereby affecting the overall performance of the treatment drastically.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an odour control equipment is provided. The odour control equipment includes a suction port mechanically coupled to a bottom section of the odour control equipment wherein the suction port is configured to allow an odorous gas to enter the odour control equipment from one or more sources at a constant pressure level, wherein the one or more sources are tanks where the odorous gas is generated.

The odour control equipment includes a cylindrical housing structure mechanically coupled to the suction port and positioned in an upright direction wherein the cylindrical housing structure is composed of polymeric material wherein the cylindrical housing structure. The cylindrical housing structure includes a plurality of negative ion generators located at a bottom zone of the cylindrical housing structure wherein the plurality of negative ion generators is accountable for a first stage of treatment on an odorous gas. The negative ion generator is configured to charge the odorous gas with negative ion immediately upon entering the cylindrical housing structure thereby causing a plurality of impurities present in the odorous gas to accumulate at a bottom surface of the cylindrical housing structure, wherein the plurality of negative ion generators allows only pure odorous gas without the presence of the plurality of impurities to move upwards in the cylindrical housing structure. Further, the cylindrical housing structure includes a deodorizing media unit positioned at a middle zone of the cylindrical housing structure, wherein the deodorizing media unit comprises a first layer, a second layer and a third layer positioned one above the other and located above the negative ion generator, the first layer is a static inert spiral media and configured to provide large surface area for the plurality of impurities to attach, wherein the spiral media takes a folded zig zag shape twisted into a spiral ball, wherein the spiral ball is tightly placed inside a cage configured with a plurality of openings and wherein the first layer is accountable for a second stage of treatment on the odorous gas. The second layer comprising a catalyst in the shape of pellets formed using iron hydroxide material and is configured to remove sulphurous compound from the odorous gas passing through the cylindrical housing structure and wherein the second layer is accountable for a third stage of treatment on the odorous gas. the third layer is an activated carbon media and configured in the shape of pellets wherein the pellets are placed inside individual cages configured with a plurality of openings and wherein the third layer is accountable for a fourth stage of treatment on the odorous gas. The cylindrical housing structure also includes a plasma ion generator positioned in a top zone of the cylindrical housing structure wherein the plasma ion generator is accountable for a fifth stage of treatment on the odorous gas.

Furthermore, the cylindrical housing structure includes a centrifugal blower mechanically coupled to a top section of the cylindrical housing structure and positioned at an upright direction to let out the odorous gas into the atmosphere wherein the odorous gas is subjected to treatment by the odour control equipment and wherein the centrifugal blower is operable create a draft effect wherein the draft effect is capable to suck the odorous gas from the one or more sources in conjunction with the suction port.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating an odour control equipment is provided. The method includes allowing, by a suction port of the odour control equipment, an odorous gas to enter from one or more sources at a constant pressure level in response to a draft effect caused by a centrifugal blower at the top of the odour control equipment, wherein the one or more sources are tanks that generate the odorous. The method also includes charging, by a plurality of negative ion generators of a cylindrical housing structure positioned in the odour control equipment, the odorous gas with negative ion immediately upon entering the odour control equipment thereby causing a plurality of impurities present in the odorous gas to accumulate at a bottom surface of the cylindrical housing structure. Further, the method includes trapping, by a first layer of a deodorizing media unit, the plurality of impurities by a spiral media filtration. Furthermore, the method includes removing, by a second layer of the deodorizing media unit, hydrogen sulphide from the odorous gas via a catalyst. Furthermore, the method includes activating, by a third layer of the deodorizing media unit, the odorous gas activated carbon filtration. The method also includes neutralizing, by a plasma ion generator of the cylindrical housing structure, activated carbon using bipolar ions prior to being vented out into the atmosphere, wherein the bipolar ions convert airborne contaminants into water vapour and oxygen.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an odour control equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic representation of an odour control equipment in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a centrifugal blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of media loaded inside cage balls in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method to operate an odour control equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an artificial intelligence enabled system and a method for providing a self-training session for interpersonal skills.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an odour control equipment (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The odour control equipment (100) is typically a deodoring process equipment that is used to treat malodorous gases that come from several sources. Examples of the source includes, but is not limited to, sewage pump station, sewage processing plant, domestic garbage treating field, shrine and other industries like food processing, livestock factories, wastewater treatment facilities and chemicals.

The odour control equipment (100) includes a suction port (102), a cylindrical housing structure (108) and a centrifugal blower (118).

The suction port (102) is mechanically coupled to a bottom section of the odour control equipment (100) and is configured to allow the malodorous gas to enter the odour control equipment (100) from the one or more sources. The malodorous gas passes through the suction port (102) at a constant pressure level. Typically, the flow of the malodorous gas into the odour control equipment (100) arises due to a draft effect caused by operation of the centrifugal blower (118) positioned at the top of the odour control equipment (100).

The cylindrical housing structure (108) is a non-corrosive enclosure of the odour control equipment (100). In one embodiment, the height of the cylindrical housing structure (108) is approximately 1.5 to 3.5 times its diameter. Specifically, the diameter of the cylindrical housing structure (108) is decided based on a flowrate of the malodorous gas to be treated and increases proportionally to its flowrate. The cylindrical housing structure (108) is constructed of a polymeric material. Examples of the polymeric material include, but is not limited to, polyethylene or polypropylene, spiral wounded or rotomolded. The cylindrical housing structure (108) has a substantial thickness with a structural integrity to withstand long term operation of the odour control equipment (100) in both indoor and outdoor environments and under harsh and corrosive atmosphere.

The cylindrical housing structure (108) also includes a plurality of negative ioniser ports (104) positioned above the suction port (102). The malodorous gas is first charged with negative ion generated by the negative ioniser ports (104) subsequently dust, smoke and other particles either settles down or gets trapped in the cylindrical housing structure (108).

Further, the cylindrical housing structure (108) includes a deodorizing media unit (106) that is composed of three layers of media namely, a ‘first layer’ (110), a ‘second layer’ (112) and a ‘third layer (114). Typically, each of the three layers is configured with a corresponding media material. The first layer (110) is configured with a spiral media, the second layer (112) is configured with Sulfanil catalyst media and the third layer (114) is configured with activated carbon media. The media pertaining to the three layers are enclosed within a cage enclosure to provide free flow of the malodorous gas in an upward direction inside the cylindrical housing structure (108).

Furthermore, the cylindrical housing structure (108) includes a Plasma Ion Generator (116) that creates cold plasma. The cold plasma emits positive and negative ions that gets dispersed into the gas flow and attacks airborne contaminants. As a result, the airborne contaminants are converted into harmless water vapor and oxygen.

The centrifugal blower ( 118) is fixed vertically and is configured with a motor (not shown in FIG. 1) and an outlet (120) positioned at the top and bottom of the centrifugal blower (118). Further, the centrifugal blower (118) is constructed of polymeric material. The centrifugal blower (118) is accountable to cause a draft effect which causes the odorous gas to enter the odour control equipment. The draft effect contributes to a substantial feature of the present disclosure herein. The detailed description of the centrifugal blower (118) is described in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic representation of an odour control equipment (100) in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned in the foregoing discussion, the odour control equipment (100) includes the cylindrical housing structure (108) that is configured with a flat plate (122). The flat plate (122) is placed evenly on a flat surface and does not comply for any fixing foundations. In other words, the flat plate (122) allows the odour control equipment (100) to rest freely on the flat surface and can be relocated (shifted) instantaneously whenever required.

Typically, the malodorous gas from the one or more sources enters the odour control equipment (100) through the suction port (102) positioned at the bottom of the cylindrical housing structure (108). The suction port (102) is configured with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical housing structure (108). However, the suction port (102) has a sufficiently large opening to allow the free flow of the malodorous gas to flow into the cylindrical housing structure (108) without a significant pressure drop. Further, the suction port (102) is comprised of a flange (124) to which hoses (not shown in FIG. 2) can be connected from the one or more sources where the odorous gas is generated.

The cylindrical housing structure (108) includes a plurality of negative ioniser ports (104) that are positioned above the suction port (102). The diameter of the negative ioniser ports (104) is substantially smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical housing structure (108) and is configured to accommodate a plurality of negative ion generators (126). Subsequently, the plurality of negative ion generators (126) is configured with a high voltage generating body (128) operatively coupled to a discharge cable (130). The discharge cable (130) is connected to an ion discharge plate (132) that is configured with a plurality of discharge needles set (134). The ion discharge plate (132) is made of a coated polymeric material to avoid corrosion and short circuits. Similarly, the discharge needles set (134) is gold plated for providing an effective ion discharge and long life. In must be noted that each negative ioniser port (104) is configured to adapt one negative ion generator (126) with flanged connections (136). Further, the diameter of the negative ioniser ports (104) corresponds to the negative ion generators (126) and is typically based on the diameter of the cylindrical housing structure (108) which in turn depends on the flow rate capacity of the odour control equipment (100). The flanged connections (136) facilitate easy removal and fixing during maintenance.

Further, the cylindrical housing structure (108) is configured with a dust collection chamber (138) positioned at the bottom section of the cylindrical housing structure (108) and below the suction port (102). Further, the dust collection chamber (138) is configured to adapt a cleaning port (140) and a service valve (142). The cleaning port (140) is configured with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the suction port (102). Further, the service valve (142) can be opened during cleaning or regeneration.

Furthermore, the cylindrical housing structure (108) is configured with a first plate (144) positioned above the negative ioniser ports ( 104). The first plate ( 144) is configured with a plurality of holes (146) wherein the diameter of the plurality of holes (146) is substantially enough to allow a free flow of the malodorous gas. The first plate (144) is accountable to hold three layers of media that are placed one above the other. In one embodiment, each of the three layers are approximately 0.5m to Im depending on the type of treatment provided by the odour control equipment (100). The three layers may be herein referred to a ‘first layer’ (110), a ‘second layer’ (112) and a ‘third layer’ (114).

The ‘first layer’ (110) is positioned one top of the first plate (144) and configured to provide a large surface area to trap the plurality of impurities present in the malodorous gas. Typically, the ‘first layer’ (110) is made of a static inert spiral media that is fabricated of polymeric material. The polymeric material is typically extruded or machine made and takes the form of continuously folded zig zag shapes which is twisted into a spiral ball (148). This spiral ball (148) provides a large static surface area of the polymeric material within a specific volume. Subsequently, the spiral ball (148) is placed inside a cage enclosure (150). The cage enclosure (150) is configured with two spherical halves (152a, 152b) that are tightly locked together. The two spherical haves (152a, 152b) are fabricated out of plastic and is configured with a plurality of openings (154) on its surface resembling a wire mesh or net. The openings (154) are adapted to allow free flow of the malodorous gas and simultaneously adapted to secure the spiral media within the cage enclosure (150) without spilling out. Further, the two spherical halves (152a, 152b) are configured with a clip and clamp respectively, wherein the clip enters and locks securely in the clamp. Therefore, the static media of the odour control equipment (100) is formed by cage enclosure (150) with the spiral ball (148) enclosure securely within. Further, it should be noted that the size of the plurality of openings (154) may or may not exceed the diameter of the spiral ball (148).

The ‘second layer’ (112) is positioned on top of the ‘first layer’ (110) and is configured with a media in the shape of pellets. The pellets are formed using iron hydroxide that is mixed with water, extruded and cut into pellets. The pellets are then dried and placed inside the cage enclosure (described in paragraph [0038]) and is subsequently used as a media for the ‘second layer’ (112). In one embodiment, the pellets may be configured with a diameter of 3 mm to 5 mm and length between 4mm to 15mm. The iron hydroxide maybe herein referred as “Sulfanil. The ‘Sulfanil’ is a specially formulated material configured to effectively remove hydrogen sulphide from the malodorous gas passing over the ‘second layer’ (112). Further, the cage enclosure of the ‘second layer’ (112) slightly differs from the cage enclosure (150) pertaining to the ‘first layer’ (110). In one embodiment, the size of the pellets is approximately 3 mm in diameter. It should be noted that the size of the plurality of openings on the cage enclosure does not exceed the diameter of the pellets.

The ‘third layer’ (114) is positioned on top of the ‘second layer’ (112) and is configured with a media in the shape of pellets. However, in the ‘third layer’ (114) the pellets are composed with activated carbon media. In one embodiment, the pellets are approximately configured to 3mm in diameter and 4mm to 15mm in length. Typically, the pellets are placed within the cage enclosure (described in paragraph [0038]) and is subsequently used as a media for the ’third layer’ (114). It should be noted that the size of the plurality of openings on the cage enclosure does not exceed the diameter of the pellets.

It must be noted that the dimensions of the ‘first layer’ (110), ‘second layer’ (112) and ‘third layer’ (114) may vary according based on the type of treatment provided by the odour control equipment (100). In one embodiment, each of the ‘first layer’ (110), ‘second layer’ (112) and ‘third layer’ (114) may approximately be configured to a minimum of 0.3m and a maximum of 2m in height.

In some embodiments, the odour control equipment (100) may be adapted to include a combination and permutation of the ‘first layer’ (110), ‘second layer’ (112) and ‘third layer’ (114). In other words, any one of the ‘first layer’ (110), ‘second layer’ (112) and ‘third layer’ (114) may be skipped and can be configured with only two layers of the media.

Further, the cylindrical housing structure (108) is configured with a second plate (156) to tightly fasten the ‘first layer’ (110), ‘second layer’ (112) and ‘third layer’ (114) in certain situations, for instance transportation of the odour control equipment (100) and the like. The second plate (156) is configured with a plurality of holes that hold a substantial diameter for the free flow of the malodorous gas up into the cylindrical housing structure (108). Furthermore, the second plate (156) is held in position by a plurality of supporting pipes (158a, 158b) by fixing the said supporting pipes on the top of the cylindrical housing structure (108). In one embodiment, the number of supporting pipes may vary based on the diameter of the cylindrical housing structure.

The supporting pipes (158a, 158b) are configured with a corresponding fixing arrangement (160) that is adapted to hold a plasma generator (116). The plasma generator (116) includes a high voltage generating body (164) attached to a plurality of discharge cables (166a, 166b). The plurality of discharge cables (166a, 166b) is in turn connected to a pair of ion discharge plates (168a, 168b). Each of the ion discharge plates (168a, 168b) is configured with a plurality of ion discharge needles (170a, 170b). The ion discharge plates (168a, 168b) are polymeric in material and are coated as well to avoid corrosion and short circuits. Similarly, the ion discharge needle sets (170a, 170b) are gold plated for effective ion discharge and long life. Further, each fixing arrangement (160) is configured with a corresponding plasma generator (116) and adapted with a bolt connection (172) for easy removal and fixing during maintenance. It must be noted that the number of negative arrangement ( 160) and corresponding plasma generator ( 116) is based on the cylindrical housing structure (108) and in turn depends on the flowrate capacity.

The top of the cylindrical housing structure (108) is configured with a lid (174) using bolts or latches. The lid (174) is configured with two layers of polymeric material roto molded in such a way that the two layers are connected at multiple points called as ‘Kiss offs’ (178). The ‘Kiss offs’ (178) form an integral feature of the present disclosure. Typically, the ‘Kiss offs’ (178) are located on the bottom surface (176) of the lid (174) and is adapted to provide a corrugation effect to the lid (174) thereby increasing the stiffness strength of the lid (174). Further, the top surface (180) of the lid (174) is configured two stepped portions (182a, 182b) on its surface and the ‘Kiss offs’ are provided on the entire surface. The two stepped portions (182a, 182b) include an opening (184) through which the malodorous gas comes out after all the stages of treatment. The lid (174) includes a bolt opening (186) to which bolts are provided for the attachment of the lid (174) on to the cylindrical housing structure (108).

Further, the lid (174) is operatively coupled to a centrifugal blower (118) positioned vertically on the top of the lid (174). The centrifugal blower (118) is operatively coupled to a motor (190) and a blower body (120). The blower body (120) is connected to the lid (174) through an opening (not shown in FIG.2). Further, the blower body (120) is made of polymeric material.

The centrifugal blower (118) is provided with a blower cover (192) for protection. The blower cover (192) is constructed from polymeric material. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric material is polypropylene and polyethylene. The blower cover (192) is also fixed on the lid (174) on the stepped portion (182b). Further, the blower cover (192) has two sets of strip openings (194) that is adapted as vents for the malodorous gases discharged from the centrifugal blower (118). The centrifugal blower (118) is further explained in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a centrifugal blower (118) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Typically, the centrifugal blower (118) is mounted on the top of the cylindrical housing structure (108) and is configured to suck the malodorous gas that entered via the suction port (102). The malodorous gas undergoes the treatment across the five stages and exits through the strip openings (196) of the blower cover (192).

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of media loaded inside cage balls in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described earlier in the discussion, the deodorizing media unit (106) includes the ‘first layer’ (110), a ‘second layer’ (112) and a ‘third layer’ (114) configured with three types of media namely spiral, Sulfanil and activated carbon respectively. Typically, the media across the said three layers are placed inside a corresponding cage enclosure.

The cage enclosure includes two spherical halves constructed of plastic material and is further comprised of a plurality of openings. The size of the openings is based on the size of the media placed inside the cage enclosure. It must be noted that by placing the media inside the cage enclosure, unwanted pressure drop is prevented. This allows a free flow of the malodorous gas through the odour control equipment (100). As a result, power consumption is reduced in the centrifugal blower and ensures smooth operation of the odour control equipment (100).

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (200) to operate an odour control equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The odour control equipment provides a treatment to eliminate foul odours in malodorous gas (foul-smelling gas) across a five-stage process. The five-stage process includes Negative Ion Generator, Spiral Media Filtration, Sulfanil Catalyst, Activated Carbon Filtration and Plasma Ionization. Typically, the treatment includes removal of particulate matter, elimination of H2S, absorption of organics and neutralization of V OC and HAP.

The method (200) includes allowing an odorous gas to enter from one or more sources at a constant pressure level through a suction port, in response to a draft effect caused by a centrifugal blower at the top of the odour control equipment in step (210). The one or more sources refers to tanks that generate the odorous gas.

The method (200) includes charging the odorous gas with negative ion immediately upon entering the odour control equipment by a plurality of negative ion generators of a cylindrical housing structure positioned in the odour control equipment. The charging causes a plurality of impurities present in the odorous gas to get accumulated at a bottom surface of the cylindrical housing structure in step (220). Step (220) corresponds to the first stage of treatment.

Upon entering the odour control equipment, the malodorous gas is immediately exposed to the negative ions. A static charge is generated around airborne impurities suspended in the malodorous gas. Upon charging, majority of the airborne impurities settle down instantly into a dust collecting chamber at the bottom of the odour control equipment. The remaining airborne impurities stick to the nearness surface of the cylindrical housing structure. Therefore, the airborne impurities are completely removed from the malodorous gas without any filtration system. The charged malodorous gas moves upward in the cylindrical housing structure.

The method (200) includes trapping the plurality of impurities by a spiral media filtration located in a first layer of a deodorizing media unit, in step 230. Step (230) corresponds to the second stage of treatment.

The charged malodorous gas moves upwards and gets in contact with a plurality of pleated surfaces that define the media of the first layer. Instantaneously, the charged impurities get trapped and only pure gas moves up to the next stage of the treatment.

The spiral media is composed of numerous windings of ‘S’ shaped portions that extend in a radial direction to provide maximum surface area for a specific volume ratio. The spiral media with uncountable pleats contributes to a unique feature of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, each cubic meter of the media provides surface area from 300 to 500 sqm.

The method (200) includes removing hydrogen sulphide from the odorous gas via a catalyst placed in a second layer of the deodorizing media unit in step (240). Step (240) corresponds to the third stage of treatment.

The third stage of treatment is performed on the particulate free clean gas that passes from the spiral media layer (first layer) and enters into the second layer of the deodorizing media unit. This stage comprises of two reactions when the gas encounters the media (hydrogen sulfide) and is described as follows: a) Absorption: This is the first reaction. It is assumed that the active iron hydroxide present in the ‘Sulfanil’ has encountered moisture to convert it into Fe(OH)3. b) Regeneration: This is the second reaction and occurs naturally based on the availability of water vapour and free oxygen. As the iron hydroxide is restored to its original form, molecular sulfur precipitates out as a powdery coating on the pellets placed in the second layer. The H ₂ O and O ₂ will react with ‘Sulphanil’s’ iron atoms and convert all sulphurous compounds into sulphur. The sulphur is left behind in a powdery elemental form. The regenerated iron hydroxide again binds with the new hydrogen sulfide molecules and extends its lifetime.

Fe ₂ S ₃ + 1 ¹ / ₂ O ₂ + 3H ₂ O ->2Fe(OH) ₃ + 3S (603 kJ/mol)

The two reactions of Absorption and Regeneration may be combined and expressed as follows:

3H2S + /2O2 — >3/8 S8 + 3H ₂ O

The moisture level in the gas plays a significant role in the third stage of treatment that is the removal of hydrogen sulfide. A minimum water moisture level of 40% is necessary to keep the reaction as effective as possible. The hydrogen sulfide reacts with water in the gas and ionizes. This process is called as ionization. The absorption rate of the ‘Sulfanil’ is high and does not get saturated quickly thereby allowing the ‘Sulfanil’ to be used for a longer period of time. Further, the ‘Sulfanil’ is less dense which offers a dual benefit that is it is easier to transport, and it offers more surface area onto which the hydrogen sulfide can adhere.

The method (200) includes activating the odorous gas by a third layer of the deodorizing media unit in step (250). Step (250) corresponds to the fourth stage of treatment.

H2S and particulate free gases then enter the third layer of the deodorizing media unit. The third layer comprises of activated carbon pellet media that is accountable to remove organic vapors and odours which are present within the air or gas flow. Typically, the activated carbon filter absorbs organic matter and binds them to the surface of the activated carbon. The zero-odour level is reached by contacting the air through the activated carbon in an absorber. The quantity of carbon is sufficient to ensure that odour is completely removed. In other words, the zero odour level is reached by contacting the preheated air through activated carbon.

The method (200) includes neutralizing the activated carbon using bipolar ions by a plasma ion generator of the cylindrical housing structure, prior to being vented out into the atmosphere, wherein the bipolar ions convert airborne contaminants (present in the malodorous gas) into water vapour and oxygen in step 260. Step (260) corresponds to the fifth stage of treatment.

After passing through all the media in the cylindrical housing structure, the gases enter the upper zone that is configured with plasma ion generators. Cold plasma is created using high voltage which continuously emits positive and negative ions. These bipolar ions get dispersed into the air flow and proactively attacks airborne contaminants like Voc’s, mold, bacterial, odours and so on and reacts on them. Subsequently, the airborne contaminants is converted to form a harmless water vapour and oxygen. The plasma ionizer is a high concentrator emitter with gold plated needles which can work with many years with minimum cleaning and maintenance.

It is to be noted that the zero-odour level is accomplished in this fifth stage of treatment.

The method (200) includes expelling the odorous gas upon treatment into the atmosphere by a centrifugal blower operatively coupled to the cylindrical housing structure in step 270. As discussed earlier, the malodorous gas enters into the odour control equipment (100) through the suction port. In other words, the suction port sucks the malodorous gas, undergoes all the treatment in the odour control equipment and finally exits through a fan located in the centrifugal blower.

It must be noted that the present disclosure of the odour control equipment is a modular design and should not be limited to the scope of the invention. Several other suitable components may be included to the odour control equipment based on requirements.

Various embodiments of the odour control equipment and a method for operating the same described above enable various advantages. The multiple media treatment ensures minimal pressure drop and uninterrupted gas flow through it thereby preventing any physical abrasion on the media. The odour control equipment eliminates the need of filters and provides 100% polymeric exhaust ventilation fan with minimal power consumption during operation. Further, the construction of the odour control equipment is modular and several systems/ components may be added in parallel based on the requirement. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a relatively clean air/ gas to the carbon media which thereby increases the life of carbon many times. Moreover, the odour control equipment is self-reacting and self-regenerating. Additionally, the service valve at the bottom of the odour control equipment can be opened during operation which will suck pure air from the atmosphere and regenerating the media at any required time without the need for shutdowns or access to media cleaning. Further, the use of ‘Sulfanil’ makes it easy to use and inexpensive to dispose of. The ‘Sulfanil’ and its by-products are environmentally nontoxic. The use of spiral media permits extremely high surface area loading rates with high efficiency and provides significant dust removal performance with minimal restriction to gas flow. The present disclosure eliminates the need of replacement of filters.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements.

Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.