The GruppoLuci Laboratory of Dynamic Olfactometry is accredited by ACCREDIA - Accreditation 01448 according to UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 standard for the performance of tests designed to determine odor concentration by means of dynamic olfactometry.
Dynamic olfactometry is the only internationally accepted method for the measurement of odor concentration (European Commission - JRC Reference Report on Monitoring of Emissions to Air and Water from IED Installations - 2018). It is regulated by the EN 13725: 2022 Technical Standard "Stationary source emissions - Determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry and odour emission rate".
The phases of the activity may be summarized as follows:
- Site inspection;
- Collection of odorigenic samples from emission sources (stacks, biofilters, tanks, heaps ...);
- Analyses of samples in order to determine odor concentration;
- Evaluation of results and possible confrontation with laws in force.
Olfactometric Chamber
Samples collected during field activities are analysed within thirty hours of sampling.
The analysis is carried out inside a dedicated facility that meets the standard requirements: the olfactometric chamber.
The olfactometric chamber is equipped with a four-station olfactometer, where trained panelists carry out odour measurements.
These panelists are part of a selected group (the panel) that determines the odor detection threshold of the sampled effluent, following strict sensory and behavioural criteria.
The number of dilutions with neutral air at which the odour becomes perceptible to 50% of the panelists is used to calculate the odour concentration, expressed in European Odour Units per cubic metre (ouE/m³).
Olfactometric analyses play a synergistic role in the research and development activities of any industrial plant. They are essential for odour monitoring and control, particularly for facilities subject to Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) or Environmental Certification, and within the framework of Article 272-bis of Italian Legislative Decree 152/2006.
In June 2023, the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security issued the “Guidelines for the Application of Article 272-bis of Legislative Decree 152/2006 on Odorous Emissions from Plants and Activities", which provide a national reference framework for odour emissions monitoring.
Dynamic olfactometry also enables the evaluation of the efficiency of odour abatement systems and provides valuable insights for the proper environmental management of facilities.
Since 2009, LOD has taken part in the world’s leading interlaboratory comparison program, the “Proficiency Test for Olfactometry”, achieving excellent results in both repeatability and measurement accuracy.
