Field test evaluation of instrumental odour monitoring systems with a novel in-situ calibration approach

Abstract

Instrumental Odour Monitoring Systems (IOMS) are employed for continuous objectified technical olfaction. However, the reference for odour perception is the human nose, surpassing technology with outstanding sensitivity and selectivity for many compounds. In order to achieve comparable results, IOMS have to fulfil manifold requirements, resulting in considerable effort in engineering and cost. One-size-fits-all solutions are unlikely to function properly but are nevertheless marketed as the resulting performance is difficult to assess. In the course of the publicly funded research project SEPEG (sensor networks for the objective perception of odour sources, BMBF FKZ 01IS17087) all aspects of a complete IOMS solution are scrutinized in their respective context. A main focus of the project is on field test evaluation in real installation situations. Two installation sites have been equipped with networks of real-time IOMS devices. In CEN TC 264 WG 41, a standard has been developed for the quality assessment of IOMS. This requires a reference data set with representative variations of source and background. The key question of comparability to olfactory standards is pursued by a novel method of in-situ calibration with dilution series of source samples, the odour concentration of which has been determined via dynamic olfactometry as per EN13725:2003. In three training/validation campaigns, the forced calibration strategy has been implemented and tested for technical and commercial viability. The results show that the general approach is promising, while providing impetus to further development of the methods, algorithms and the IOMS used in the experiment.