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Exhaust air purification during the fermentation of food waste – safely remove odors, ammonia & germs

The fermentation of food waste produces biogenic gases, intense odors and harmful emissions. Whether in biogas plants, municipal fermentation plants or industrial waste disposal facilities – operators are faced with the challenge of ensuring air quality, complying with legal limits and avoiding odor pollution in the surrounding area.

Oxytec offers modular exhaust air purification systems for precisely these requirements – efficient, customizable and with proven technology.

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Typical emissions from food waste fermentation

  • Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) – is produced during the decomposition of food residues containing sulphur, causes strong putrid odors and is corrosive.

  • Ammonia (NH₃) – comes from nitrogenous components such as protein residues or kitchen waste.

  • Organic odorous substances (VOCs) – complex mixtures of aldehydes, ketones and fatty acids.

  • Germs and microorganisms – can escape as aerosols with the exhaust air and pose hygienic risks.

  • Methane (CH₄) – a gas that is harmful to the climate, but is usually utilized in the gas process.

These emissions often lead to complaints in the neighborhood, approval requirements or conflicts with authorities – avoidable through targeted exhaust air treatment.

Do you process food waste? We clean the air.

Whether new planning or retrofitting – Oxytec develops the right exhaust air purification system for your business. Our systems improve the working climate, protect the environment and the neighborhood and meet all legal requirements.

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UV ozone technology – oxidative degradation of odor molecules and germs

UV-C radiation creates activated ozone in our systems, which breaks down and neutralizes odour-intensive molecules and microorganisms. Particularly effective for:

  • Entrance areas for food waste deliveries

  • Pouring zones and pre-shredding

  • Hall exhaust air with germ contamination

Advantages:

  • Chemical-free odor removal

  • Compact system design

  • Hygienic air flow

Chemical exhaust air scrubbers – for ammonia and H₂S

Our fume scrubbers use water and additives (e.g. sulphuric acid or pH buffer) to effectively wash ammonia, sulphur compounds and water-soluble odorous substances from the air.

Suitable for:

  • Fermentation and fermentation zones

  • Biowaste collection points

  • Air flows with high moisture content

Advantages:

  • Very high cleaning performance

  • Compliance with TA-Luft specifications

  • Automated control possible

Clean Washer Air

Gegenstromwäscher zur Beseitigung von Geruch und Partikeln

Activated carbon filter – for adsorption of remaining odors

Activated carbon elements are often used as the final cleaning stage to reliably bind low-concentration VOCs, residual odors and pollutants.

Advantages:

  • High residual separation

  • Easy replacement

  • Can be combined with other processes

KAT Industrie

Aktivkohlefilter als Speicher­reaktor zur Luft­nachbehandlung

Areas of application for our systems

  • Biogas plants with food waste

  • Municipal or industrial fermentation plants

  • Disposal companies with organic waste

  • Pre-treatment plants for food waste (e.g. from commercial kitchens)

  • Composting plants with wet organic fractions

Advantages of Oxytec exhaust air purification

  • Reduction of odor pollution to a minimum
  • Modularly adaptable to air volumes and load
  • Economical operation thanks to energy-efficient components
  • Protection against corrosion in machines and buildings
  • Contribution to licensability according to BImSchV

FAQ – häufige Fragen

What emissions are produced during the fermentation of food waste?

The anaerobic decomposition of organic waste produces, among other things:

  • Ammonia (NH₃) – from protein-containing food residues

  • Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) – from ingredients containing sulphur

  • Organic odorous substances (VOCs) – e.g. butyric acid, ketones

  • Methane (CH₄) – is mostly used, but can escape in the event of leaks

  • Microbial aerosols and germs – especially with open process stages or high humidity
    These substances lead to strong odors and pose hygiene and licensing challenges.

Why does the processing of food waste smell particularly strong?

Food waste often contains a mixture of:

  • animal fats, proteins and kitchen waste

  • rotting or fermenting food

  • moist organic substances with rapid decomposition
    These decomposition processes release strong-smelling gases – especially at warm temperatures or with insufficient cover.

What legal requirements apply to exhaust air purification for food waste fermentation?

Depending on the system size and location, the following apply, among others:

  • TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control)

  • BImSchG (Federal Immission Control Act)

  • Requirements from the Biowaste Ordinance (BioAbfV)

  • Hygiene and waste legislation (e.g. Regulation EC 1069/2009 for animal residues)
    As a rule, effective exhaust air purification is necessary in order to obtain permits or avoid complaints.

Which exhaust air purification processes are suitable?

The choice depends on the air volume and type of pollutant. The following are tried and tested:

  • UV ozone systems → Oxidize odours & germs

  • Exhaust air scrubber (chemical/biological) → Wash out NH₃ and H₂S

  • Activated carbon filter → adsorb residual odors and VOCs

  • Electrostatic precipitators → for dry dusts, e.g. during drying
    Oxytec supplies customized systems – also as a combination.

How can odor pollution for residents be reduced?

The most important measures are:

  • Closed systems (enclosure of delivery and process)

  • Exhaust air routing via central cleaning systems

  • Prevention of leaks in containers and pipes

  • Maintenance & control of the exhaust air technology
    A functioning exhaust air purification system measurably reduces odor levels and significantly improves the acceptance of the system.

Are there subsidies for exhaust air purification for food waste fermentation?

Yes, e.g. via:

  • Federal program to reduce emissions in agriculture / horticulture

  • Climate protection and circular economy funding from the federal states

  • Municipal environmental or waste programs
    Eligible for funding are often Planning, technology and commissioning. Oxytec provides support in finding and applying for funding .

What does an exhaust air purification system for food waste fermentation cost?

The costs vary depending on the air volume, type of pollutant and technology combination:

  • Compact UV ozone systems: from 10,000-20,000 €

  • Combination systems (e.g. UV + scrubber + activated carbon): €30,000 to >€100,000
    The investment pays for itself through approvability, longer system service life (less corrosion)and better protection for residents.

Can existing systems also be retrofitted?

Yes. Oxytec systems are modular and can be easily retrofitted – e.g. as:

  • Compact container solution

  • Installation in exhaust air ducts or hall ventilation

  • Addition to existing systems (e.g. biofilter)
    Ideal for new requirements, capacity expansion or complaints.

How often do the systems need to be serviced?

Maintenance effort depends on the process:

  • UV-ozone: few maintenance operations/year (lamp change, cleaning)

  • Scrubber: regular checks of pH value and pumps

  • Activated carbon: Replacement every 6-12 months depending on load
    Oxytec offers maintenance contracts and remote monitoring on request .


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oxytec s.r.o
Revoluční 1082/8
11000 Prague

FON: +42 07 229 084 26
FAX:  +49 40 480 967 72
Mail:  polak@oxytec.cz

Your contact person:
Ing. Jiri Polák

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