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Exhaust air purification for cow manure, pig manure and chicken manure – effectively combating odor, ammonia and germs

Whether in dairy farming, pig farming or poultry fattening – the storage and treatment of animal excrement results in high levels of pollution in the ambient air. Cow manure, pig manure and chicken manure contain large quantities of nitrogenous and sulphurous substances that lead to ammonia, hydrogen sulphideand strong odors during decomposition.

Oxytec offers proven exhaust air purification systems that are specifically tailored to these emissions – for sustainable animal husbandry with clean air and a high level of acceptance.

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Emissions from manure – vary depending on the animal species

All types of manure cause extreme odors. Added to this are typical pollutants:

  • Cow dung causes ammonia and methane, has a high water content and decomposes very slowly.
  • Pig manure causes ammonia and a range of VOCs and sulphur compounds. It therefore develops an extreme odor, but also has a high nutrient content.
  • Chicken manure contains germs (salmonella) and causes dust. It is very concentrated, has a high dry matter content and is hygienically critical.

These emissions arise both during storage (slurry pits, manure storage facilities) and during processing (e.g. fermentation, drying or spreading). The exhaust air must therefore be cleaned in a targeted manner in order to protect the environment and local residents.

Clean air despite manure? It’s possible with Oxytec.

Oxytec offers you tried-and-tested solutions for exhaust air purification for manure storage and processing – individually adapted to the type of animal, process and location. This allows you to meet legal requirements, reduce complaints and improve your environmental footprint.

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Our chemical or biological scrubbers effectively remove water-soluble gases such as ammonia (NH₃) or H₂Susing targeted scrubbing processes – often with pH regulation.

Areas of application:

  • Pig and poultry farming

  • Ventilation systems for large barns

  • Biofilter pre-stage or in-house operation

Advantages:

  • High cleaning performance

  • Automated control possible

  • Compliance with TA-Luft regulations

Clean Washer Air

As a final purification stage, activated carbon filters are used to reliably adsorb remaining VOCs, sulphur compounds and odors from the exhaust air.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective operation

  • Modular in use

  • Can also be used as a supplement to biofilters

KAT Industry

Typical areas of application for our systems

  • Stable facilities for cattle, pigs and poultry
  • Manure storage and slurry pits
  • Biogas plants with animal substrate
  • Belt manure or slider manure conveyors
  • Manure drying and pelletizing plants
  • Farms in odor-sensitive regions

Why Oxytec? Your advantages at a glance

  • Exhaust air systems tailored to specific animal species
  • High efficiency in ammonia and germ reduction
  • Durable, low-maintenance technology
  • Modular planning for new and existing systems
  • Support with approval and documentation

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health risks of manure emissions?

Ammonia irritates the respiratory tract and can promote respiratory diseases at high concentrations. Fine dust and aerosols can contain germs and endotoxins. Prolonged exposure can also cause long-term damage to the lungs and eyes – especially for employees and animals.

When is exhaust air purification required by law?

The obligation to purify exhaust air arises from:

  • TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control)

  • BImSchG (Federal Immission Control Act)

  • Requirements in the building permit or approval procedure
    The main relevant factors are the size of the business, proximity to residential areas, number of animals and emission forecasts. In the case of intensive animal husbandry or complaints from residents, exhaust air purification is often a requirement.

Which technologies are suitable for the exhaust air purification of manure?

Different processes are used depending on the type of emission and the size of the company:

  • UV ozone systems for odor elimination and germ reduction

  • Exhaust air scrubbers (chemical or biological) for ammonia and sulphur removal

  • Activated carbon filter as the final stage for adsorption of VOCs

  • Electrostatic precipitators, if fine dust is carried along (e.g. chicken manure)

How high are the operating costs of an exhaust air purification system?

The running costs depend on the system type:

  • UV ozone: electricity costs, infrequent maintenance

  • Scrubber: water consumption, reagents (e.g. acid), pump current

  • Activated carbon: Change every 6-12 months, depending on load
    Oxytec systems are designed for low energy consumption and low-maintenance technology.

Can existing barns or manure storage facilities be retrofitted?

Yes, Oxytec systems are modular and can also be integrated into existing systems or container solutions . Individual planning is recommended in order to optimally consider air volumes, emission type and operating sequence.

What does an exhaust air purification system for manure cost?

The costs depend on:

  • Air volume (m³/h)

  • Emission types

  • Type of farming (cattle, pigs, poultry)

  • Installation and control technology
    Typical investments start at around €10,000, six-figure sums are also possible for large systems. The costs are amortized through fewer complaints, higher approvability and improved image.

Does Oxytec also offer advice and planning?

Yes. We support you from the initial emissions analysis through planning and dimensioning to installation and maintenance – with experience from numerous projects in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Are there subsidies for exhaust air purification in animal husbandry?

Yes, in many federal states and at federal level there are funding programs to improve environmental technology in agriculture. The following are often eligible for funding:

  • Investments in exhaust air purification systems (e.g. UV ozone, scrubbers, filters)

  • Retrofitting in existing livestock housing facilities

  • Measures for emission reduction according to TA Luft or BImSchG

  • Partly also Planning and consulting costs

Possible funding programs:

  • Federal program for energy efficiency in agriculture and horticulture (BLE)

  • State-specific agricultural investment promotion programs (AFP)

  • Programs for air pollution control or odor reduction in rural areas

The funding amount is often between 20 % and 40 % of the investment costs. It is advisable to submit an application to before the start of the project– Oxytec will be happy to assist you with the selection and application process.