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Exhaust air purification in sewage treatment plants – reliably eliminating odors, sulfur compounds, and ammonia

Numerous emissions are generated in pumping stations, screening plants, sludge treatment, and digester gas processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. During the treatment of wastewater, sludge, and digester gas, intense odors, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), ammonia, organic sulfur compounds (e.g., mercaptans), aerosols, and moisture enter the air we breathe. These not only affect employees, but also neighboring residential and commercial areas.
oxytec offers highly effective and economical systems for exhaust air purification in all areas of wastewater technology – with UV ozone technology, activated carbon, or combined solutions. For permanent odor control, legally compliant emission reduction, and improved working conditions.

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Typical emission sources in wastewater treatment plants

Plant section / Process Typical emissions Special features
Screening and sand trap areas H₂S, ammonia, organic odors High odor intensity, diffuse sources
Pumping stations & pressure pipes H₂S, mercaptans, methane, VOCs Corrosive, sometimes explosive (ATEX), difficult to detect
Preliminary clarification/preliminary thickening H₂S, ammonia, organic acids High humidity, warm, corrosive
Digesters & gas storage CH₄, H₂S, CO₂, VOCs Explosion protection required, continuous load
Sludge treatment / dewatering Ammonia, organic compounds, moist aerosols Odors and droplets, often highly variable load

Why is exhaust air purification essential in sewage treatment plants?

Odors from sewage treatment plants often lead to complaints from neighbors.

H₂S and ammonia are not only pungent, but also corrosive and harmful to health.

Exhaust air can create potentially explosive atmospheres (EX zones).

Authorities require specific emission reductions in accordance with TA Luft, GIRL, and BImSchG.

Odor pollution can lead to approval problems or project delays.

Legal requirements

  • TA Luft (2021): Emission reduction requirements for H₂S, ammonia, VOCs
  • GIRL: Limit values for odor emission concentrations in residential areas
  • 31. BImSchV: VOC reduction in digester gas utilization
  • ATEX (2014/34/EU): Protection against explosive atmospheres
  • TRGS 900: Occupational exposure limits in industrial buildings

We support you with permits, measurement reports, and documentation for authorities.

Contact us now – for fresh air in your wastewater treatment plant

Are you planning a new project or would you like to find a lasting solution to odor problems in your facility?

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0xytec technologies for wastewater treatment plants

UV ozone systems

Effectively combat H₂S, mercaptans, ammonia, VOCs, and organic odors through photochemical oxidation.

Areas of application:

  • Screening buildings
  • Pumping stations
  • Sludge treatment
  • Hall air purification in closed systems

Advantages:

  • Prevents corrosion in plants and switch cabinets
  • Residue-free odor neutralization
  • No flame, no additional oxygen requirement
  • Compact technology – also suitable for containers or shafts

activated carbon filter

For the adsorption of residual sulfur compounds or for localized odor sources.

Typical locations of use:

  • Building ventilation
  • Ventilation of gas storage facilities
  • Exhaust air from smaller pumping stations

KAT Industry

Activated carbon filter as a storage reactor for air post-treatment

Combined systems & special solutions

If required, with:

  • Moisture separation
  • Corrosion-protected design
  • ATEX-compliant technology
  • Automatic recording of emission values

Examples of practical applications

  • Central municipal sewage treatment plants
  • Decentralized pumping stations in residential areas
  • Industrial wastewater treatment plants (paper, food, chemicals)
  • Sludge utilization plants & digester gas storage
  • Odor-problematic transfer points (e.g., fecal waste collection points)

Your advantages with oxytec systems

  • Odor reduction >90% – measurable & permanent
  • Corrosion-resistant, low-maintenance technology
  • Modular retrofitting – also for existing systems
  • Can be combined with exhaust air ducting and heat recovery
  • Regulatory-compliant planning & support with subsidy applications