Olfactometry laboratory provides odour surveys and analysis

OdourNet provides a full range of sensory and conventional analytical odour analysis services to clients located in the UK and Ireland. The services are fully compliant with existing standards for analysis and are conducted in-house at the OdourNet UK Ltd olfactometry laboratory located in Bradford on Avon, and the analytical laboratory of sister company Project Research Gent.


The company says that its main asset is the experience and expertise of its consultants built-up over more than 20 years of performing odour surveys. OdourNet acknowledges the value of this information and has established a full knowledge management system that provides individual consultants within the organisation with the combined experience of the group.

The company also provides analytical support on a European and International level, with both laboratories located close to international airports, transportation and collection of samples from overseas sampling projects can be organised cost-effectively.

The odour concentration of a gaseous sample is determined by presentation to a panel of observers, with known acuity to odour, in varying dilutions. The odour concentration is then expressed in multiples of one European Odour Unit (ouE). This analysis technique provides directly comparable data for different odour types, and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of odour abatement plant and for determination of emission rates for odour impact (nuisance) assessment purposes. OdourNet also undertakes Hedonic tone analysis for the measurement of the relative pleasantness/unpleasantness of odours.

It also offers a procedure for assessment of the sensory acuity of individuals in terms of odour threshold and variability is defined within the British standard for olfactometry, BS EN13725:2003, Air Quality – Determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry. This procedure is commonly used to define the acuity of individuals involved in the regulation and assessment of odours (eg consultants and environmental health officers).

OdourNet has a wide range of clientele, ranging from local authorities and waste water treatment sector to perfume manufacturers, IPPC regulated facilities and to individual consultancies.

The laboratory is accredited to UKAS.

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