REPORT OF
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
environmental engineering, inc.
2324 S. W. 34th STREET / GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32601 / PHONE 904/372-3318
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REPORT OF
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
EPA PROJECT REPORT NO. 73-KPM-l-B
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC.
2324 SOUTHWEST 34TH STREET
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32601*
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ODOR SURVEY REPORT
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
Introduction
On October 3-6, 1972, an odor survey was conducted at the
Westvaco Kraft Mill, Wickliffe, Kentucky in conjunction with emission
measurements made by EPA personnel and equipment (EPA Project Report
No. 73-KPM-l-A) to obtain data for the establishment of new source per-
formance standards for kraft pulp mills. These tests took place using
the plant non-condensable gas incinerator system as a source of emissions
to be tested. This system collects non-condensable gases from various
points in the plant process and exposes these to a natural gas flame
assuring that all gases reach a temperature of 1000°F. Odor samples
were taken both at discharge and inlet conditions of this facility.
Simultaneous evaluations of sulfur content were performed by EPA with
instrumentation installed in their mobile laboratory. The odor panel
was conducted in accordance with a printed procedure provided by EPA
and appended hereto as Appendix A.
Summary
This odor survey which lasted for a total of five days is
regarded as having been successful. An effort was made to utilize
those persons having the most sensitive olfactory system. Prior ex-
perience had established that younger persons generally meet this re-
quirement; therefore, this age group was selectively utilized. The
panel was organized and surveys conducted at the .Paducah-Tilghman High
envintnmvntal engineering, inc.
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School in Paducah, Kentucky. Surveys were conducted on the non-
condensable gas incineration system, using both incinerated and non-
incinerated (inlet) gas samples! As might be expected, the odor charac-
teristics of these two were distinctly different, the former being pre-
dominantly sulfur dioxide in character and the latter predominantly
malodorous gases including hydrogen sulfide and the mercaptan species.
These differences produced no problem with the panel when properly
handled.
Procedure
Essentially the procedure followed in the organization and
conduction of this odor survey was that appearing as Appendix A of
this report. As described above, this procedure was delineated by
EPA as a tentative method for the purpose stated. Deviations from this
procedure were essentially three in number, the first having to do with
the requirement for an odor free room. Due to timing and limited facili-
ties at this distant location, an odor free room was not available. A
\yvJ-
portable air cleaning system was tried by the tubing used in construc-
tion contributed more odor than was removed, this system was abandoned.
All tests were conducted in the high school science laboratory which
was essentially free of odors and certainly free of all odors associated
with pulp and paper operations. The second deviation from the printed
procedure dealt with the method of screening candidates for final
selection of the odor panel. The method designates vanilla extract
and methyl salicyate in solution with benzyl benzolate. For the
test in Paducah, substitutions were made for these chemicals. Vanilla
extract was used in aqueous solution along with the mouth wash
"Listerine" in aqueous solution. The third deviation from the printed
vnvirttnmenlal engineering, in*.-.
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procedure involved the size of hypodermic syringe to be used. The
method calls for a 100 ml syringe which was not readily available;
therefore, 50 ml syringes were used with no apparent deterioration
in the ability of the panel to detect odor.
For this test a panel of ten individuals was selected from
an original group of 21 applicants. The selected ten consisted of
nine males and one female, all of whom were juniors or seniors in the
high school. Figure 1 illustrates the test used to screen this group.
Samples from the Westvaco mill at Wickliffe were collected
in syringes and mylar bags thereafter being transported to Paducah,
approximately 38 miles distant for purposes of conducting the odor
survey.
Results
The results of these odor surveys are presented in Table 1
and Figures 2 through 7 appearing hereafter. As one will note in
examining these several figures and associated data of Table 1, there
were occasions when the consistency of the panel was poor. One might
expect that this would improve with time, as indeed it did.
Throughout the execution of these series of odor surveys,
certain observations were made and are summarized as follows:
1. The persons conducting the odor survey program must
maintain control of the odor panel group at all times.
2. Dilutions for presentation to the panel should be made in
a location not in view of the panel, preferably in an adjacent room.
vnviritnmental engineering, in*:
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(A)
Figure 1
LAYOUT OF SCREENING TEST
A-Vanilla W-Listerine
2.
A A w
(A) Qv) (w)
.5% '
1'
0 0 (
.01%
6 '
.1%
7
(w) @ (5
.5%
ooo
Blanks
.01%
10
.001%.
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TABLE 1 . .
SUMMARY OF ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
Dilution
Source Date Ratio
Outlet 10/3/72 0:1
2:1
5:1
5:1
10:1
coll
17:1
: 5:1
17:1
10:1
50:1
Outlet 10/4/72 2:1
100:1
500:1
1000:1
100:1
~:1
100:1
Percent Reporting
Positive Response
90
90
100
70
50
10
80
40 .
60
60
20
100
80
50
30
20
60
100
environmental engineering, im:
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TABLE 1
(continued)
SUMMARY OF ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
Source
Outlet
Outlet
(No Fire)
Outlet
Dilution
Date Ratio
500:1
250:1
1000:1
10/5/72 500:1
250:1
100:1
.66:1
~:1
50:1
10/5/72 10,000:1
1000:1
-100,000:1
1,000,000:1
100,000:1
100,000:1
10/6/72 1000:1
2000:1
Percent Reporting
Positive Response
40
40
30
20
30
80
40
30
160
80
100
55
20
10
60
80
.30
vnviri>nmvnlal engineering, inc.
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TABLE 1
(continued)
SUMMARY OF ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
Source
Date
Dilution
Ratio
100:1
500:1
Percent Reporting
Positive Response
100
0
100
Outlet
(No Fire)
10/6/72
10,000:1
1000:1
500:1
100:1
~:1
100:1
20
50
90
100
10
100
environmental engineering, inc.
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10
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER 3, 1972
NONCONDENSABLE INCINERATOR
SAMPLE DILUTION AS RECEIVED 8:1
m
i£Jr
P
if.
Trt
:.!'.:
3F
-H-Ji
m
T
''^rf\\
Ttrrn
H
11 i i i i i i i
3.0 3.5
I I I I 1 I I i I I I I I
1.0 4.5 S.O
PROOITS
5.5
I I I I I
6.0
I I
6.5
i ! I
7.0
Percentage of Panel with Odor Detection
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R2%
PERCENTAGE
40 50 60
98%
: ' . I j I
a'tedriGa-s
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER 4, 1972
NONCONDENSABLE INCINERATOR
SAMPLE DILUTION AS RECEIVED 8:1 :-7~:-£
3.0
3.5
6.0
4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
PROBITS
Percentage of Panel with Odor Detection
6.5
7.0
-------
01
a.
1
(O
+j
o
10
01
c
o
o
cu
"o.
(O
CO
PERCENTAGE
10 15 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 85 90
95
98%
s-
iitij
tiii i
' i * ^
-LUJ.
J-UI
Till
717!"
if
;=HF±
~n-rrr
iHi
:LjEj5EE
iULlil!
Illl li
jjjj
frrr
nr?
[l^DraWohlij
.. -..-.-...-r.;.= m<:':S'V»l.li-.lr-I "OU: 11fe--:=--].-.
m
,.i_i ,.
-:..-^_
i'l 1:
Li-U
'III.
ill
FIGURE 4
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER 5, 1972
?H3?
4 i :
ijTi;
p;-"
NONCONDENSABLE INCINERATOR !
SAMPLE DILUTION AS RECEIVED 10:1 ii
Hit
1 !rr
----- .--i - 1 ----- .
1 i
t r
-r~r
EEES
M M I I M i I I M .M I M I I II M I I II l M M
3.0 3.5 4.0 . 4.5 5.0 5J 6.0
PROBITS
Percentage of Panel vnth Odor Detection
7.0
-------
PERCENTAGE
40 50 60
O)
"a.
03
I IO
o
a
a>
r
O.
-------
o
Q.
lO
c
o
o
Ol
CO
2%
10 15 20
PERCENTAGE
40 50 60
-I-S-H-
i i i i
mm
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
NONCONDENSABLE INCINERATOR
SAMPLE DILUTION AS RECEIVED 9.5:1
I ! ' '
n"T
riiT
_' i j
Y I I I I I! M M II I I I i I l I I I I i I I I I I I I 1 I
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
PROBITS
Percentage of Panel with Odor Detection
6.5
7.0
-------
O)
"a.
I E
ia
1/1
\
A3
I-J
O
ns
cc.
2%
PERCENTAGE
10 15 20 30 10 50 60 70 80 85 90
95
98%
EH
01
r
Q-
IO
l/l
lc*l
9
g
~ II
pi=;3p,^~~:
I I I I M
--m
4=m:
.
! j
I I ;j_ _!_M
IT
-
W-
'II1 i' ;; > ' I
Hu'lliQ
rSamiileJDr awJila^M
I
i!H
1 t !.!
m
ptH±
rrt
-H-
FIGURE 7
ODOR SURVEY
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER 6, 1972
:r±|^H±
NONCONDENSABLE INCINERATOR t
SAMPLE DILUTION AS RECEIVED 95:1 i
fH4
.- ^.. ... -
±n±H±;
,-
1 II f II I M II II I I M M M II II I II l T I MM I I I M I
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
PROBITS
Percentage of Panel with Odor Detection
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3. Each individual member should keep his detection or non-
detection confidential until the entire panel has recorded their re-
spective findings.
4. Where the prevalent odor is not vividly distinct, the
panel should be allowed a reasonably strong "refresher" sample between
each evaluation sample.
5. It is preferable to introduce samples to the panel gener-
ally from a weak to stronger odor progression.
6. The entire series should be conducted as rapidly as per-
missable but not at a frequency in excess of one sample per 10-15 minutes.
It was found that after a continuous evaluation period of approximately
two hours, the panel members became somewhat fatigued and psychologically
exhausted and required a short recess; preferably leaving the odor evalua-
tion room and returning approximately one half hour later. This pro-
cedure seemed to improve consistency among the panel members.
7. A psychological problem exists in that panel members seem
to have an innate feeling that it is a.virtue to detect ah odor. The
repeated positive responses to pure air demonstrates this problem.
Through repeated lecturing, however, this tendency was reasonably over-
come toward the end of the test program.
The original data sheets from which the data of Figures 2
through 7 were derived are presented in Appendix B.
Table 2 has been prepared through which total odor emission
v rates may be estimated, upon the addition of volume flow data available
to EPA.
vnvintnmental engineering, inc.
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TABLE 2 .
ODOR EMISSIONS
WESTVACO KRAFT MILL
WICKLIFFE, KENTUCKY
OCTOBER, 1972
Source
Outlet
Outlet
Outlet
Outlet (No Fire)
Outlet
Outlet (No Fire)
Date
10/3/72
10/4/72
10/5/72
10/5/72
10/6/72
10/6/72
C
90
2640
1320
37,000
14,490
203,300
VA
2610
3000
2223
2608
E
__-_
3.45 x 106
1.11 x 108
3.22 x 107
5.30 x 108
\
C = Odor concentration in odor units per cubic foot
(derived at 50 percentile detection point)
VA = Volume flow rate in stack, standard conditions,
SCFM ( 70°F and 29.92 in. Hg)
E = Odor emission rate, in odor units per minute,
E = CVA
environmental f.ngineering, inc.
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APPENDIX A
DILUTION METHOD OF ODOR MEASUREMENT
environmental engineering, inc.
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/ : METHOD xC- DILUTION METHOD OF ODOR MEASUREMENT
. principle and Appl icabllity
!! Principle. A samole of gas is extra ct
~
»
source to be treasured, and is dTTuted~wi th odcr-free air un.til
" a"*7iTTTnrTorr "is'^'chTcTved in v.'hich 'the odor can barely be perceived
1 The ratio of the -total volume of the diluted sample to the
volume of original sample taken for dilution, is a ir.easure-o1
the odor -concentration of the original sample. The technique is
not intended to identify individual odor-causing materials or
their concentrations, and does not take into. .account the
character of an odor.
1.2 Applicability. This method is applicable for the determination
Of odorous emissions from stationary .sources only when specified
by test procedures for determining compliance with the New
Source Performance Standards.
2. Range and Sensitivity " " ' '1 '
2.1 Range. The lower limit of this method is that concentration of
odor which can just barely be perceived (odor threshold) at a
1:9 dilution ratio. The upper limit is that concentration
which produces the odor threshold at a dilution ratio of 1:9999.
2.2 Sensitivity, the sensitivity depends upon the human olfactory
sense, and is subject to variations of. this sense, 'from person
to person or from hour to hour in the same- person. .
*
3. Interferences ' '. .
3.1 Extraneous odors interfere in the test and all foreign odors
must therefore be eliminated from the test environment. Hands
. . and clothing of the observers, and any necessary equipment,
must be clean-and odor-free.
3-2 QoUJsjM]d_pjJ]_ej^^ the sense of smell
will interfere with the observers' perception of odors. -y.se_of
tobacco , gum , o re v c n'._ c a t i n q . _ c 5 naff ec t_t h e sense _.p f __s me 1 1",
ancTshouTd not be indulged in for at feast 30 minutes prior to
the evaluation of odors. To avoid fatigue of the olfactory
sense, the observer should carry o'jt_Jhe odor test for no longer
than fifteen mijiutes at_a t i mo ,_w i th a f f f jcen minute Vest
perfod'^botv/oen tests . ......... ~ " -.--;-
3.3 Some aromatic compounds desensitize the olfactory response and
will cause erratic results. The only solution to this problem
is longer rest "cncvjs Uu.-:-:n tests.
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- 2 - »
... . .r
~4- Precision and Accuracy .
- - A.l The precision and accuracy of this r.-.ethod depends on the
, number, physical condition, experience and skill of the
observers, consistent and reproducible results have been
found to be obtained vrit]},.>£. ' 5.2,3 Transfer Syringe - Two or more. 2-ml Luer-type hypodermic
^c- .. syringes and one 100-ml Luer-type hypodermic, syringe.
"..'' * *
5.2.4 Transfer Needle - A fitting for connecting the transfer
syringe with the sampling and dilution syringes, ir.ace
from two standard 25 g?.ge hypcdennic needles, 11/2 in.
. .: long (available from Becton-Dickinson and Company,
Rutherford, New Oersey). The mating head of one needle
is cut off at a point where its inside bore is equal to
the outside diameter of the needle shaft. The mating
head is slid over the other needle, with the mating
opening tov.-ard the tip of the needle, and silver soldered
in place. . -
5.2.5 Syringe Caps - One Luer syringe cap for each syringe.
6. Reagents . . . ' .
6.1 Odor-free air.
6.2 Yanillan -1.0 percent solution in benzyl benzoato.
V 6.3 J:'ethyl Salicylato - 1.0 percent' solution in benzyl benzoato.
A A >-.>.' *'*<* C \ \ \ v
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&
'7. Procedure
All syringes and-transfer needles used in this procedure must be
thoroughly washed with ai ut perfumed detergent, rinsed thoroughly
1n odor-free tap water, and allowed to dry in the test room atmos-
for at least If) mviutes. ;
7"«1 Sampling. Fill 1v;c> sampling syringes with the gas whose odor
concentration *s to ba mc-asured, by pushing the plunger all
the way in, insert ng the tip into the gas stream to be sampled,
and pulling the pi jnoer out to the 100-ml mark. Place caps over
the tips of tie syringes, and transfer to the odor evaluation
room. Perfcrn asso:iated measurements such as velocity deter-
mination at the time of sampling according to EPA' recommended
procedures. .
7.2 Analysis. . . * . .
7.2.1 ^iDPlL-^Uyli0-!!'' DiluVon samples are prepared by an
assistant ancTpresente:; blindly to the observer in random
order to. prevent poss^blo bias due to the-a'nti-cipation . .
* "of th2 observer. In preparing the dilution, place the
transfer needle on the transfer syringe, remove the cap frcm
: . the sampling syringe, .and with the transfer syringe empty,
insert the transfer necdie tip into the sample syringe,
and tightly conntcc the tv.M syringes. Withdraw the
'desired volume, V , of sample into the transfer syringe.
Withdraw the neesie from the sampling syringe and recap
tie Sc'.mpling syriige. Insert th'e transfer needle tip
into the dilution syringe, which has been partially
filled with odor-free air. Inject the sample volur.e,
V , into the dilution syringe, withdraw the transfer
filedle, .and -fill '.he dilution syringe to the 100-ml mark
with odor- f rue ai". Ccp the dilution syringe and let it
stand for a', 'eas: 15 sec. to allow mixing by diffusion.
The dilutee sample is tr.en .ready for odor evaluation.
\ 7.2.
Hhen'it is necossa^y to dilute volumes of 2 ml or less,
use the 2-m"i t.-ansfer syr'noe. When diluting volumes of
.less the n G.2 n.l, nake en intermediate dilution of 1:9
With cdo^-free a:r and inject a portion of this inter-
mediale c'il'Jtion i ito the dilution syringe. Use the
100-rc', transfer syringe for diluting volumes greater
than 2 ml.
? Oc^r__EvaU;5tijor.: 3r3pare samples having dilution ratios
' o~' 1:9, 1:^3", V993, and 1 :S991 in random order as des-
c-ibed in section .'..?.!. Unca.) the dilution syringe and
M) iir.ert t!.D f.s o: the- sy^lr.r.e into or.e nostril; cr
(2) lU'ld Lie .ip c-~ ;h£ syrir.rc- r.icr the nose, £ac:;
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member should chose the method of smelling the sair.ple
which yields the frost accurate end reproducible results
for him. Suspend breathing fcr a few seconds,-anc during
this period, ej
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- 5 -
9. i Calculations
" Odor Concentration. Calculate the odor concentration in odor
units per cubic foot. . ^QQ . --... '
- c = vr ; -. 1:
"where: .
C = Oder concentration in'odor units per cubic foot, v/hich is
equal to the number of cubic feet that one cubic foot of saapj_e,
will occupy when diluted to the odor threshold. One oc'or unit
is defined as one cubic foot of air at the odor threshold.
Ys = Milliters of original sample present in the most dilute
sample in v;nicn odcr is perceptible.
TOO = Milliters of diluted sample. . .
9.2 Odor Em's si on Rate.
units per minute.
where.-
Calculate the odor emission rate in odor
E = CVA
E = Odor emission rate, in odor units per minute _
C c Odor concentration, in odor units per cubic foot,- as
calculated in Section 9.1. . ....
V = Velocity of stack or vent discharge in feet per minute
A = Cross-sectional area of stack or vent, in square feet.
- .Bibliography ......
10.1 ASTM Book of Standards, Part 23, pp. 301-304, 1971.
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APPENDIX B
ORIGINAL DATA SHEETS
\
environmental engineering, inc.
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Ol'i5£RVERS
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10-3-72.
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OBSERVERS
-h
t_
-f-
TW +
ft
"
"
+_
-f-
.-t-
/O
+ -f
/O
y
0
/S
SO
-f
±_ _±L
-------
OBSERVERS
DATE
- 72
h
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t
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h
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f
B f
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4-
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/>/
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4-
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-------
OBSERVERS
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-------
OBSERVERS /y {/sO<.
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JOUNSOM +"
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-------
OBSERVERS
jfc
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-------
OBSERVERS /
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OBSERVERS
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------- |