Category: Blog Posts

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Predicting Odour Complaints Before They Happen: SIMS3’s Powerful Risk Forecasting Tool
Facility managers today face growing pressure to maintain regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact, and foster strong community relations. One key part of this is staying ahead of potential odour complaints, and predicting odour complaints well before they happen! That’s where Scentroid’s SIMS3 platform steps in.

Among its many advanced features, SIMS3 offers complaint risk forecasting, an essential tool that helps operators predict the likelihood of negative plume exposure affecting nearby sensitive receptors. This foresight enables early action, turning potential complaints into proactive management opportunities.

Understanding Complaint Risk Forecasting in SIMS3

Sensitive receptors, such as residential areas, schools, or public spaces, are the first line of insight in SIMS3’s complaint forecasting system. The platform uses real-time weather data, local topography, and dispersion modelling to determine the chance that emissions may impact these receptors within the next 48 hours.

Complaint risk is classified on a scale ranging from low to very high. This provides facility managers the tools needed to form clear, actionable insights into when they might expect odour issues to arise and where those risks are concentrated, well before they happen!

There are two easy ways to utilize SIMS3 to assist you with predicting odour complaints:

Option 1: Via the Timeline Navigational Panel
1. In the upper right corner of your SIMS3 interface, click the hamburger icon to open the SIMS3 timeline navigation panel:
2. The expanded view will show a weather forecast information panel:
3. The complaint risk level appears in the bottom right of this panel. This risk level is colour-coded and updated every hour for the next two days.
This view allows you to quickly scan upcoming trends and act accordingly—whether that means delaying a particular operation or adjusting mitigation efforts.

Option 2: Via the Forecasting Module
1. From the left-hand side menu, click the weather forecasting icon:
2. The forecasting page will display selectable dates covering the next 48 hours.
3. At the bottom of each daily and hourly forecast, you’ll find the complaint risk rating.
This page gives a more detailed view for planning by time and receptor location, helping you fine-tune operational decisions to reduce the likelihood of complaints.

Why It Matters

Complaint forecasting is just one of many smart tools available in SIMS3. Combined with real-time monitoring, historical data visualization, emissions source tracking, and automated reporting, the platform transforms complex environmental data into a meaningful operational strategy.

By incorporating complaint risk forecasting into your daily workflow, you’re not just responding to issues, you’re preventing them.

Whether you’re managing a wastewater treatment facility, landfill, or industrial operation, SIMS3 gives you the clarity and control to stay ahead of the curve, and in good standing with your community.

To learn more about SIMS3’s full capabilities, visit:
https://scentroid.com/software/sims3/
June 5, 2025
Scentroid CTair: Enhancing Odour Monitoring in High River, Alberta

It brings us great pleasure to inform you that the NRCB has successfully installed the Scentroid CTair device in the town of High River to tackle persistent odour issues. At Scentroid, we pride ourselves on being a top-tier provider of innovative environmental solutions. Our advanced technology aims to transform the way the community detects and manages unpleasant smells.

At Scentroid, we understand the importance of addressing odour-related concerns effectively. That’s why we developed the CTair unit, a portable and powerful device that has recently made its way to High River. The device, which is as small as a shoebox, can be mounted on a pole or wall with ease. and is powered by a solar module, making it highly versatile when it comes to monitoring locations.

The NRCB itself aims to achieve two primary goals with the CTair unit in High River. Firstly, they sought to develop a deeper understanding of the relative contribution of odour-causing parameters from various sources surrounding the town. By comprehending the complexity of odour issues, the NRCB can implement targeted strategies and make High River an even more pleasant place to live.

The NRCB also aimed to determine the impact of management practices at confined feeding operations on odour emissions. The CTair unit’s specialized sensors can now measure air quality parameters known for their odour potential, including reduced sulphur, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. This data is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of different practices and implementing measures that minimize odour emissions effectively.

One of the remarkable features of the CTair unit is its ability to determine the source and cause of odours. By analyzing the parameters measured and considering wind speed and direction, facility managers can identify possible odour sources and take prompt action. With its portable design, Ctair can effortlessly be relocated to detect possible sources of odour and evaluate their effects.

Wondering how the CTair unit works and what it measures? Our advanced technology utilizes specialized sensors to measure the air quality parameters contributing to odour. While electronic instruments cannot directly measure odour levels, our innovative odour integration module uses artificial intelligence to combine the concentration data from individual parameters into an odour index. This index provides a numerical value representing the expected odour experience based on the combination of parameter levels.

As a leading provider of odour monitoring solutions, we differentiate the CTair unit from existing systems in High River. While the CTair unit and the portable air monitoring laboratory measure reduced sulphur compounds, their methodologies differ. The CTair unit directly measures reduced sulphur using electrochemical sensors, whereas the portable air monitoring laboratory measures it as the difference between oxidized sulphur concentrations. Additionally, the CTair unit goes beyond measuring ammonia and volatile organic compounds, providing a more comprehensive understanding of odour dynamics.

In conclusion, installing the Scentroid CTair unit in High River marks a significant milestone in odour monitoring and management. Our team at Scentroid is dedicated to utilizing our knowledge and cutting-edge technology to effectively tackle any concerns related to odours.

NRCB Article

Local News Article

View Scentroid CTair

View NRCB FAQ

June 6, 2023
How Scentroid’s CTair Assisted Landfill in Environmental Litigation

Scentroid’s CTair ambient air quality monitor and GD600 gas dilution calibration device played a pivotal role in a recent court case involving a landfill in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) filed a lawsuit against the landfill, alleging that the company did not comply with government regulations and standards for hazardous air pollutants in municipal solid waste landfills. Among other things, the lawsuit claimed that the landfill failed to control methane concentration, which could have been a serious risk to public safety.

As part of the suit, the landfill was required to employ six Scentroid CTair units as part of their Perimeter Emissions Monitoring Program. These devices continuously monitored landfill emissions, ensuring pollutants remained within government regulations. By utilizing Scentroid’s devices, the landfill demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility and avoided costly litigation.

Scentroid’s CTair ambient air quality monitor is a highly advanced device that provides accurate and reliable air quality data. The device uses cutting-edge sensor technology to detect a wide range of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and ammonia (NH3). The device’s data is transmitted in real-time to a cloud-based platform, allowing easy analysis and interpretation.

The lawsuit also alleges that the landfill did not follow the standards for hazardous air pollutants for municipal solid waste landfills. These standards are outlined in 40 CFR 63.1930 et seq and 40 CFR 60.750 et seq, and rule 902 of part 55 of the NREPA Michigan Admin Code R 336.1902 Renewable Operating Permit MI-ROP-N2688 2011a. This was due to the landfill wells having a landfill gas temperature exceeding 55 degrees Celsius, indicating a lack of gas collection and control systems.

Thanks to the accurate data provided by Scentroid’s devices, the landfill demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with regulations. The case highlights the importance of using reliable air quality monitoring equipment to ensure compliance with regulations and laws. By partnering with Scentroid, companies can showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility and minimize their impact on the environment.

Scentroid provides our customers with reliable environmental monitoring equipment that promotes sustainable operations and regulatory compliance. Our devices are used by companies around the world to monitor air quality, detect pollutants, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. By working together, we can ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone.

View Court Document

View CTair

View GD600

April 25, 2023
USEPA Mandates Scentroid TR8 for Court Case Related to Gas Emissions

In a recent civil case involving gas emissions, the United States District Court of South Carolina Rock Hill Division ordered the use of the Scentroid TR8. To meet the court’s requirement, the defendant was required to monitor air quality using the TR8 and supply the results to the plaintiff. Our device has been mandated as a compliance requirement in this case by the USEPA. To ensure compliance with environmental regulations, accurate and reliable equipment is essential, making the portable TR8 an ideal companion for all your air quality monitoring needs.

View Public Court Filing Here

Our handheld gas analyzer measures chemicals in the ambient air using state-of-the-art multi-sensor technology. It is highly accurate, reliable, and easy to use, making it extremely popular in the environmental testing industry. In addition to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the Scentroid TR8 has advanced sensors that detect a wide range of gases. In complex and dynamic environments, these sensors can provide high-accuracy measurements.

One of the key advantages of TR8 is its ability to provide real-time data, allowing environmental professionals to quickly respond to potential threats to public health and safety. This is particularly critical in industries where gas emissions have a significant impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

Therefore, the Scentroid TR8 handheld multi-sensor gas analyzer is an excellent tool for environmental monitoring and compliance tests. Its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use make it an ideal device for industries that require precise gas concentration measurements. Furthermore, its mandated use in court cases related to gas emissions highlights the critical role advanced technology plays in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Find out more about our TR8 Here

April 20, 2023
Breaking: Scentroid DR1000 Used in Landfill Methane Study

A recent study was conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy which utilized the Scentroid DR1000. The study aimed to investigate the impact municipal solid waste landfills have on atmospheric methane. This remains a major contributor to global warming. Several methods of tracking methane were currently deployed – however, they held an uncertainty of approximately 50%.

For this project, the Scentroid DR1000 was equipped with a Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometer with a methane sensor (lower detection limit of 0.4 ppm). The sampling rate frequency was maintained at 2Hz with a resolution of 10 ppb. The DR1000 was also equipped with a GPS to receive data from several global navigational satellite systems. An onboard pressure sensor was included to measure altitude. While flying, the DR1000 recorded position, altitude, temperature, humidity, and ambient methane concentration.

“The quantification of landfill gas emissions requires measurements not only of ambient methane concentrations, but also of meteorological parameters such as the prevailing wind speed and direction, temperature, and pressure.”

Results found that emissions from both the active landfill face and the leaking gas collection systems are important sources of landfill emissions. This was a surprising development – Reported methane emissions from landfills typically do not account for contributions from the active face. Thus, greenhouse gas emission inventories are unfortunately downplaying landfills’ role in climate change.

Click Here to download a pdf of the study – DR1000 used in Landfill Methane Study

June 24, 2022
Scentroid SM100 Used in Waste Biological Stabilization Study

The Scentroid SM100 was used to evaluate Inoculated waste biological stabilization degrees in a recent study. This was conducted by Mirosław Szyłak-Szydłowski from the University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland.

Due to the transformation of compounds during waste bio-stabilization, tests were carried out on inoculated windows within a waste mechanical-biological treatment open site. Odor concentrations were measured for several weeks and were compared with kinetic parameters of organic compounds’ decomposition. Samples were analyzed using the Scentroid SM100, which served as an invaluable resource for this process.

The Scentroid SM100 field olfactometer, a dilution instrument, is used to present an odour at different concentration levels in a controlled way to the assessor. An odorous air is diluted via a valve system. SM-100 uses compressed air from a cylinder to dilute the test air sample. This cylinder is a high-pressure (31 MPa) carbon fibre container filled with compressed air. The device incorporates a dilution valve adjuster, which has a high accuracy to provide a constant flow of diluted air, to select one of 15 positions that correspond to the dilution ratio of clean air to the test air sample.

“The range of the device is selected through replaceable plates; a minimum of 2-fold dilution and a maximum of 30,000-fold dilution may be achieved. An active carbon filter additionally provides cylinder air purity [58]. This olfactometer is characterized by much higher accuracy than the commonly used Nasal Ranger field olfactometer and a larger range of determination.”

To read this study, click here!

To find out more about the Scentroid SM100, click here!

May 7, 2021
2021 UofT MIE Capstone Design Virtual Showcase
We’re excited to see the results of many months of hard work at 2021 UofT MIE Capstone Design Virtual Showcase!

The Capstone program is an opportunity for fourth-year undergraduate students to work on design projects that meet specific client needs. The students work in teams to address real-world problems presented by industry partners.

As per UofT’s Capstone description, each project must include:
1. The application of disciplinary knowledge and skills to conduct engineering analysis and design.
2. The demonstration of engineering judgment in integrating economic, health, safety, environmental, social or other pertinent interdisciplinary factors.
3. Elements of teamwork, project management and client interaction.
4. A demonstration of proof of the design concept.”
This year, Scentroid partnered with an incredible group of brilliant students from the team “SR” who developed a Wind Velocity Estimation Device for Quadcopters. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, instead of the typical convention center, the students have adapted to utilizing Zoom, an online conferencing tool.

The itinerary is as follows:
6:25PM-Event registrants begin entering Zoom
6:30PM-Opening Remarks-Prof. Kamran Behdinan
6:38-8:00PM-Event attendees move between breakout rooms to visit projects
8:00pm – Event Ends

Grading is from 7:40 – 8:00 PM tomorrow. Please join us in wishing them the best of luck!

For more information on the Capstone project, please visit UofT’s website by clicking here. Registration to attend the 2021 UofT MIE Capstone Design Virtual Showcase can also be found with this link.
April 6, 2021
Wind Tunnel Vs Flux Chamber: Which Should I Use?
Dr. Ardevan Bakhtari, CEO of Scentroid

We are frequently asked about the difference between a Flux chamber (or Flux hood) sampling and a Wind tunnel or (Lindvall chamber) and how to choose between them.

The Difference Between a Wind Tunnel Vs Flux Chamber:

The Flux chamber is designed to simulate calm conditions and natural odour or pollutant emissions from a liquid or solid surface. The stainless-steel chamber protects the surface from ambient wind and clean air or nitrogen is pushed into the chamber to gently “sweep” the odours from the surface. Samples are pulled from the chamber using a vacuum chamber (lung sampler).

If you would like more information on our Flux Chamber click here.

A Flux chamber being lowered into a body of water

A wind tunnel is used to simulate emission when the surface is subjected to steady “laminar” wind conditions. The chamber is designed to direct air generated by a fan over the surface and out the other side where it can be sampled. The air is cleaned using activated charcoal to ensure ambient pollutants do not contaminate the sample.

If you would like more information on our wind tunnel, click here.

A Wind tunnel sampler being prepared for shipment

Numerous studies have been conducted on the difference in emission rate obtained between the two sampling methods. Overall, the following conclusions have been made:
- If the wind tunnel has low wind speed (below 0.2 m/s) the values are nearly identical.
- For wind speeds more than 0.2 m/s the emission rate obtained by will be reduced.
Selecting the right sampler

If the site is subjected to continuous and steady wind conditions above 0.2 m/s a wind tunnel should be used. However, for all other conditions including sporadic or turbulent wind conditions, a flux chamber provides a better estimation. A flux chamber is much simpler and more compact therefore it is easier to use when conditions permit.

As quoted from Scientist Miroslaw Syzlak-Szydlowski, “By increasing the wind speed above [certain] values, there were significantly different results between those methods. In each of the cases, the odor concentration values from the samples taken using the [flux/static] chamber were higher than those obtained in samples taken by [wind tunnel/Lindvall] chamber.”

Wind Tunnel Chamber floating on body of water

Works cited:

Mirosław Szyłak-Szydłowski (2017) Validation of odor concentration from mechanical-biological treatment piles using static chamber and wind tunnel with different windspeed values, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 67:9, 1046-1054, DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2017.1338632

Wind Tunnel Vs Flux Chamber Study can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2017.1338632
March 23, 2021
Scentroid Stainless Steel Bag Being Used for Latest Mars Mission

To boldly go where no sampling bag has gone before – Scentroid has exciting news to share! Our stainless steel Sampling bag technology is being used for the Latest Mars Mission in coordination with NASA.

Through their latest Perseverance Rover mission, NASA intends on researching whether life has ever existed on Mars. It is believed that by doing so, we will further develop a better understanding of our origins on earth. The Perseverance rover will collect samples of both Martian rock and regolith using special drills attached to the end of a robotic arm. By early 2030, a shuttle will contact the rover and collect glass vials containing these samples.

“Returning samples of Mars to Earth has been a goal of planetary scientists since the early days of the space age, and the successful completion of this MSR key decision point is an important next step in transforming this goal into reality,” as per Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “MSR is a complex campaign, and it encapsulates the very essence of pioneering space exploration – pushing the boundaries of what’s capable and, in so doing, furthering our understanding of our place in the universe.” https://tinyurl.com/zp9a5khw

Essential Sample Preservation Procedures

Upon returning to earth, samples must be protected with a high-reliability containment method. This is where our Scentroid stainless steel sampling bags will play an essential role during the Mars Mission. These sampling bags are made of pure Stainless steel film. The steel is rolled thin providing it with flexibility while maintaining 100% sample preservation. The seams have been welded closed, and the bag has been heated and purged for optimal purity. These sampling bags provide the longest holding time – identical to SUMMA canisters. They are also trusted for stability for all chemicals and compounds. In addition to this, they are perfect for GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis as contained specimens display zero chemical contamination.

The collection, transferring, and safe preservation of these samples will give our scientists an opportunity to use sophisticated tools too difficult to bring into space. It will also allow our future generations to use technology not yet available.

We have lots of exciting news to share regarding this project, stay tuned for more!

Click here to find out more about the Scentroid Stainless Steel Bag being used in the Mars Mission

February 26, 2021
Press Release: Viral Transmission Score (VTS)

AQSafe Viral Transmission Score Press Release
Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Coronavirus Hazard Detection

Scentroid, A Canadian manufacturer, develops an instrument that can instantly measure the viral transmission score of any indoor space.

What is a Viral Transmission Score?

Based on scientific studies that correlate environmental parameters with movement and transmission of viruses such as COVID, Scentroid has created a system that will measure several air quality parameters. The AQSafe will feed this data into an advanced algorithm to develop a unique Viral Transmission Score for your space. A low number indicates a lower transmission rate of COVID (or other potential airborne infectants), and a high number indicates a higher transmission rate. Furthermore, An alarm or notification can be set up to notify you or a person of your choosing should this value exceed a specific threshold.

The AQSafe was designed to assist with restoring confidence in facilities forced to close their doors during the pandemic, and to help our front-line workers feel a bit safer in their environment. Above all, It will not only revolutionize the future of sensory technology – it will alter our perception of indoor air.

“What is Your Facility’s Viral Transmission Score?”

Presented by: Dr. Ardevan Bakhtari, President and CEO of Scentroid

Scentroid is the world leader in air pollution and odour measurement equipment and services. Based near Toronto, Canada, we internationally export to over 45 countries around the world. We are the world’s premier manufacturer of odour sampling and analysis equipment. Scentroid has decades of experience developing state-of-the-art instrumentation for environmental, nuclear, and medical industries. As a result, we strive to bring new and innovative technologies to the field of odour measurement.

Should you have any questions, please email our press contact, as found below.

Press Contact:
Matthew Cabral, Matthew.c@scentroid.com

Click here for Product Info
Click here for more info on our Viral Transmission Score

February 5, 2021