Odour Control Carbon Filters

At Odour Filters, we supply high-performance odour control carbon filters specifically engineered for demanding industrial environments such as sewage treatment plants,  bio digesters and other industries where noxious odours occur via vent stacks and pipes at pump stations, overflow tanks, and other wastewater infrastructure.

 

Our filters are designed to mitigate the release of harmful and unpleasant odours generated by hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, ammonia, and various volatile organic compounds. We ensure compliance with environmental regulations and improve working and residential conditions around these facilities.

 

Our range of Odour Control Carbon Filters can be seen below. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact us.

Replacing Your Odour Control Carbon Filter

Odour control carbon filters have a finite operational life. The frequency of replacement depends on a range of variables, including inlet gas concentration, airflow rate, ambient temperature, and humidity. However, as a general guideline:

 

• Passive vent filters (e.g., manholes or overflow tanks): typically need replacing every 6–12 months
• Active systems (e.g., fan-assisted ducting from wet wells or headworks): These odour filters will need replacing anywhere from 12–24 months, depending on loading
• Emergency backup or intermittent-use filters: these can last up to 3 years in some cases

Over time, the activated carbon becomes saturated with contaminants and loses its adsorptive capacity. Continuing to use spent carbon risks breakthrough emissions of odorous gases, public complaints, and non-compliance with odour thresholds set by local authorities or environmental regulators.

 

We recommend routine monitoring—either via spot testing (e.g., Draeger tubes or PID readings) or periodic sampling and analysis—to assess filter efficiency and ensure timely replacement. Most facilities adopt a proactive maintenance schedule to avoid unexpected failures.

 

In any case, when it comes to odour filter replacement, the filter will start releasing odours to indicate that replacement is required. The timings above can be used as a guide to ensure you’re ordering your carbon filters in advance of the required replacement. 

How Do Odour Control Carbon Filters Work?

Odour control filters utilise activated carbon media, which has an extremely high internal surface area—typically in excess of 1,000 m²/g. This porous structure enables the physical and chemical adsorption of a wide range of odour-causing compounds.

 

In most wastewater applications, the activated carbon is chemically saturated to improve reactivity with specific pollutants, particularly hydrogen sulphide and other acidic gases that are renowned for having unpleasant odours. These compounds react with the saturated carbon and are converted into non-volatile by-products, which are then retained within the carbon structure and not released into the atmosphere.

 

The result is a highly efficient, low-maintenance solution to keeping unpleasant odours at bay. The systems often require no external power supply (in passive systems), integrate easily with existing ductwork or vents, and operate continuously without moving parts.

 

If you want to know more about how carbon odour filters work, contact us.

Typical Applications for Odour Control Carbon Filters

Our commercial-grade odour control filters are used across a wide range of critical applications, including:

 

• Sewage Treatment Works: Headworks, sludge handling areas, belt presses, and cake storage
• Pump Stations: Wet wells, valve chambers, and associated vent stacks
• Manholes & Chambers: Especially in urban or high-footfall areas prone to public complaints
• Overflow Tanks & Holding Tanks: Emergency stormwater attenuation and sewer overflow facilities
• Sewer Vents & Stack Pipes: Vertical discharge points on force mains or gravity sewers
• Equalisation Tanks & Biofilters: As pre-filtration or polishing stages for biological odour control systems

If you’re looking for a carbon filter for any of the above applications or similar, we have the solution for you. Our products are available to view and purchase directly through our website.

Carbon Filters from Odour Control Solutions

Whether you’re replacing an existing unit or specifying a new installation, we offer a full range of standard and custom filter housings, refillable cartridges, and media replacement services to suit your operational requirements. Contact us if you have any further questions.