Olfasense TO8 Evolution Olfactometer
| Brand | Olfasense |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | TO8 Evolution |
| Type | Dynamic Dilution Olfactometer |
| Application | Human Panel-Based Odor Assessment |
Overview
The Olfasense TO8 Evolution Olfactometer is a precision-engineered dynamic dilution olfactometer designed for standardized, human-panel-based odor assessment in accordance with EN 13725:2022 (Air Quality — Determination of Odour Concentration by Dynamic Dilution Olfactometry) and ASTM E544-22 (Standard Practices for Referencing Suprathreshold Odor Intensity). It operates on the principle of controlled binary dilution using clean, odor-free air to progressively reduce the concentration of an odorant sample until the detection threshold is reached by trained panelists. This instrument enables quantification of odor concentration in European Odour Units per cubic meter (ouE/m³), as well as evaluation of odor intensity (using ISO 8586-1:2014 scaling), hedonic tone (pleasantness/unpleasantness), and perceived acceptability—critical parameters for environmental monitoring, product development, and regulatory compliance in fragrance, food, wastewater, and industrial emission sectors.
Key Features
- Automated, computer-controlled dynamic dilution system with dual mass flow controllers (MFCs) for precise odorant/clean air ratio modulation across 1–100,000× dilution range
- Eight independently configurable sniffing stations with synchronized stimulus delivery, each equipped with individual flow regulation, purge valves, and tactile response buttons for real-time panelist feedback
- Integrated thermal mass flow sensors calibrated traceably to NIST standards, ensuring long-term stability and repeatability of dilution ratios (±1.5% full scale)
- Modular design compliant with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements; all hardware components are CE-marked and RoHS-compliant
- Real-time logging of panelist responses, stimulus timing, dilution factors, and ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) for full audit trail generation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TO8 Evolution accommodates gaseous samples delivered via Tedlar bags, sorbent tubes (e.g., Tenax TA), or direct line sampling from emission sources (e.g., stack gas, headspace vials, bioreactor off-gas). Sample introduction is compatible with standard olfactometric sampling protocols including bag sampling per EN 13725 Annex B and continuous flow sampling per VDI 3882. The system supports both single-dilution and multiple-dilution staircase methods (Forced Choice Triangle and Ascending Concentration Series), and its operational workflow meets the procedural rigor required for legally defensible odor impact assessments under EU Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) and national odor ordinances in Germany (TA Luft), the Netherlands (Besluit lucht), and Switzerland (ORLA).
Software & Data Management
Olfasense OlfactoSoft v5.2 provides validated, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software for method setup, session management, real-time panelist monitoring, and statistical analysis. The software enforces role-based user access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—including timestamped records of calibration events, dilution factor changes, and raw response data. All odor concentration calculations follow the EN 13725-defined geometric mean approach with confidence interval estimation (95% CI). Export formats include CSV, PDF reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 reporting requirements, and XML for integration into LIMS environments. Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ protocols) and cybersecurity risk assessments are available upon request.
Applications
- Regulatory odor monitoring for municipal wastewater treatment plants, composting facilities, and livestock operations
- Sensory profiling of consumer products (detergents, personal care items, packaging materials) during R&D and quality control
- Odor source identification and dispersion modeling input generation for environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
- Validation of odor abatement technologies (biofilters, activated carbon systems, plasma reactors)
- Academic research in psychophysics, environmental health, and olfactory neuroscience requiring high-fidelity stimulus control
FAQ
What training is required for panelists prior to testing?
Panelists must complete a minimum 40-hour certification program per EN 13725, including threshold determination, repeatability assessment, and discrimination training using n-butanol reference gas. Olfasense provides accredited panelist qualification services and ongoing proficiency testing.
Can the TO8 Evolution be integrated with existing gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O) setups?
Yes—the instrument features TTL-triggered synchronization inputs and analog output ports compatible with GC data systems (e.g., Agilent OpenLab, Thermo Chromeleon), enabling time-aligned odor detection mapping to chromatographic peaks.
Is remote operation supported for multi-site odor monitoring networks?
The TO8 Evolution supports secure remote access via VPN-configured Ethernet connection; full operational control and live session monitoring are available through OlfactoSoft Web Client, subject to local IT security policies and GDPR-compliant data handling agreements.
