ASHRAE F12-2009 (I-P)

Various factors make odor control an important consideration in ventilation engineering: (1) contemporary construction methods result in buildings that allow less air infiltration through the building envelope; (2) indoor sources of odors associated with modern building materials, furnishings, and office equipment have increased;(3) outdoor air is often polluted; and (4) energy costs encourage lower ventilation rates at a time when requirements for a relatively odor-free environment are greater than ever. Since Yaglou et al.s (1936) classic studies, the philosophy be-hind ventilation of nonindustrial buildings has mainly been to pro-vide indoor air that is acceptable to occupants. Air is evaluated by the olfactory sense, although the general chemical sense, which is sensitive to irritants in the air, also plays a role. This chapter reviews how odoriferous substances are perceived. Chapter 45 of the 2007 ASHRAE HandbookHVAC Applications covers control methods. Chapter 10 of this volume has more information on indoor environmental health.

Chapter Table of Contents

Odor Sources
Sense of Smell
Factors Affecting Odor Perception
Odor Sensation Attributes
Dilution of Odors by Ventilation
Odor Concentration
Olf Units

ISBN: 978-1-933742-54-0
ISSN: 1523-7222

Units: I-P

Citation: 2009 ASHRAE Handbook -- Fundamentals: Chapter 12, Odors



Product Code(s): D-F122009IP

Chapter Table of Contents

Odor Sources
Sense of Smell
Factors Affecting Odor Perception
Odor Sensation Attributes
Dilution of Odors by Ventilation
Odor Concentration
Olf Units