A Comparison of Various Sources of Automotive Emissions

Chlorinated phenolic hydrocarbons are used as intermediate chemicals in the manufacture of 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy-acetic Acid) and related herbicides. These chemicals have an unusual odor with an extremely low threshold level of detection and consequently the manufacture and handling of these compounds poses a difficult odor control problem. Chipman Chemical Company at its Portland, Oregon plant has developed a system of fume collection and caustic soda solution scrubbing capable of removing phenolic compounds in the plant exhaust air to an acceptable level from an odor release standpoint. This article describes the development, present status, and projected future improvements of this odor control system.