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Olfactometer

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Laboratory Tools
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Olfactometer

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Detects and Measures Odors in Many Research Applications

The olfactometer, or “electronic nose,” detects and measures odors in many research and commercial applications. This odor-delivery system consists of one cassette or multiple cassettes connected in parallel. Individual cassettes act as a discrete air dilution odor-delivery system and include two mass flow controllers (MFCs) and gas lines for air and the odorant being analyzed. Multiple vials and pairs of on-off valves are arranged in an optimal performance configuration to complete the system. Nitrogen gas (N2) is used with this system to reduce odorant oxidation for better results.

To minimize travel distance within the system, individual cassettes are assembled from 5-valve Teflon manifolds. In addition, the system is designed for continuous airflow and washing to eliminate odorant residues; this decreases the likelihood of cross-contamination. Other design components that enhance the olfactometer’s performance include an electronic fast-pressure gauge to reduce pressure jumps, a vacuum line with regulator and MFC, and a clean-air line with MFC to better regulate flow and control concentration across a broader range. 

This system can be configured for digital or analog.  Furthermore, this olfactometer design enables odor flow concentration to be stabilized in approximately 0.5-1 seconds, offers minimal dead space, and takes advantage of thin Teflon tubing for more consistent results, good mixing, and rapid odor delivery.

Advantages:

  • Consistent system performance, good mixing, and rapid odor delivery with minimal pressure jumps
  • Continuous washing of odorant residues to minimize cross-contamination
  • Flexible format for multiple applications and optimal configurations in parallel
  • Digital or analog controllers
  • A relatively simple system to assemble, use, and maintain

Applications:

  • Perfume, consumer product (clothing, automobiles, etc.), and polymer manufacturing, testing, quality control, and market research
  • Food and beverage safety and quality control
  • Environmental testing, safety, and odor control (manure, pollution, biodefense, forensics)

Created by:

Rinberg Lab

Opportunity:

Free to make for Non-Profit Research by downloading designs at Flintbox link to the right.

Rights and designs available for Commercial License.

For inquiries, please reference:

Janelia 2012-020

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Detects and measures odors in many research applications. Consistent, rapid, effective.
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Contact

Michael Perham
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