Boulder Natural Gas Operations: Odorant Tank Safety and Pipeline Conditioning

Mitch
Dec 29, 2025
3 min read

Why Boulder’s Natural Gas Infrastructure Requires Advanced Safety Measures

Boulder, Colorado is a city that thrives on innovation and sustainability. From the iconic Flatirons to the bustling Pearl Street Mall and the historic charm of Chautauqua Park, Boulder combines natural beauty with modern living. Behind the scenes, natural gas infrastructure powers homes, businesses, and research facilities across the city. Reliable energy is essential—but safety is non-negotiable.

Natural gas is odorless in its raw state, which means leaks could go undetected without proper odorization. Burgess Pipeline Services provides advanced odorization systems, odorant tank containment solutions, and pipeline conditioning services to ensure Boulder’s natural gas network operates safely and efficiently.

Boulder Natural Gas Operations: Odorant Tank Safety and Pipeline Conditioning

Understanding Odorant Tanks and Their Role in Safety

Odorant tanks are critical components in natural gas odorization systems. These tanks store mercaptan—a sulfur-based compound that gives natural gas its distinctive smell—before it is injected into the pipeline. Proper containment and handling of odorant tanks are essential for environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Features of Odorant Tanks

Corrosion-resistant materials for long-term durability.
Secondary containment systems to prevent leaks.
Pressure-rated designs for high-pressure odorization applications.

Why Secondary Containment Matters

Secondary containment for odorant tanks is not just a best practice—it’s a regulatory requirement. In Boulder, where environmental stewardship is a priority, preventing odorant spills is critical.

Benefits of Secondary Containment

Protects soil and groundwater from contamination.
Ensures compliance with EPA and PHMSA regulations.
Reduces risk of costly cleanup and environmental penalties.

Pipeline Conditioning and Pickling Services

Before a pipeline enters service, it must be properly conditioned. Our pipeline pickling services remove oxygen, moisture, and contaminants that can cause corrosion and operational issues.

Advantages of Pipeline Pickling

Extends pipeline life.
Optimizes gas flow.
Meets federal safety standards.

Pickling is especially important for Boulder’s infrastructure, where seasonal temperature changes can impact pipeline integrity.

Low-Flow Odorization Challenges

Low flow conditions can lead to odor fade, reducing the effectiveness of leak detection. Burgess Pipeline Services addresses this challenge with precision odorant injection systems and automated monitoring.

Solutions for Low Flow Odorization

Advanced injection pumps for accurate dosing.
Real-time monitoring to maintain compliance.
Automated adjustments during seasonal demand fluctuations.

Gas Piping Analysis for Boulder’s Infrastructure

Gas piping analysis is essential for optimizing pipeline performance. Our team uses advanced modeling tools to evaluate flow rates, pressure drops, and odorant distribution.

Benefits of Gas Piping Analysis

Identifies potential bottlenecks.
Improves odorant injection accuracy.
Enhances overall system efficiency.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Burgess Pipeline Services ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, including:

49 CFR 192.625 – Odorization of Gas.
EPA guidelines for secondary containment.
ASTM standards for odorant handling and storage.

Local Insight: Boulder Landmarks

Our work supports Boulder’s entire community—from residential neighborhoods near Chautauqua Park to commercial districts along Pearl Street Mall. While we don’t operate at landmarks, mentioning them reflects our understanding of the region and its infrastructure needs.

Common Questions About Odorant Tanks and Odorization

What is an odorant tank?

A storage vessel for mercaptan used in natural gas odorization systems.

Why is secondary containment required?

To prevent environmental contamination and comply with federal regulations.

What does mercaptan smell like?

Mercaptan has a strong sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs.

Is natural gas odorless?

Yes, methane is naturally odorless, which is why odorization is required.

Case Study: Odorant Tank Upgrade in Boulder

A Boulder-based operator needed to upgrade its odorant tank containment system to meet new environmental standards. Burgess Pipeline Services provided: