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Burgess Pipeline Services: Your Trusted Partner for Safe and Compliant Natural Gas Odorization

Natural gas is a vital energy source, but its odorless nature poses significant safety risks. At Burgess Pipeline Services, we specialize in natural gas odorization, ensuring pipelines meet federal safety standards while optimizing operational efficiency. This article answers the most common questions about odorization, highlights our expertise, and explains why we’re the industry’s leading provider.


odorized natural gas

1. Why Is Natural Gas Odorized?

Natural gas is odorless in its pure state, making leaks undetectable without added odorants. The 1937 New London School explosion—where a gas leak killed nearly 300 people—led to mandatory odorization laws. Today, federal regulations (49 CFR 192.625) require gas to contain odorants detectable at 1/5 of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

Burgess Pipeline Services ensures compliance with precise odorant injection, preventing undetected leaks and safeguarding communities.


2. What Chemicals Are Used to Odorize Natural Gas?

Common odorants include:

  • Mercaptans (e.g., tert-butyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan).

  • Tetrahydrothiophene (THT)

  • Non-sulfur compounds (e.g., methyl acrylate) for specialized applications.


3. How Is Odorant Added to Natural Gas?

Odorization requires precision. Our advanced systems include:

  • Automated injection pumps for consistent dosing

  • Flow-proportional systems adjusting to gas flow rates

  • Real-time monitoring to prevent under- or over-odorization.

Unlike outdated manual methods, Burgess Pipeline Services employs cutting-edge technology to maintain optimal odorant levels.


4. What Is Odor Fade, and How Do We Prevent It?

Odor fade occurs when odorants degrade due to:

  • Chemical reactions with pipeline materials

  • Absorption by moisture or soil

  • Oxidation in new or low-flow pipelines.


5. What Are the Legal Requirements for Odorization?

Federal law (49 CFR 192.625) mandates:

  • Gas must be detectable at 1% concentration in air (1/5 of LEL)

  • Odorants must be non-toxic and non-corrosive

  • Operators must conduct periodic testing.


6. Is the Odorant Toxic?

At regulated levels, odorants are safe for humans and pipelines. However, pure forms require careful handling. Our systems ensure leak-free operation, protecting workers and the environment.


7. Why Does Natural Gas Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

The sulfur-based mercaptans added to natural gas create a rotten egg odor, making leaks unmistakable. This intentional scent has prevented countless accidents since the 1930s.


8. When Did Odorization Become Standard?

  • 1880s: Germany experimented with odorants

  • 1937: Texas mandated odorization after the New London disaster

  • 1968: U.S. federal regulations formalized requirements.


9. Can People Fail to Smell a Gas Leak?

Yes, due to:

  • Olfactory fatigue (prolonged exposure dulls smell)

  • Medical conditions (e.g., anosmia)

  • Sleeping individuals missing faint odors.


Odorization is a lifesaving necessity in natural gas distribution. Burgess Pipeline Services delivers reliable, compliant, and innovative solutions to keep pipelines safe and communities protected.


 
 
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