Cheyenne Natural Gas Safety: Odorization Systems and Pipeline Conditioning
- Mitch
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Why Cheyenne’s Natural Gas Infrastructure Requires Advanced Solutions
Cheyenne, Wyoming is a city where tradition meets progress. From the historic Wyoming State Capitol to the serene Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the excitement of Frontier Park, this region thrives on dependable energy infrastructure. Natural gas powers homes, businesses, and industrial facilities across Cheyenne, but raw natural gas is odorless—making odorization essential for safety.
Burgess Pipeline Services provides advanced natural gas odorization systems, mercaptan injection technology, and pipeline conditioning services to ensure Cheyenne’s pipelines operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with federal regulations.
Why Is Natural Gas Odorless?
Natural gas is primarily methane, which is colorless and odorless. Without an added scent, leaks could go undetected, creating serious hazards. Federal regulations require odorization for all natural gas distributed to end-users.
Key Facts
Methane is naturally odorless.
Odorization is mandated by 49 CFR 192.625.
Mercaptan is the most common odorant used in natural gas systems.
Natural Gas Odorization Systems for Cheyenne Pipelines
Odorization systems inject odorant into natural gas streams at precise rates to make leaks detectable. Burgess Pipeline Services designs and installs odorization systems that meet the highest standards for accuracy and reliability.
Core Components of an Odorization System
Odorant storage tanks with secure containment.
Mercaptan injection pumps for controlled dosing.
Flow meters for monitoring gas and odorant levels.
Automated controls for real-time adjustments.
Secondary Containment for Odorant Tanks
Environmental safety is a priority in Cheyenne. Secondary containment for odorant tanks prevents leaks and protects soil and groundwater from contamination.
Benefits of Secondary Containment
Compliance with EPA and PHMSA regulations.
Reduced risk of environmental damage.
Enhanced safety for operators and surrounding communities.
Mercaptan Injection Systems: Precision and Control
Mercaptan gives natural gas its distinctive smell, but improper dosing can lead to odor fade or over-odorization. Our mercaptan injection systems deliver precise odorant levels for consistent safety.
Features of Our Injection Systems
Automated odorant dosing.
Real-time monitoring for compliance.
Fail-safe mechanisms to prevent over-injection.
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 Conditioning
Extends pipeline life.
Optimizes gas flow.
Meets federal safety standards.
Odor Fade Solutions for Low-Flow Conditions
Low-flow conditions can cause odor fade, reducing leak detection effectiveness. Burgess Pipeline Services addresses this challenge with:
High-precision odorant injection systems.
Automated monitoring and adjustments.
Advanced controls for bypass gas flow.
Gas Piping Analysis for Cheyenne’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:
49 CFR 192.625 – Odorization of Gas.
EPA guidelines for odorant handling.
ASTM standards for odorant storage and transfer.
Common Questions About Odorization and Mercaptan
What is mercaptan?
A sulfur-based compound added to natural gas for leak detection.
What does mercaptan smell like?
It 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.
What gives natural gas its smell?
Mercaptan injection during distribution.
Additional FAQs
Does methane have an odor?
No, methane is odorless.
What type of chemical is added to natural gas to give its distinct odor?
Mercaptan, typically ethyl mercaptan.
When was odor added to natural gas?
After the 1937 New London school explosion, regulations mandated odorization.
Why Choose Burgess Pipeline Services?
Expertise in odorization systems and pipeline conditioning.
Custom solutions for Cheyenne’s unique infrastructure.
24/7 support for emergency odorization and mercaptan odor control.
Contact Us Today
Ready to optimize your pipeline operations in Cheyenne?
Call us at 323-609-5009, email us, or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
