Designing Odorization Programs for Growing Natural Gas Systems in Provo, Utah

Odorization Planning in Expanding Pipeline Networks

Odorization is often discussed as an operational requirement, but in growing pipeline systems it must be treated as a design consideration. As natural gas infrastructure expands through system extensions, capacity upgrades, and new service connections, odorization programs must be engineered to scale alongside the system.

In areas like Provo, Utah—where pipeline networks may evolve through phased expansion and modernization—odorization services must support both current operations and future system growth. Burgess Pipeline Services provides odorization services designed to integrate seamlessly into expanding natural gas systems.

Why System Growth Changes Odorization Requirements

Expansion Introduces New Variables

Pipeline expansion alters the physical and operational characteristics of a system. New pipe materials, additional service areas, and changing flow patterns can all influence odorant behavior.

Growth-related factors that affect odorization include:

• Clean internal surfaces in new pipeline segments

• Extended pipeline length affecting odorant retention

• Shifts in pressure and flow distribution

• Integration of new segments with existing infrastructure

Without proactive planning, these changes can lead to inconsistent odorant performance.

Odorants and Injection Strategy for Expanding Systems

Maintaining Detectability as Systems Scale

Odorants—most commonly mercaptans—must remain detectable across the full operating range of the system. As pipeline networks grow, injection strategies must adapt to maintain consistent odor levels throughout all service areas.

Effective odorant management during expansion requires:

• Injection rate planning based on future flow conditions

• Monitoring across both existing and newly added segments

• Verification of detectability beyond initial tie-in points

• Flexibility to adjust injection strategies as demand increases

Burgess Pipeline Services supports odorant injection strategies that scale with system growth.

Odorizers and Capacity Planning

An odorizer must be capable of supporting both current demand and projected system expansion. Proper sizing, commissioning, and calibration are essential for long-term performance.

Odorization services may include:

• Evaluation of odorizer capacity during expansion

• Commissioning support for new injection points

• Calibration following system extensions

• Temporary odorization during phased buildouts

These services help ensure odorant delivery remains consistent as systems evolve.

Odor Fade Risks in Newly Expanded Pipelines

Why New Infrastructure Is Susceptible

Odor fade is commonly observed in newly installed or recently expanded pipelines due to adsorption of odorant onto clean internal surfaces.

Expansion-related odor fade may occur due to:

• Newly installed pipeline segments

• Recently cleaned or pressure-tested lines

• Oxygen exposure during construction

• Incomplete surface conditioning

If not addressed early, odor fade can persist and affect downstream detectability.

Odor Fade Remediation Services

Odor fade remediation stabilizes odorant levels and supports reliable detection following expansion.

Remediation services may include:

• Odorant concentration testing in new segments

• Controlled odorant saturation techniques

• Injection strategy optimization

• Verification testing after remediation

Early remediation reduces the risk of long-term odorization instability.

Pipeline Conditioning and Pickling for Expansion Projects

Preparing New Pipelines for Odorization

Pipeline conditioning, often referred to as pipeline pickling, prepares internal pipe surfaces to properly retain odorant before full service begins.

Without proper conditioning, operators may experience:

• Rapid odorant loss in new segments

• Uneven odor levels across old and new infrastructure

• Increased odorant consumption

• Repeated remediation requirements

Conditioning supports predictable odorization performance during and after expansion.

Where Conditioning Is Applied

Pipeline conditioning services are commonly required during:

• New pipeline installations

• System extensions and capacity upgrades

• Post-construction commissioning

• Integration of new segments into existing systems

Proper preparation improves odorant stability from the start of operation.

Temporary Odorization During Phased Expansion

Phased expansion projects often require pipelines to operate before permanent odorization systems are fully commissioned. Temporary odorization services help maintain safety during these transitional periods.

Temporary odorization supports:

• Short-term gas flow during construction

• Phased commissioning schedules

• Testing and verification activities

• Maintenance-related reactivation

These services allow expansion projects to proceed without compromising detectability.

Monitoring, Documentation, and Long-Term Compliance

As systems grow, monitoring and documentation become increasingly important. Pipeline safety regulations require natural gas to be readily detectable by smell at concentrations well below hazardous levels.

Compliance activities include:

• Verification of odorant detectability across expanded systems

• Documentation of commissioning and expansion activities

• Monitoring during early operation of new segments

• Corrective action if odor fade is identified

Working with an experienced odorization services contractor helps ensure compliance keeps pace with growth.

Selecting an Odorization Partner for Growing Systems

When selecting a contractor to support expanding pipeline systems, operators should consider:

• Experience with system growth and expansion projects

• Technical expertise in odorants and odorizers

• Proven odor fade remediation capabilities

• Integration of conditioning and temporary odorization services

• Commitment to safety and compliance documentation

Burgess Pipeline Services delivers specialized odorization services designed to support scalable pipeline systems.

Additional Technical Resources

For further insight into odorization and system expansion, explore these Burgess Pipeline Services resources:

• How Natural Gas Pipelines Are Safely Odorized

• Odor Fade Remediation Services

• Pipeline Conditioning and Pickling Services

• Temporary Odorization Solutions

(Internally link each reference to the appropriate pages on www.burgessps.com.)

Contact Burgess Pipeline Services

If you need professional support with odorization services, odor fade remediation, or pipeline conditioning in Provo, Utah:

Live Chat: Available directly on our websitePhone: (323) 609-5009

Our team is ready to support safe, compliant, and scalable pipeline operations.

Closing Summary

Pipeline expansion requires odorization programs that are engineered for growth, not retrofitted after problems emerge. By planning injection strategies, conditioning new infrastructure, and addressing odor fade early, operators can maintain reliable gas detectability as systems evolve.

Burgess Pipeline Services provides expert odorization solutions designed to support growing natural gas systems throughout Utah and across the United States.