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Odorant Injection Systems: How Gas Companies Detect Leaks

Natural gas is a critical energy source, but its inherent odorlessness poses significant safety risks. At Burgess Pipeline Services, we specialize in advanced odorant injection systems that ensure leaks are detectable before they become hazardous. This article explores how mercaptan-based odorization works, the technology behind modern natural gas odorization systems, and Burgess’s innovative solutions to combat challenges like odor fade and low-flow conditions.

Odorizer

Why Odorization Matters: The Science of Safety

1. The Role of Mercaptans in Leak Detection

Pure natural gas is odorless, but federal regulations mandate the addition of odorants like ethyl mercaptan (THT) or tert-butyl mercaptan (TBM) to ensure leaks are detectable at 1/5 of the gas’s lower explosive limit (LEL). These sulfur-based compounds create a distinctive "rotten egg" smell, recognizable even at concentrations as low as 1 part per billion (ppb).

2. Regulatory Standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires consistent odorization for public safety. Non-compliance risks catastrophic leaks and penalties.

Burgess Pipeline Services’ Odorant Injection Solutions

We engineer cutting-edge systems tailored to pipeline needs, from distribution networks to high-pressure transmission lines:

1. BPS 50MM Odorization System

  • Precision Injection: Adjusts dosage from 0 MSCF to 50 MMSCF at 0.5 lbs/MSCF for optimal detectability.

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Remote PLC controls track injection rates, pressure, and odorant levels via GPS-enabled fleet management.

  • Eco-Friendly Design: Solar-powered with weeks of autonomy, ideal for remote projects.

2. Low-Flow Odorant Injection Technology

  • Proportional-to-Flow Systems: Dynamically adjust odorant levels during low-flow conditions to prevent uneven distribution.

  • Zero Emission Static Pickling: Our closed-loop system recycles odorized gas, eliminating venting and reducing environmental impact.

3. Pipeline Conditioning & Pickling

New or cleaned pipelines adsorb odorants, leading to odor fade. Our pickling services pre-treat pipes with mercaptan blends to stabilize odorant retention.

How Odorant Injection Systems Work

  1. Injection: Odorant is added at city gate stations or pressure reduction points using:

    • Bypass Odorizers (wick systems) for small networks.

    • Liquid Injection Pumps (e.g., BPS 50MM) for high-volume pipelines.

  2. Distribution: Odorized gas flows to end-users, with real-time analyzers (like our Portable Odorant Detector) verifying concentrations.

  3. Leak Detection: The mercaptan scent alerts communities and triggers emergency responses.

Challenges & Burgess’s Innovations

1. Odor Fade Mitigation

  • Adsorption/Absorption: New pipes or polyethylene materials can trap odorants. Our pickling and conditioning services prevent this.

  • Chemical Degradation: Contaminants like moisture or H₂S break down mercaptans. Regular odorizer inspections and Spotleak/Scentinel blends counteract this.

2. Low-Flow Solutions

  • Advanced Proportional Controls: Ensure consistent odorization even in stagnant pipelines.

  • Ultrasonic Flowmeters: Monitor gas flow rates to optimize injection.

3. Sustainability

  • Zero-Emission Systems: Capture and reuse odorized gas, aligning with global ESG goals.


Burgess Pipeline Services combines regulatory expertise with proprietary technology to deliver reliable, compliant, and eco-conscious odorant injection systems. From the BPS 50MM to low-flow solutions, we ensure gas leaks are always detectable—protecting communities and the environment.

 
 
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