Yakima Natural Gas Safety: Odorization Systems and Pipeline Optimization
- Mitch
- Dec 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Reliable Energy for Yakima’s Growing Community
Yakima, Washington is known for its agricultural roots, scenic trails along the Yakima Greenway, and the rugged beauty of Cowiche Canyon. Behind the natural charm, Yakima relies on dependable natural gas infrastructure to power homes, businesses, and food processing facilities. But natural gas in its raw state is odorless, which means leaks could go undetected without proper odorization.
Burgess Pipeline Services provides advanced odorization systems, odorant injection technology, and pipeline optimization solutions to ensure Yakima’s natural gas network operates safely and efficiently.
Why Odorization Is Required
Natural gas is primarily methane, which is colorless and odorless. Without an added scent, leaks pose serious hazards. Federal regulations require odorization for all natural gas distributed to end-users.
Key Points
Methane is naturally odorless.
Odorization is mandated by 49 CFR 192.625.
Mercaptan is the most common odorant used in natural gas systems.
Odorant Injection Systems for Yakima Pipelines
Our odorant injection systems deliver precise odorant levels to prevent odor fade and maintain compliance. These systems include:
Automated odorant dosing for accuracy.
Real-time monitoring for safety.
Fail-safe mechanisms to prevent over-injection.
Pipeline Optimization and Flow Technology
Pipeline optimization ensures efficient gas delivery and accurate odorant distribution. Burgess Pipeline Services uses advanced modeling tools to:
Identify pressure drops and bottlenecks.
Improve odorant injection accuracy.
Maximize pipeline performance.
Overcoming Odor Fade
Odor fade occurs when odorant becomes less detectable due to absorption, chemical reactions, or low-flow conditions. Our solutions include:
High-precision odorant injection systems.
Automated monitoring and adjustments.
Advanced controls for bypass gas flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an odorant injection system?
A system that injects odorant into natural gas streams for leak detection.
Why does odor fade occur?
Due to absorption into pipeline materials or low-flow conditions.
What is added to natural gas to make it smell?
Mercaptan, a sulfur-based compound.
What does mercaptan smell like?
It has a strong sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs.
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.
Why Choose Burgess Pipeline Services?
Expertise in odorization systems and pipeline optimization.
Custom solutions for Yakima’s unique infrastructure.
24/7 support for emergency odorization and mercaptan odor control.
Contact Us Today
Ready to optimize your pipeline operations in Yakima?
Call us at 323-609-5009, email us, or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
