An Assessment of Gas Industry Practices for Odorization of Natural Gas

摘要

A review of gas industry practices for odorization of natural gas was performed. The review included an examination of regulatory requirements and relevant case law to identify technical aspects of odorization which have been questioned during litigation. Usage patterns for natural gas odorants and odorant injection equipment were examined on the basis of industry interviews and results of a previous study. Prior research on odorant properties was summarized. Odorizer designs were analyzed to determine the sensitivity of odorant injection rate to variations in gas flow rate, temperature, and pressure. Practices for monitoring of gas odorant levels were summarized and their statistical properties were examined. Several areas for potential improvement of odorization equipment and monitoring practices were suggested.