Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless, which makes it difficult to detect in case of leaks. This lack of detectable characteristics can pose serious safety risks, as gas leaks may go unnoticed and lead to explosions or poisoning. To address this issue, an odorant is added to natural gas to ensure early detection of leaks, thereby enhancing safety during its use.
According to the Chinese standard "Natural Gas" GB/T 17820-2012, Article 5.3 states that natural gas used as a town gas must have a detectable odor. The minimum amount of odorant required is specified in section 3.2.3 of the Code for Design of Urban Gases GB50028-2006, while section 3.2.4 outlines the quality and parameter requirements for odorants used in urban gas.
In China, tetrahydrothiophene (THI) is the most commonly used odorant. It is typically added in concentrations of 20–25 mg per cubic meter of gas. Tetrahydrothiophene is a colorless, transparent, volatile liquid that is insoluble in water but miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene, and acetone. It has a strong, unpleasant odor that remains stable and does not dissipate easily. Even at a concentration as low as 0.01 ppm in the air, it can be detected by the human nose.
Importantly, THI is non-corrosive to gas equipment, pipelines, and gaskets. It also does not cause olfactory fatigue, meaning the human sense of smell remains sensitive to its presence over time. These properties make it an ideal choice for detecting gas leaks in city gas and natural gas systems.
Previously, other odorants like ethanethiol were used, but they have since been phased out due to their higher volatility and potential health concerns. Today, THI is considered a safe and effective option, as the amounts added to natural gas are minimal and generally harmless to humans.
For enhanced safety, it is recommended to use devices such as methane detectors or combustible gas detectors to monitor gas levels and detect any potential leaks. These tools provide an additional layer of protection in both residential and industrial settings.
wall-mounted ev charger,ev charger station 22kw,ev charger 7kw,ev charger type 2
Shenzhen Jiesaiyuan Electricity Co., Ltd. , https://www.gootuenergy.com