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by wickedwillie on March 8th, 2005

wickedwillie

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What is that scent that is added to the otherwise odorless natural gas?

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  • by Jillifish on March 9th, 2005

    Jillifish

    Because natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, mercaptan (a chemical that has a sulfur like odor) is added before distribution, to give it a distinct unpleasant odor (smells like rotten eggs). This serves as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in cases where leaks occur.
    (source http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/naturalgas.html)

    Comments

    • Anonymous

      by Anonymous on November 15th, 2005

    • Without mercaptan as a safety device many would not be alive today.

      Alatea

      by Alatea on December 1st, 2005

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