There could be several reasons =E2=80=93 you need to 1) understand where the material is coming from =E2=80=93 is it from a tank, natural gas feed line, etc.=C2=A0 2) Depending upon the feed may impact when the odorant is put into the supply.=C2=A0 Finally =E2=80=93 you need to see if there is a reaction taking place somewhere =E2=80=93 the mercaptan is a sulfur chemical and can form a number of compounds =E2=80=93 such as iron sulfides, react with other metals and the like.=C2=A0
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DCHAS-L
Discussion
List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Jim Kaufman
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 12:27 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Mercaptan in Gas Suppy
Has anyone encountered the situation where the odorant smell from the burner gas supply changed when the gas was not used for several months? If so, any explanation why?
The individual who posed this question to me said that his "lost its rotten smell and now smells slightly musty and is much less noticeable".
Thanks ... Jim
James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)
192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760-2252
President/CEO
A Nonprofit International Organization for
Safety in Science and Science Education
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