Dependable Protection for Natural Gas Odorizer Systems Case Study
Safeguarding Mercaptan Injection Systems
In the natural gas industry, odorization is a critical safety and regulatory measure. The process involves injecting odorants, such as mercaptan, into natural gas to make leaks detectable. Mercaptan, a sulfur-based compound, emits a distinctive odor similar to rotten eggs that provides an essential warning mechanism for potential gas leaks.
Natural gas odorizer systems measure the flow rate of natural gas in the pipeline to ensure the correct odorant-to-gas ratio. Based on the flow rate, the metering system releases a proportioned amount of odorant through the injection mechanism into the gas stream, which mixes evenly with the natural gas as it flows through the pipeline, ensuring consistent distribution. Throughout this process, sensors and control systems continuously monitor and adjust the odorant levels to account for any changes in gas flow, maintaining safety and regulation compliance.
Engineered for Adverse Conditions
Shelter Works custom fiberglass enclosures are often utilized to protect natural gas odorizer systems from weather and other environmental hazards. The shelters provide reliable, long-term protection against harsh weather, vandalism, and other terrain-based risks, ensuring the equipment inside the shelter operates uninterrupted in a controlled environment.
Shelter Works fiberglass enclosures are designed with durability in mind. They feature innovative FiberBeam™ construction that provides a solid structural connection between the inner and outer layers of the shelter’s fiberglass skins. The result is a lightweight composite building system, equal to the strength of steel, that will never come apart or delaminate. This design ensures the enclosure can withstand high winds, heavy snow loads, and weather extremes without compromising structural integrity.
Superior Chemical Resistance
A key advantage of fiberglass shelters is their resistance to the effects of mercaptan. The shelter material’s closed-cell construction is impervious to this sulfurous odorant, ensuring long-term durability and effectiveness. While mercaptan is not corrosive on its own, in damp or humid environments it can accelerate the corrosion of reactive metals.
Customizable Design
Fiberglass shelters are highly customizable, making them ideal for accommodating a wide variety of natural gas odorizer systems. These enclosures can be custom engineered with features like doors, windows, roof hatches, access panels, cut-outs, and bulkheads to integrate seamlessly with new and existing system piping and other components. This flexibility ensures that the shelters meet specific project requirements while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Why Shelter Works
Shelter Works fiberglass shelters demonstrate a commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and innovative engineering in the natural gas industry. By pairing advanced odorization systems with durable and eco-friendly enclosures, companies can ensure reliable and effective solutions for their operations.