Gas Odor: Why Do Gas Always Gives Foul Smell When Empty?

LPG is a non-renewable source of energy. It is an odourless and colourless gas. LPG as we know is highly inflammable and must be kept away from source of extreme heat, fire, electrical stuff. Gas ignite very easily, so you need to store your LPG gas cylinders in a well ventilated area or space, so that any leaks can be able to move away in different directions. In a case of leakage, the advantage of storing your LPG gas cylinder bottles in ventilated areas is that, leaked LPG is spread over in wind area (scattered) and fades away faster and safely.

Luckily for us, during the extraction of LPG gas in refineries, a foul smelling ETHYL MERCAPTAN solution is added so that leak can be easily detected. A big shout-out to the scientists behind this addition, for this has help prevent unwanted damages/incident from LPG gas.

Chemistry 101 made us understand that Ethyl is contained in the group of atoms C2H5, formed from ETHANE - Ethyl - Acetate. This gas which is present in LPG gas as Ethyl Mercaptan, is a strong smelling agent added to LPG gas to detect leakage. The smell of Ethyl Mercaptan is often compared to rotten egg. This can be also smell in an empty cylinder when pressure is released, although this type of smell is due to nitrogen added to brand new manufactured gas cylinder bottles. As said earlier that without the addition of this odorant, LPG gas leakage could disperse without being detected. This would create a dangerous exposure that could lead to Ignition. Unfortunately not all liquefied gas comes with the additional odorant, such as LNG, mostly natural gas. 

LPG is sold in different forms in some countries - as commercial Propane and commercial Butane. Whichever, it is easy to recognize a gas leak in both LPG gases due to the presence of this powerful odour. LPG most common grade is the "LPG mix", being a mixture of normally 60% Propane and 40% Butane. Luckily for us living in Nigeria, this equals to the same proportions used for LPG.

However, Ethyl Mercaptan is not a perfect odorant under some circumstances. It can fade away. Osmosis odorant fade is rare but it can happen. LPG gas is not toxic, but is unpleasant and may cause nausea if inhaled in large quantities.

If you notice a foul shocking smell around your LPG cylinder surroundings or kitchen, make sure you take away appliances or items that may cause fire outbreak. Check your gas cylinder and regulator fittings. If your gas cylinder bottle is leaking through the valve or regulator, do not keep inside. Safely take the LPG gas cylinder bottle to a safer area. 

Gas leak is caused either from the O-RING rubber, regulator, and most times from the hose pipe connections; however you don't want to risk guessing on this possibility. Safely disconnect the connection between gas cylinder bottle and consuming appliance. Then take the gas cylinder bottle to a well ventilated area. Don't not attempt to use until problem has been rectified.