Sulfur-Free Odorization with Gasodor S-Free—A Review of the Accompanying Research and Development Activities

Since 2001, several German gas distribution companies have converted to odorization of natural gas with the sulfur-free odorant Gasodor S-Free. This article describes the research and development projects by DVGW Research Station at the Engler-Bunte-Institut of Universitat Karlsruhe (TH) during the last decade to support the introduction of the first worldwide sulfur-free odorant for public gas supply. Neither technical nor economical disadvantage were encountered in comparison with the established sulfurous odorants tetrahydrothiophene and tertio-butyl-mercaptan. Due to the positive sorption behavior of Gasodor S-Free with pipeline materials, it is also suitable for centralized odorization under high pressure conditions.