Odorizer
Encyclopedia
An odorizer is a device that adds an odorant to a gas. The most common type is one that adds a smelly mercaptan liquid into gas lines so that leaks can be easily detected and explosions from built up fumes prevented.
A major spur to the development of odorizers was the March 18, 1937 natural gas leak that blew up a school in New London, Texas
, killing 294 children and teachers. In response, Donald A. Sillers, Sr. and Alexander Clarke, Sr. invented the 'Peerless Gas Odorizer', manufactured by the Peerless Mfg., Co.
The Peerless natural-gas odorizer was recognized as a Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1992.
Also used in carbon dioxide fire extinguishment systems, the odorizer assembly injects wintergreen oil into the carbon dioxide stream when the agent is discharged.
Approximately 50 cc of Wintergreen oil contained within a frangible glass cartridge is mounted within a protective housing attached to the discharge piping in such a manner as to rupture the glass container when the carbon dioxide manifold is pressurized during discharge, atomizing the oil and dispersing it.
The strong wintergreen scent effectively notifies the occupants of the presence of carbon dioxide gas after carbon dioxide has been discharged into the hazard.
A major spur to the development of odorizers was the March 18, 1937 natural gas leak that blew up a school in New London, Texas
New London School explosion
The New London School explosion occurred on March 18, 1937, when a natural gas leak caused an explosion, destroying the London School of New London, Texas, a community in Rusk County previously known as "London". The disaster killed more than 295 students and teachers, making it the worst...
, killing 294 children and teachers. In response, Donald A. Sillers, Sr. and Alexander Clarke, Sr. invented the 'Peerless Gas Odorizer', manufactured by the Peerless Mfg., Co.
The Peerless natural-gas odorizer was recognized as a Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1992.
Also used in carbon dioxide fire extinguishment systems, the odorizer assembly injects wintergreen oil into the carbon dioxide stream when the agent is discharged.
Approximately 50 cc of Wintergreen oil contained within a frangible glass cartridge is mounted within a protective housing attached to the discharge piping in such a manner as to rupture the glass container when the carbon dioxide manifold is pressurized during discharge, atomizing the oil and dispersing it.
The strong wintergreen scent effectively notifies the occupants of the presence of carbon dioxide gas after carbon dioxide has been discharged into the hazard.