ASTM D6273-20
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Natural Gas Odor Intensity
Standard Test Method for Natural Gas Odor Intensity
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 192.625) state: “A combustible gas in a distribution line must contain a natural odorant or be odorized so that at a concentration in air of one-fifth of the lower explosive limit, the gas is readily detectable by a person with a normal sense of smell.” These regulations state further that “To assure the proper concentration of odorant with this section, each operator must conduct periodic sampling of combustible gases using an instrument capable of determining the percentage of gas in air at which the odor becomes readily detectable.” Additionally, a number of states have enacted legislation that requires natural gas to be odorized so that it is detectable at concentrations less than one fifth of the lower explosive limit. See Note 1. While regulations do not specify the exact method for determining compliance, it has been documented that compliance testing must be olfactory in nature.4
Note 1: For example, Massachusetts Section 192.625 MFS Standards requires that “... a concentration of fifteen hundredths of one percent gas in the air is readily perceptible to the normal or average olfactory senses of a person...”
4.2 This test method covers procedures to measure the odor level of natural gas by way of olfactory determination. No direct correlation may be ascertained between this test method and those methods available or under development that quantitatively measure the concentration of sulfur compounds in natural gas.
4.3 This test method outlines general procedures to measure the odor detection levels of natural gas. It is the responsibility of persons using this test method to develop and maintain equipment and specific operating procedures to ensure public safety and compliance with all appropriate regulations.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining the threshold detection level, readily detectable level, and odor intensity of natural gas using instruments that dilute and mix the sampled natural gas with air. The mixed gas stream is then sniffed by the operator for the purpose of determining any of these parameters for odorant in a natural gas stream.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6273 − 20
Standard Test Method for
1
Natural Gas Odor Intensity
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6273; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 For definitions of common usage sensory evaluation of
materials and products, refer to Terminology E253.
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining
the threshold detection level, readily detectable level, and odor 3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
intensity of natural gas using instruments that dilute and mix
3.3.1 high pressure, n—for the purpose of this test method,
the sampled natural gas with air. The mixed gas stream is then
high pressure refers to natural gas pressure greater than the
sniffed by the operator for the purpose of determining any of
maximum inlet pressure specified by the manufacturer of the
these parameters for odorant in a natural gas stream.
gas dilution apparatus.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3.2 intensity, n—the magnitude of odor perceived by the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
operator.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3.3 low pressure, n—for the purpose of this test method,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
low pressure refers to natural gas pressure less than or equal to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the maximum inlet pressure specified by the manufacturer of
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
the gas dilution apparatus.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.3.4 olfactory fatigue, n—desensitization of the sense of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
smell through either prolonged exposure or repeated exposure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
over a short period of time to an odor, a mixture of odors, or a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
series of odors.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.3.5 operator(s), n—the person(s) performing the testing
2. Referenced Documents
described in this test method.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.3.6 readily detectable level, n—the concentration of natu-
D4150 Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
ral gas and odorant mixture in air at which the operator is able
D5287 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Gaseous Fuels
to detect and identify natural gas odor.
E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Mate-
3.3.7 sniff, v—smell or snuff with short, audible inhalations.
rials and Products
3
2.2 Other Standard: 3.3.8 threshold detection level, n—the concentration of
49 CFR Part 192.625 Odorization of Gas natural gas and odorant mixture in air at which the operator is
barely able to detect an odor.
3. Terminology
4. Significance and Use
3.1 For definitions of general terms used in D03 Gaseous
Fuels standards, refer to Terminology D4150.
4.1 Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 192.625) state: “A
combustible gas in a distribution line must contain a natural
odorant or be odorized so that at a concentration in air of
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D03 on Gaseous
one-fifth of the lower explosive limit, the gas is readily
Fuels and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D03.06.04 on Analysis by
detectable by a person with a normal sense of smell.” These
Colorimetric Techniques.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published November 2020. Originally
regulations state further that “To assure the proper concentra-
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6273 – 14. DOI:
tion of odorant with this section, each operator must conduct
10.1520/D6273-20.
periodic sampling of combustible gases using an instrument
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
capable of determining the percentage of gas in air at which the
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
odor becomes readily detectable.” Additionally, a number of
the ASTM website.
states have enacted legislation that requires natural gas to be
3
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
odorized so that it is detectable at concentrations less than one
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
www.dodssp.daps.mil.
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6273 − 14 D6273 − 20
Standard Test MethodsMethod for
1
Natural Gas Odor Intensity
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6273; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 TheseThis test methods covermethod covers the procedures for determining the threshold detection level, readily detectable
level, and odor intensity of natural gas through the use of using instruments that dilute and mix the sampled natural gas with air.
The mixed gas stream is then sniffed by the operator for the purpose of determining the threshold detection level or the readily
detection level, or both, any of these parameters for odorant in thea natural gas stream.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4150 Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
D5287 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Gaseous Fuels
E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
3
2.2 Other StandardsStandard:
49 CFR Part 192.625 Odorization of gasGas
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 odorant, n—sulfur-bearing compound that gives natural gas a distinctive odor. For the purpose of these test methods, natural
gas odorants may be compounds that are present at the wellhead or commercial mixtures that are added to the gas stream, or both.
3.1.2 olfactory fatigue, n—desensitization of the sense of smell through either prolonged exposure or repeated exposure over a
short period of time to an odor, a mixture of odors, or series of odors.
3.1.3 sniff, vi—smell or snuff with short, audible inhalations.
1
TheseThis test methods aremethod is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D03 on Gaseous Fuels and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D03.05 on
Determination of Special Constituents of Gaseous Fuels.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014Nov. 1, 2020. Published February 2014November 2020. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20082014
as D6273 – 08.D6273 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/D6273-14.10.1520/D6273-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D6273 − 20
3.1 For definitions of general terms used in D03 Gaseous Fuels standards, refer to Terminology D4150.
3.2 For definitions of common usage sensory evaluation of materials and products, refer to Terminology E253.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 high pressure, n—for the purpose of thesethis test methods,method, high pressure refers to natural gas pressure greater than
the maximum inlet pressure specified by the manufacturer of the gas dilution apparatus.
3.3.2 intensity, n—the magnitude of odor perceived by the operator.
3.3.3 low pressure, n—for the purpose of thesethis test methods,method, low pressure refers to natural gas pressure less than or
equal to the maximum inlet pressure specified by the manufacturer of the gas dilution apparatus.
3.3.4 olfactory fatigue, n—desensitization of the sense of smell through either prolonged exposure or repeated exposure over a
short period of time to an odor, a mixture of odors, or a series of odors.
3.3.5 operator(s), n—the person(s) performing the testing described in these test methods. Because of the nature of the test
...
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