Airable Research Lab has synthesized a soy-based odorant for leak detection in carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. Typical odorants in the industry are mercaptans, which present a range of hazards and health concerns. The Airable product is safe for workers and the environment.
Airable Research Lab has synthesized a soy-based odorant for leak detection in carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. CO2 leaks present a danger to the wildlife and surrounding populated areas. Yet leaks may go undetected because CO2 has no apparent odor. Therefore, odorants are added to natural gas pipelines prior to transport. Typical odorants in the industry are mercaptans, which are not compatible with CO2. They may not be used in CO2 pipelines, as the result could be formation of hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous, corrosive, and flammable gas. Mercaptan-based odorants are also a health concern because of their inherent toxicity. To combat this challenge, Airable has prepared a soy-derived non-mercaptan odorant that is safe for workers and the environment.
The Technology
Airable starts with soybean oil and then breaks down the structure into smaller components. These small molecules are volatile, such that they may be detected at concentrations as low as 1 ppm. To determine the compatibility in CO2, the Airable team subjected odorants to a constant flow of pure CO2 at 150°F for 24 hours, then used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the results. No significant differences were evident, suggesting that the odorant is compatible.
Benefits
GREEN PRODUCTS CAPITALIZE ON A CRITICAL MARKET TREND
Growing sustainability concerns have prompted advocacy for stricter chemical regulations, and both evolving policy and consumer preference have stimulated market shifts toward bio-based raw materials. Soybeans have broad applications across both consumer and industrial spheres, often providing benefits in terms of cost, function, and sustainability.
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