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Effect of natural gas odorants on polyvinyl chloride pipe

Journal Article · · Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7068899

From studies of the effect of natural gas odorants on polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene pipe, the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Power Corp. conclude that PE pipe is not affected by the odorants, while the mechanical strength of PVC pipe is affected by some. After 10-day exposures to liquid mercaptan-based odorants, the PE samples showed no physical changes and the odorants retained their original composition. The PVC samples, however, developed a distinct yellow coloration and showed considerable swelling, while the odorants changed composition slightly. Mechanical-strength tests indicated that PVC pipe was affected in increasing order by isopropyl mercaptan, methyl sulfide, and n-propyl mercaptan; tert-butyl mercaptan proved essentially unreactive with PVC.

OSTI ID:
7068899
Journal Information:
Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States), Journal Name: Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States) Vol. 14; ISSN IEPRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English