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Sniff Testing Article ~ Dennis Carroll, Executive Director -
The nose knows.

In our high tech world today we have gadgets and apps for everything. Sometimes though, the simple and best tools are right in front of our face. Yes, your nose. It usually works well and is cost effective.

A sniff test can tell you a lot about propane. Does it have odorant? Is it possibly contaminated with ammonia or high sulfur content? With a normal person and a good stiff test program that is properly implemented these three issues are likely to be identified. There are issues such as someone with a sinus condition, head cold, smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs that will decrease the ability to smell. This is all the more reason to have more people involved in sniff testing programs.

NFPA 58 (2008 Edition) 4.2.3 says that odorant shall be determined by sniff-testing or other means and the results shall be documented, (1) when product is delivered to the bulk plant (2) when shipments bypass the bulk plant. Transport operators should also document on the bill of lading at the terminal that product is properly odorized. Bill of ladings should specify the type of odorant and the amount used. It is required to be 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of propane but it is common to use 1 ½ to 2 ½ pounds per 10,000 gallons.

A sniff test is performed by simply venting a small quantity of liquid through a # 54 vent outage gauge and then closing the valve. Sniff the area after the liquid vaporizes. It should go without saying, but wait till it vaporizes. I have actually heard of a guy freeze burning his nose doing a sniff test! Verify the product is odorized or that there is not anything that smells unusual such as ammonia or sulfur. If unsure, notify your supervisor or a qualified individual to do additional tests. Red litmus paper tests can show ammonia contamination and lead acetate paper will show hydrogen sulfide. It might be necessary to have a stain tube test performed. There are many field tests available. If unsure of your product quality, ask an expert.

The following is a recommended sniff test program:
1. Ask your transport operators to sniff test and document the test on their paperwork.
2. At the bulk plant to designate someone to perform a sniff test on the storage tanks daily or at a minimum of each time a new load is delivered.
3. Ask each bobtail driver to sniff test and document, each time the bobtail is loaded.
4. Dispenser operators or people filling cylinders should also perform and document the tests.

This gives you a minimum of three noses before the propane gets out of your plant. Three noses documented that they smelled odorant in the gas. Three noses didn’t detect a potential contamination. If you are in a one person plant it is two different noses (you and the transport operator) and at three different times in the distribution process. Loading on the transport, unloaded into the bulk storage and loaded on the bobtail. If an odorization case goes to trial, you might just win “by a nose”.


Ammonia Contamination -
Ammonia contamination – Southwest Missouri – What the consumer should expect.

The following is what general actions will be taken by the propane companies involved:

1. Phone calls have been made with follow up letters to consumers affected. Consumers are instructed to shut off unvented heaters, unvented gas logs and gas ranges. Experts indicated that the elderly or asthmatics could have health related issues from inhalation.

2. Tanks with contaminated product should be removed and relocated to a safe place for proper clean up or disposal. A replacement tank will be set for the consumer and restocked with gas. A gas system leak check will be performed at that time. After the tank is exchanged you may resume use of unvented heaters and gas ranges.


3. Trained service representatives will begin inspecting and repairing consumer gas lines and valves on appliances. All brass or copper should be inspected and replaced as needed. This may take several weeks and should not be a safety concern.

Call you gas company for specific information.


General information regarding ammonia contamination in propane

Under certain conditions, ammonia may be corrosive to brass and copper. Over time, it may corrode brass valves and weaken the integrity of the gas system.

Health Hazards- The combustion by-product of ammonia is a compound known as NOx. It can act as an irritant and compromise lung functions. Those at greatest risk are children, elderly or those with pre-existing lung conditions. While the amount of ammonia is very low the commission is acting out of an abundance of caution.

The map below shows the counties in SW Missouri that were effected.

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Assessment Increase - The Commission reviewed our financial needs and has decided to increase the assessment rate. Effective February 1, 2012 the rate will increase to .00175 cents per gallon. This is up from the current one-tenth of one cent per gallon. The rate will remain in effect until such time as the rate is changed by the Commission.

The Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MO-PERC) continues to collect the funds for the Commission. The timing and method of remittance remains the same. You should continue to collect and send the Missouri Propane Gas Commission assessments simultaneously to MO-PERC as you have in the past. With the MO-PERC amount of .004 cpg, the new total amount to remit will be .00575 cents per gallon.


Update on Rulemaking Process - The Missouri Propane Gas Commission anticpates that the new rules will go into effect on January 30, 2012. This will also update the NFPA 54 version to 2009 edition and the NFPA 58 version to 2008 edition. If you would like to get on the mailing list for a new copy of the MO Law and Regulations Booklet contact Courtney at 573-893-1073 or by email ckremer@mopgc.com