Adding an odorant is mandatory in the Dutch gas distribution network. In the context of quality assurance for gas odorization, Kiwa carries out control measurements and inspections, testing randomly whether the technical provisions of the gas transfer between the national gas network operator Gas Transport Services and the regional gas network operators are met. All households in the Netherlands and a number of small business users are connected to the gas distribution network and therefore receive gas with an odor.

Signal function THT

By odorizing gases they become smellable, alerting people more quickly in the event of a leak or other incident. Natural gas in the Netherlands is therefore provided with the odorant tetrahydrothiophene, THT for short. People immediately associate the smell of THT with a gas leak and will therefore quickly take action or sound the alarm as soon as they smell it. In the coming years, it is expected that hydrogen gas will increasingly flow through the natural gas pipes. Because the use of hydrogen gas is relatively new, Kiwa conducts research into the signaling function and safety aspects of THT when it is added to hydrogen gas.

On-site analytics

Kiwa can also analyze the odorization of feed-in installations for green gas. These control measurements take place at random and spread throughout the Netherlands at the transfer point of a producer of green gas and a regional gas network operator. In addition, we also carry out control measurements in the distribution networks of the gas network operators with a closed measuring truck. For this we use a measurement system developed and built by Kiwa, which consists of a gas chromatograph with accessories. A second measurement system is available for recording both the odorant content and the gas composition and the Wobbe index and calorific value calculated from this.

Gas analysis services

The analysis of natural gas, biogas and green gas is one of the core activities in Kiwa's analytical chemical laboratory. Here we can prepare and analyze gas mixtures. Our lab is equipped with an odor setup, where a panel can assess the odor strength and odor character. We can also test the stability of compounds here and investigate material properties such as permeation, softening, absorption and mechanical strength. Kiwa has a lot of experience in designing and building test setups to determine the properties of gases and odorants in the soil. We have our own hydrogen network and a unique hydrogen demo and training location.