Question

We get pungent smell when there is LPG leakage even though natural gas is odourless. Identify the proper reason for this smell.

• A. LPG gas undergoes oxidation and produces a pungent smell.
• B. A chemical with a pungent odour is added in LPG/CNG to detect leakage.
• C. LPG gas reacts with walls of the cylinder to produce a pungent smell.
• D. Compressed LPG gas has a pungent smell.

Answer 1

The correct option is B A chemical with a pungent odour is added in LPG/CNG to detect leakage.

Any accidental leakage can cause an explosion. If the gas leaks in any closed space such as kitchen, etc. then on lighting a matchstick, an explosive mixture will burst into flame causing fire in the house and can cause serious burn injuries.

In order to prevent this, LPG companies add a chemical ethyl mercaptan which helps in detection of the leakage because of the smell imparted.