Szagosítás

Szagosítás is a Hungarian term that translates to "odorization" or "scenting" in English. It refers to the process of adding a distinctive odorant to a substance that is naturally odorless or has a faint smell, to make it easily detectable. This practice is most commonly associated with natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Natural gas and LPG are inherently odorless and highly flammable. Without a recognizable smell, leaks could go unnoticed, posing a significant safety risk. Szagosítás addresses this by introducing a chemical compound, typically mercaptan or a similar sulfur-containing substance, into the gas. These odorants have a strong, pungent smell, often described as rotten eggs or sulfurous, which is easily detectable even in very low concentrations.

The purpose of szagosítás is purely for safety. It allows individuals to quickly identify a gas leak by smell and take appropriate action, such as evacuating the area and contacting emergency services. The concentration of the odorant is carefully controlled to be noticeable well below the lower explosive limit of the gas, ensuring that a leak can be detected before it becomes a fire or explosion hazard. The specific odorant used and its concentration are subject to regulations in different countries. While essential for safety, some individuals may find the smell of odorized gas unpleasant.