Energy and Utilities Natural Gas Systems 1

Question 1

What odorant is added to natural gas to make leaks detectable?

Accepted Answer

Mercaptan (thiols)

Answer

Mercaptans (organosulfur compounds) give natural gas its distinctive rotten-egg odor since pure methane is odorless.

Question 2

What is the primary component of natural gas?

Accepted Answer

Methane

Answer

Natural gas is composed predominantly of methane (CH4), typically making up 70–90% of its volume.

Question 3

What is LNG?

Accepted Answer

Liquefied Natural Gas

Answer

LNG is natural gas cooled to approximately -260°F (-162°C) to become a liquid for efficient storage and transport.

Question 4

Which federal agency in the US regulates interstate natural gas pipelines?

Accepted Answer

Both FERC and PHMSA

Answer

FERC regulates the economic and business aspects of interstate gas pipelines, while PHMSA regulates their safety.

Question 5

What does a natural gas compressor station do?

Accepted Answer

Boosts gas pressure to maintain flow through pipelines

Answer

Compressor stations re-pressurize natural gas periodically along pipelines to overcome friction and maintain flow.

Energy and Utilities Practice Test