Gas Testing & Purging
Tightness testing is a safety-critical process carried out on existing pipework to ensure your gas pipework and installations are in a sound condition and safe to use. The test is carried out at a set pressure as per GSIUR 1998 using calibrated equipment to monitor any loss in pressure no matter how small and rectify if necessary.
We would advise that all gas pipework should be inspected and tested annually. Often this is a requirement of your building insurance to validate the policy.
Strength Testing (STP):
New commercial & industrial pipework should undertake a Strength Test (STP) which is carried out above the normal operating pressure to identify any construction faults with the new pipework installation.
What you can expect from a Strength Test:
Survey of installation – inspection & removal of any component that may be damaged by the test pressure & test separately
Calculation of the volume of the installation
Determine test pressure & period
Preparation for the test including full health & safety briefing/assessment
Pressurise system and complete strength test
Analyse test readings to determine whether installation is gas-tight & safe
Checking if there are any joints in hazardous or unoccupied spaces.
Completion of documentation
Purging:
(Decommissioning)
The purging of commercial & industrial gas pipework from gas to air is carried out to displace the combustible gasses with an inert mixture via a series of calculations, purge stack & safe working systems. This procedure would then ensure that any decommissioned pipework is safe to be dismantled or left open to the atmosphere without constituting a danger.
(Commissioning)
The purging of commercial & industrial gas pipework from air to gas is to ensure the perfect air/gas mixture is passed through the pipework without causing any hazards such as stratification or enveloping within the gas lines. The incorrect mixture at the incorrect rate will lead to appliance failure, explosive ignition, etc.
What you can expect from Purging:
Carry out a thorough risk assessment
Set up safe systems of work including barriers & signage
Set up purge stack & monitoring equipment
Calculate purge volumes & purge medium (air/gas/nitrogen)
Ventilate purge area & extinguish any naked flames or sources of sparks
Isolate appliances if applicable
Carry out purge as per appropriate IGEM/UP standards
On completion of purge, remove testing equipment from system and reconnect or plug pipework connection points
Complete all appropriate paperwork & certify purge
