IGEM/UP/1B Edition 3 +A: 2012 - Tightness testing/direct purging of small Liquefied Petroleum Gas/Air, NG/ LPG installations - Hard copy

This standard contains information on the testing and purging of pipework found in small gas installations

This standard covers tightness testing and direct purging of pipework containing either LPG/Air, natural gas or LPG and applies to any section of pipework, including meters, having the following:

  • MOP at the outlet of the emergency control valve not exceeding 2 bar for NG and LPG/Air and
  • A nominal bore of not greater than 35 mm and
  • A maximum badged capacity through the primary meter of not exceeding 16 m3 h-1 and
  • A maximum installation volume supplying an individual dwelling or non domestic premises of 0.035 m3 and
  • LPG/Air Installations – OP at the outlet of the primary meter and any point in the section to be tested not exceeding 21 mbar or
  • NG Installations – OP at the outlet of the primary meter and any point in the section to be tested not exceeding 21 mbar or
  • LPG Installations – OP at the outlet of the final stage regulator and any point in the section to be tested not exceeding 37 mbar.

They apply to tightness testing in the following circumstances:

  • New pipework
  • Alteration to, replacement of, reuse of, or upgrading existing pipework
  • New extensions to existing pipework
  • Prior to any work on existing pipework
  • Where there is a known or suspected gas leak in the pipework
  • Where there has been a complete loss of pressure for any reason
  • Routine testing of existing pipework
  • Immediately before purging pipework (except when taking pipework permanently out of service).

And to direct purging in the following circumstances:

  • New pipework
  • Alteration to, replacement of or reuse of, existing pipework
  • New extensions to existing pipework
  • Where there has been a complete loss of pressure for any reason
  • Where there is the possibility of air being present in the pipework
  • Where pipework is to be taken out of service temporarily or permanently.