What is the recommended method for purging air from new gas lines?

The recommended method for purging air from new gas lines involves slowly introducing gas while monitoring for leaks. This approach is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with fuel gas codes. When air is present in gas lines, it creates a dangerous situation, as it can lead to an explosive mixture if ignited. By gradually introducing gas, the pressure will help to push out the air without creating sudden surges that could cause turbulence or pockets of air to remain trapped within the system.

Monitoring for leaks during this process is critical. It allows for the immediate detection of any gas escaping, which could indicate a faulty connection or a leak in the piping. Safety measures, such as proper ventilation and the use of gas detectors, should also be implemented during this operation.

Other methods, such as capping the ends of the lines or allowing air to escape naturally without any intervention, may not ensure complete removal of air and fail to monitor safety conditions adequately. Additionally, using an air compressor could unintentionally introduce contaminants into the gas line and might not effectively eliminate all air, making it an unreliable method for purging gas lines. Therefore, the controlled introduction of gas remains the best practice for safely purging air from new gas lines.