If you’re new to working in the oil and gas industry, you should know what purge testing is. Purge testing is a vital step of the maintenance and pipe installation process that protects you and your equipment. Learn why purge testing is important in gas detection.

What Is Purge Testing?

Purge testing is a process that clears a pipeline of all unwanted gases so that maintenance workers can fill it with the correct gas. Most of the time, people use nitrogen to force out the unwanted gases, then the nitrogen exits out the other end through a valve. Natural gas or whatever gas you want to put in the pipeline replaces the nitrogen after that.

Why Is Purge Testing Important?

Purge testing is important in gas detection because it prevents injuries and protects equipment. For example, some gases create corrosive chemicals when they mix, which can damage pipelines and injure workers. Other gases may combust when mixed, which is extremely dangerous.

Aside from the dangerous mixing of gases, purge testing is also crucial for protecting your equipment. Some gas detectors may stop working correctly if you constantly expose them to high levels of gases. They need a fresh air calibration so that their sensors don’t get overwhelmed.

Purge Testing and Gas Detectors

When using a gas detector, you should ensure it has the “purge mode” capability. This changes the sensor reading on the detector so that it tells you when oxygen levels have lowered to the correct point. After performing the purge, you’ll want to use a detector again to ensure the new gas fills the pipeline to the correct level.

You can find high-quality gas detection equipment at TG Technical Services. We have parking garage gas detection systems and hazmat suits. We even carry photoionization devices that detect VOCs in the air. Many of our detectors come in handheld and stationary models, so you’re sure to find exactly the right one for your needs.