Is purging required if placing 100ft of 3" pipe into operation?

Purging is indeed required when placing a new section of 3-inch pipe into operation, especially when the pipe is 100 feet long. This process is crucial for ensuring that the interior of the pipe is free from any foreign materials, moisture, and air that could pose safety hazards or affect the performance of the gas system.

The purging procedure involves replacing the air within the pipe with the intended gas, ensuring that there is no risk of gas-air mixtures, which can be explosive. The guidelines typically specify that any time new piping is added or existing piping is modified, the system must be purged to maintain the integrity of the gas supply and ensure safe operational conditions.

In this context, purging serves to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards. Thus, purging is mandatory in this scenario, underscoring the importance of this step in both safety and functionality within natural gas systems.