A 4" natural gas pipe must be purged with inert gas before servicing. What is the MAXIMUM length of pipe before purging is required?

In natural gas systems, purging a gas line with an inert gas is a critical safety procedure intended to remove any residual gas that could pose a risk during servicing. For a 4" natural gas pipe, regulations and industry standards dictate specific guidelines regarding the length of the pipe before purging becomes necessary.

In this case, the maximum permissible length of pipe that can be left unpurged is typically set at 15 feet. Therefore, if the pipe exceeds this length, purging with inert gas is mandated to ensure safety and prevent any explosive conditions that may arise from the presence of residual gas.

The correct answer indicates that for any length greater than 15 feet, purging is required before servicing, aligning with safety standards that prioritize safe working conditions for technicians and prevent gas leaks or explosions during maintenance activities. A proper understanding of these guidelines is essential for anyone involved in the installation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety protocols in gas practices.