Gas Piping Leak Detection Methods: Safety First

How should leaks in gas piping be located?

(A) with a sniffer
(B) with a presto-lite flame
(C) with a noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid
(D) by increasing the air pressure during a test until the leaks are heard as a whistle.

Final Answer:

Gas piping leaks can be detected with a sniffer, noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid or by increasing air pressure. The use of a presto-lite flame is not recommended due to the potential risk of an explosion. Other methods are safer and can also be more accurate.

Explanation:

Leaks in gas piping shall be located using all methods except a presto-lite flame due to its risk of causing a potential explosion. To be more precise, a sniffer is an electronic device that can detect the presence of gas in the surrounding environment, ideal for pinpointing the location of a leak. Using a noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid is also a common, safe, and reliable method; when this fluid comes in contact with a gas leak, it forms bubbles, indicating the leak's location. Lastly, increasing the air pressure in the system during a test until the leaks are heard as a whistle is a valid strategy. However, this can be more complicated and less accurate than the other methods.

← The role of struts in suspension and cable stayed structures One way joist slabs an exciting construction method to explore →