Gas Safe Pressure Systems – Inspection, testing, maintenance, design, installation & modification of gas and cryogenic piped systems

What is distribution pipework and why should it be maintained and pressure tested?

Fixed gas systems (a.k.a. piped systems) consist of two component parts; a supply system and a distribution system.

As you may have already read elsewhere on this website, the supply system is the part of the installation from the outlet of the gas cylinder, cylinder pack or cryogenic storage vessel, up to and including the main pressure regulating equipment. It can also include the cryogenic storage vessel itself. It is likely to fall under the scope of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) and therefore must legally have a Written Scheme of Examination. It must also be inspected and tested in accordance with it. Please click here for more information regarding Written Schemes of Examination and PSSR.

The distribution system is the part of the installation from the main pressure regulating
equipment to the outlet point(s); it is basically the pipework used to pipe the gas / cryogenic
liquid around the facility. It is often referred to as ‘distribution pipework’. It can also
include regulators, flow-meters, valves etc. This part of the system is not subject subject
to a Written scheme of Examination but does require regular maintenance and pressure
testing in accordance with British Compressed Gases Association Code of Practice CP23.
Please click here for more information about how Gas Safe can help with this.

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