What is the purpose of a pressure drop test in gas systems?

The purpose of a pressure drop test in gas systems is to detect leaks in the piping system. During this test, the gas pressure within the system is monitored over a specified period. If the pressure decreases significantly during this time, it indicates that there is likely a leak somewhere in the piping. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of gas installations since leaks can lead to dangerous situations including explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

In contrast, measuring gas consumption focuses on understanding how much gas is being used over time, while checking appliance efficiency assesses how well an appliance converts gas into useful work or energy. Assessing combustion quality involves analyzing the products of combustion to ensure that gas is burning properly and efficiently. Each of these activities is important in its own right, but the specific goal of the pressure drop test is directly related to leak detection.