Short answer
Commissioning commercial gas pipework means proving it is built correctly, strong, gas-tight and purged before handing it over. The usual sequence is visual inspection, strength test, tightness test, purge into service, appliance pressure checks and commissioning, then labelling, line diagrams and certification.
Visual inspection
Check routing, supports, sleeving through walls, ventilation of ducts and voids, protection against corrosion and damage, isolation valves, labelling and that the pipe sizes match the design.
Testing and purging
Carry out the strength test with components isolated, then the tightness test including let-by of the isolation valve, then the purge into service. Each step is recorded.
Pressure checks at appliances
With all appliances running at full rate, measure working pressure at the meter outlet and at each appliance inlet. The pressure loss across the installation should be within the design figure; if not, the pipework or meter is undersized or partly obstructed.
Handover
Appliances are commissioned to the manufacturer's instructions, interlocks and safety shut-off valves proven, and the client given the line diagram, test and purge certificate, commissioning records (such as CP15) and installation report (such as CP17).
Figures are typical for UK natural gas. The current edition of the relevant IGEM standard and the manufacturer's instructions always take precedence on site.
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