Failure to purge when necessary can cause?

Choosing the first option highlights a critical consequence of not purging when required. Purging is an essential process in various systems, especially in environments dealing with gases and pressures. When purging is neglected, it can lead to odor fade, where the signature smell of a gas diminishes, making it difficult to detect a leak or hazardous condition. This situation creates an unsafe environment as operators may not notice a gas leak that poses a serious risk.

Additionally, false pressure readings can occur as combustion or chemical reactions in the tank can produce gases, leading to inaccurately high pressure readings. This false indication can mislead operators into believing the system is functioning correctly, increasing the risk of dangerous situations.

The other options, while related to the overall failures in managing systems involving gases, do not directly capture the specific issues that arise from a failure to purge. For instance, increased tank pressure can occur, but it doesn't address the immediate detection concerns related to odors. Corrosion of the tank is a longer-term issue tied to moisture and chemical exposure rather than directly linked to purging lapses. Gas leaks are a severe risk arising under various conditions, but the interplay between purging and odor fade alongside false pressure highlights a nuanced understanding of the importance of this practice.