Why is purging important in the handling of propane?

Purging is a critical step in the handling of propane primarily to avoid odor fade and false pressure. Propane, as a fuel, is typically odorless; an odorant (such as ethyl mercaptan) is added to it to help detect leaks since it has a distinct smell that is easy to identify. If propane is not properly purged, the odorant can become diluted or removed from the system, a phenomenon known as odor fade, which can lead to dangerous situations where gas leaks might go undetected.

Furthermore, if there are any contaminants or residual product present in the system, they can create false pressure readings that may mislead operators into believing that the system is functioning properly when it is not. Thus, purging helps ensure the safety and reliability of propane systems by maintaining the integrity of the odorant and ensuring accurate pressure readings, thereby preventing potential hazards associated with propane use.