- The purging process can be used to displace, toxic gasses, hydrocarbons or oxygen, depending on the requirement.
- Process systems which have been in service can contain toxic or hydrocarbon laden atmospheres. In order to carry out maintenance work on these systems it is imperative to displace these hydrocarbons or toxins prior to breaking containment.
- Similarly, once maintenance or construction is complete, it may be a requirement to displace oxygen prior to the introduction of hydrocarbons.
- The process of removing unwanted gasses in a system and replacing with an inert atmosphere is Purging.