Results From 20 Years of Research on Interior Gas Distribution Technologies

摘要

Over the last 20 years, the gas industry has experienced many changes in the way natural gas isrndistributed within residential and commercial buildings. One of the most radical departures fromrntraditional practice is the elevated pressure, corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) system. Researchrnresults have shown that elevated pressure CSST systems are less expensive to install; provide thernconsumer with enhanced features not available with conventional low pressure steel piping systems;rnand provide future expansion options. In the single-family market, these features have successfullyrnincreased the gas load per installation. The retrofit of CSST with installed low-pressure, steel pipernsystems also encourages more gas usage.rnGTI sponsored research has supported many innovations in this technical area including:rn1. Gas Load Center: A prefabricated piping assembly and enclosure that focuses consumerrnattention on the addition of more appliances.rn2. Gas Convenience Outlet: A quick-connect coupling with an integrated manual valve andrnsafety interlock used with movable appliances.rn3. Larger diameter (up to 50 mm): Expanded the use of CSST in the commercial and residentialrnmarkets.rnThe benefits of using CSST systems are clearly demonstrated based on numerous field studiesrnperformed in a wide range of new and existing buildings and applications.