How should exterior piping be installed to prevent mechanical damage?

The recommendation to bury or support and protect exterior piping is rooted in ensuring the integrity and safety of the piping system. When exterior piping is installed below ground, it is less susceptible to environmental factors and mechanical damage from vehicles, equipment, and other external forces. Additionally, if piping is supported properly, it minimizes stress points that could lead to leaks or ruptures.

In contrast, exposing and elevating piping, while it might make it more visible, increases the risk of accidental impacts and damage. Marking the piping does not provide any physical protection against mechanical forces and may lead people to assume that the piping is safe to interact with. Simply painting for visibility does not address the structural vulnerabilities that piping faces once it's in an operational environment. Ensuring that piping is installed with adequate protection helps to maintain both functionality and safety in the delivery and distribution of compressed natural gas.