How to Set Up a Central Gas Distribution System for Laboratories in Saudi Arabia
Setting up a central gas distribution system is one of the most critical steps in building a safe, efficient, and fully functional laboratory. Whether you are establishing a new research facility, pharmaceutical lab, food testing center, or industrial laboratory in Saudi Arabia, getting the gas infrastructure right from the start saves time, cost, and ensures long-term safety compliance.
At Al Fateh Systems, we have designed and installed central gas distribution systems for laboratories across Saudi Arabia — serving clients in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and the wider MENA region — including approved projects with Saudi Aramco and SABIC.
This guide walks you through the key steps involved.
WHAT IS A CENTRAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM?
A central gas distribution system is a network of pipelines, regulators, valves, and safety devices that delivers gases from a central storage point — such as a cylinder manifold or bulk tank — directly to individual workstations inside your laboratory.
Instead of placing individual gas cylinders at each workstation (which is unsafe and inefficient), a centralized system stores all cylinders in a secure, ventilated room and distributes gas through stainless steel pipelines throughout the facility.
STEP 1 — ASSESS YOUR LABORATORY'S GAS REQUIREMENTS
Before any design work begins, you need to identify:
- Which gases your lab requires (e.g. nitrogen, argon, oxygen, hydrogen, CO2, specialty gases)
- The required purity level for each gas (industrial grade, high purity, or ultra high purity / UHP)
- The number of workstations and instruments that need gas supply
- The required flow rates and pressure levels at each point of use
- Safety classifications for each gas (inert, flammable, toxic, or corrosive)
This assessment forms the foundation of your entire system design.
STEP 2 — DESIGN THE SYSTEM LAYOUT
A qualified engineer will then design the gas distribution layout, which includes:
- Cylinder storage room location and ventilation requirements
- Pipeline routing through walls, ceilings, or floor ducts
- Pressure regulation stages from supply to point of use
- Zone isolation valves for maintenance and emergency shutoff
- Alarm systems for gas leak detection and low pressure alerts
In Saudi Arabia, designs must comply with SASO standards, NFPA codes, and international standards such as ISO and EN guidelines for laboratory gas systems.
STEP 3 — SELECT THE RIGHT MATERIALS
The materials used in your gas distribution system directly affect the safety and purity of your gas supply:
- For ultra high purity (UHP) applications: 316L electropolished stainless steel tubing with VCR or orbital welded connections
- For standard laboratory gases: high-quality stainless steel or copper piping with appropriate fittings
- Regulators, valves, and fittings must be compatible with the specific gas type and pressure rating
At Al Fateh Systems, we use orbital welding technology for all high-purity stainless steel connections — producing clean, leak-free, contamination-free joints that meet the highest international standards.
STEP 4 — INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
Professional installation is critical. Key steps include:
- Cleanroom-grade assembly for UHP systems
- Pressure testing of all lines before use
- Leak testing using helium or nitrogen
- Purging of all lines to remove moisture and contaminants
- Commissioning and verification of flow rates at each outlet
- Full documentation and handover package
Never attempt to install a laboratory gas system without qualified engineers — gas leaks in laboratories can cause fires, explosions, or toxic exposure.
STEP 5 — ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Once installed, your gas distribution system requires regular maintenance to ensure continued safety and performance:
- Annual inspection of all regulators, valves, and fittings
- Periodic leak testing across all connections
- Replacement of filters and purifiers as recommended
- Calibration of gas detection and alarm systems
Al Fateh Systems offers Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) that cover all of the above — giving your team peace of mind and ensuring your system remains compliant and fully operational year-round.
WHY CHOOSE AL FATEH SYSTEMS?
With over 15 years of experience, offices in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah, and an approved vendor status with Saudi Aramco and SABIC, Al Fateh Systems is one of Saudi Arabia's most trusted providers of turnkey laboratory gas solutions.
We handle everything from initial consultation and engineering design to installation, commissioning, and lifecycle support — so you can focus on your work while we take care of your infrastructure.
Contact us today to discuss your laboratory gas system requirements:
📧 sales@alfateh-sa.com
📞 Riyadh: +966 57 0933 305 | Dammam: +966 59 2055 617 | Jeddah: +966 54 3982 155
