Pressure Vessel Pneumatic Leak Testing Blast Radius
Pressure Vessel Pneumatic Leak Testing Blast Radius
(OP)
Hi,
I'd like to know if it is necessary/practical to use ASME PCC-2 Mandatory Appendix II - Stored Energy Calculations for Pneumatic Pressure Test for pneumatic leak testing of equipment that has already been hydrotested in the shop.
Background:
Loop Reactor with flanged/gasketed joints. MAWP: 740psig Material: Carbon Steel Reactor components have been hydrostatically tested in shop
The site would like to pneumatically leak test the reactor with N2 to 638psig to prove flanged/gasketed joints are properly sealing before introducing hydrocarbons. We were asked to provide a blast radius for the test. Per PCC2, this will result in a radius of over 600'.
What am I missing here?
Thanks, Will
I'd like to know if it is necessary/practical to use ASME PCC-2 Mandatory Appendix II - Stored Energy Calculations for Pneumatic Pressure Test for pneumatic leak testing of equipment that has already been hydrotested in the shop.
Background:
The site would like to pneumatically leak test the reactor with N2 to 638psig to prove flanged/gasketed joints are properly sealing before introducing hydrocarbons. We were asked to provide a blast radius for the test. Per PCC2, this will result in a radius of over 600'.
- Is it necessary to define a blast radius when hydrostatic testing has already been completed successfully?
- In terms of potential consequences, is there a difference between this proposed leak test and starting up an identical, existing pressure vessel at 638psig (in N2 service) after maintenance has disconnected and reconnected flanges?
What am I missing here?
Thanks, Will




