Bonding procedure / performance qualification requirements per B31.3

[numberfive]

Experts,

We have just been awarded a project for which part of the scope requires us to run approximately 800' of underground ASTM D2513 DR9 HDPE natural gas pipe. Design and construction is per ASME B31.3, 2012 Ed.

I believe that the manufacturer of the bonding machine that we will be using (Mcelroy) is going to provide us with a Bonding Procedure Specification. I now need to qualify our "Bonding Operators" to their BPS per B31.3.

I've been researching the bonding procedure and performance qualification requirements described in B31.3 and see that per para. A328.2.5 we have two choices for testing our "Bonding Performance Qualification Tests";
#1 - a burst test (I'd rather not), or #2 a hydrostatic test.

I don't understand two of the variables in the formula for calculating the hydrostatic test pressure; SH (mean long term hydrostatic strength) and SS (mean short term burst stress).

Are these values that I need to obtain from the pipe mfg. or can I calculate them myself?

Any suggestions?

numberfive

P.S. - The final pneumatic pressure test on the completed line will be 125psi.

 

[XL83NL]

B31.3 2012. This 2012 was issued mar 31, 2013. and will be effective 6 months after date of issuance. I first off think you need to look at B31.3 2010 edt.

I'd contact the MFR to get those mean long term hydrostatic strength and mean short term burst stress values.

 

[XL83NL]

/edt; B31.3 2012 will become effective after July the 10th 2013.
Mar 31 was a typo taken from the 20101 edt.

 

[SJones]

http://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tr-4_hdb_hds_sdb_pdb_mrs_listed.pdf

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[LittleInch]

See also the discussion and some of the links in the attached thread.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=345186

Beware that the pressure test exhibits a decay curve as the material creeps so you will not get a static pressure in the same way as steel.

Personally I thinkk the 31.3 section is trying to make PE work like steel in terms of "welding" and the two don't mix, but at least it is a standard.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way