Pressure and Temperature cycles testing acc. to API 17D

[MarcoFio]

Dear all,
I'm new in the field of subsea wellhead equipment.

I have to perform a Pressure and Temperature cycles test in accordance with API 17D to validate a new product. The product is assimilable to a valve PSL 3G PR2.
With reference to paragraph 5.1.7.3 API 17D that states "Gas shall be used as the test medium for pressure-hold periods ..." and with reference to paragraph 5.1.7.6, API 17D Temperature cycling tests ,
my question is the following:

Does the test medium have to be Nitrogen?
Could it be water with additives or any other hydraulic fluid?

My interpretation is that temperature cycling test requires pressure hold periods so I have to be compliant with 5.1.7.3 API 17D.
On the other side I have some concern about heating a gas to high temperature (RWP = 10000 Psi @ 180 °C).

I'd really appreciate your help.

Thank you

Marco

 

[MarcoFio]

Could someone help me?
I would be very grateful!

Regards
Marco

 

[mzappett]

Hi MarcoFio
1) Yes, use Nitrogen
2) No, you cannot use water (or any other liquid) for Pressure/Temp. cycles test
3) No problem of using Nitrogen at high pressure/temperature (even 10k psi @ 180degC)


regards

Massimo

 

[MarcoFio]

Massimo,
Thanks so much for your reply.
It has been very helpful!

Marco