Pressure Vessel Tests - Pressure Change Test & Bubble Test

[VMSmith]

Can someone help me with some issues regarding hydrostatic testing of pressure vessels? The pressure vessels are existing equipment that has been in use many years.

"Pressure vessels shall be leak tested using the Pressure Change Test in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for Leak testing." Does the ASME B&PVC address such a Pressure Change Test? At what pressure - 1.5 X or 1.3 X WAMP (considering that the pressure vessels were designed many years ago)? Is there any allowable loss of pressure allowed in a successful Pressure Change Test? Is there a mandated amount of time that the test should last? Where in the code is all this addressed?

"Pressure vessels shall be leak tested in accordance with ASME B&PVC for Leak Testing, Bubble Test." Does the ASME B&PVC address such a Bubble Test? At what pressure and how long should the test last? What is the criteria for pass/fail of this Bubble Test? Where in the code is all this addressed?

I know these are a lot of questions, but any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[deanc]

For used equipment check the current NBIC. Also check with the local Jurisdiction and your insurance carrier.

 

[VMSmith]

These tests are being requested by the owner - they are not required. The specifications written by the owner reference the ASME B&PVC, not the NBIC. My questions are regarding what the ASME B&PVC says about Pressure Change Tests and Bubble Tests.

 

[deanc]

OK-Sounds like he is referring to ASME SecV Article10 AppendixI and VI. Suggest you obtain these documents and review them. Any ASME or NBIC stamp holder should have a SecV.

Need to know MUCH more about the application to suggest a pressure or procedure.