visual inspection during hydrotest 1

[javan210]

Dear Friends,
We are going to test a piping system which includes some underground and aboveground piping sections.
The system shall be tested as one package.
Can we eliminate the weld joints visual inspection for underground portion? (because we have to perform the wrapping before hydrotest).
Thank you

 

[Artisi]

Only if they don't leak.

 

[BigInch]

No you can't. The codes specifically state that a visual inspection of joints is required.

"All joints, including welds and bonds, are to be left uninsulated and exposed for examination during leak testing, .. "

"We have a leadership style that is too directive and doesn't listen sufficiently well. The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying." Tony Hayward CEO BP
"Being GREEN isn't easy." Kermit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.liv

 

[rneill]

What code are you working to ?

Most buried pipelines (pipeline design codes) are tested after they are backfilled. The test is of much longer duration in order for leaks to become noticeable.

 

[javan210]

Dear Rneil,
The code is Api1104, but we have to test the buried pipe connected to aboveground totaly as one package.

 

[BigInch]

You asked if you can eliminate the weld joints visual inspection. The answer to that is no. For B31.3, 4 or 8.

For B31.3, you must be able to see the joints during testing. For the pipeline codes you don't have to see them during testing and they could be buried after visual inspection, welding, coating and wrapping and the rest of the QA/QC work.

In all cases you must visually inspect the welds as well as perform the other required QA/Qc work.

"We have a leadership style that is too directive and doesn't listen sufficiently well. The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying." Tony Hayward CEO BP
"Being GREEN isn't easy." Kermit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.liv