3 replies to this topic

[CSNK]

In one of the flare system, we want to install a new secondary pilot for burner at flare tip. So, new fuel gas piping is considered.

Now, my query is in regards to leak test media and pressure to be considered for new fuel gas piping...

Shall i considere it as hydrotest, service test or pneumatic...

Any reference if available will also be useful.
Thanks in advance.

[Pilesar]

Is the leak test to check flanges or screwed connections? My guess is the fuel to the burner will be relatively low pressure. If you have to leak test it, can you not just pressure up the line to its service pressure to see if the pressure is maintained when blocked in? You could use nitrogen for that I suppose. Do you plan to seal the burner tip for testing or disconnect the burner from the fuel supply first? Your piping guys have some standard way to test for leaks. Why would this application be any different?

[nasr91]

From ASME B31.1 I quote:
137.5 Pneumatic Testing 137.5.1 General. Except for preliminary testing in accordance with para. 137.5.4, pneumatic testing shall notbeusedunlesstheownerspecifiespneumatictesting or permits its use as an alternative. It is recommended that pneumatic testing be used only when one of the following conditions exists: (A) when piping systems are so designed that they cannot be filled with water ( when piping systems are to be used in services where traces of the testing medium cannot be tolerated

[Pilesar]

The above quote from ASME B31.1 states that "pneumatic testing shall not be used unless the Owner specifies pneumatic testing or permits its use as an alternative." This means that pneumatic testing should not be done without the owner's approval. Pneumatic pressure testing is preferable in some situations. The same ASME B31.1 code covers guidelines for pneumatic pressure testing a few paragraphs down in "137.5.5 Required Pneumatic Test Pressure."