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Process Piping: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3, Third Edition
By
Charles Becht, IV IV
Charles Becht, IV IV
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ISBN-10:
0791802175
ISBN:
9780791802861
No. of Pages:
282
Publisher:
ASME Press
Publication date:
2009

ASME B31.3 requires leak testing of all piping systems other than Category D systems. For piping in Category D Fluid Service, the piping may (at the Owner's option) be put in service without a leak test and examined for leakage during the initial operation of the system. This is an initial service leak test. For all other piping, the following options are available:

• Hydrostatic test

• Pneumatic test

• Hydropneumatic test

• Alternative leak test

An alternative leak test is only permitted by ASME B31.3 when:

• Exposure of the piping to water via a hydrostatic test would damage the linings or internal insulation, or contaminate a process that would be hazardous, corrosive, or inoperative in the presence of moisture; and

• A pneumatic test is considered by the owner to entail an unacceptable risk due to the potential release of stored energy in the system (the danger of a pneumatic test increases with the pressure and contained volume); or

• A hydrostatic test or pneumatic test would present the danger of brittle fracture due to low metal temperature during the test

14.1 Overview of Pressure Test Requirements
14.2 Hydrostatic Test
14.3 Pneumatic Test
14.4 Hydropneumatic Test
14.5 Alternative Leak Test
14.6 Sensitive Leak Test
14.7 Jacketed and Vacuum Piping
14.8 Initial Service Leak Test
14.9 Closure Welds
14.10 Requirements for Nonmetallic Piping
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