Excemption for inspection, examination, or testing 2

[engr2GW]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering where I can find inspection and testing exemptions for ASME B31.3 piping for O&G flow line piping. I'm not sure, but I think PHMSA Part 192 talks about pipes operating at less than 20% of SMYS in class 1 locations, and may be class 2 locations with proper compliance in welding procedure and welder qualification.
I had a construction foreman ask if line pipes that don't see more than 500psi can be exempt from some of the three (visual, NDE, and hydro testing), basically to where they can't do all three if the pressure is low enough and the class location is 1 or may be 2 with good design of weld and welder qualfication...

Any advice please?

 

[stanweld]

You are mixing up Codes. The requirements of B31.3 do not apply to pipelines constructed under B31.4 or B31.8.

 

[engr2GW]

thanks Stanweld,

I understand that they're have different applications. But I could not find anything anywhere about B31.3, and I think the information in PHMSA part 192 applies to the pipeline side, and I was considering applying/adopting it as the closest thing.
Anyway,
Do you have anything that gives a clue for exemption for (B31.4 and B31.8) inspection, examination, and testing or where one can do x-ray and not have to worry about hydro or vise versa. Especially for low pressure welded lines in class 1 locations, and may be some class 2 locations (if possible) as long as all fabrications and fabricators follow qualified procedures in ASME Section IX
Also for B31.3

 

[Kiwi2671]

mysarah,
Cat D piping allows exemptions (VT only, ISLT in lieu of hydrotest) - however you must comply with three things - pressure, temperature and product type.
If you are talking O & G I do not think you would comply with product type to allow an exemption.
Regards,
Kiwi

 

[engr2GW]

Thanks,

This are all normal service for oil, gas, water, or combination. all the welding are done by qualified welders with qualified welding procedures, and many of them are in remote areas that are considered class 1 location for B31.8.
We require visual, X-ray for NDE, and hydro, can we do visual and X-ray without hydro or visual and hydro without x-ray for certain low pressure, remote location, normal services?

 

[stanweld]

Oil and gas carrying pipe is outside the scope of Category D under B31.3.
For pipe under B31.8 review 826.1, 841.33 & 841.35.

 

[engr2GW]

Thanks Stanweld,
After reviewing those paragraphs, it appears that:

for B31.3
1. all welds/fabrication shall be visually inspected
2. all welds/fabrications shall be examined except for cat. D service which does not require that
3. All welds/fabs shall be tested, but if they operate at 20% or less of SMYS of pipe, then leak test will suffice
31.3 summary: the only exemption is for examination on cat. D service

for B31.4
1. all welds/fabrication shall be visually inspected
2. all welds/fabrications shall be examined
3. All welds/fabs shall be tested, but if they operate at 20% or less of SMYS of pipe, then leak test will suffice
4. Tie-ins to the main (and already tested) line are not required to be tested
31.4 summary: No exemption except for replac hydro with leak test for lower pressure service

for B31.8
1. all welds/fabrication shall be visually inspected
2. all welds/fabrications shall be examined, examination is not required for lines operating at a hoop stress less than 20% of pipe SMYS
3. All welds/fabs shall be tested, but if they operate at 30% or less of SMYS of pipe, then leak test will suffice
4. Tie-ins to the main (and already tested) line are not required to be tested
31.8 summary: No exemption except for replacing hydro with leak test for lower pressure service, and not examination requirement for 20% or less of SMYS

 

[engr2GW]

I guess the above finding is the minimum, engineering design has to be that or higher, right?

 

[stanweld]

There is no such exemption under B31.3 when pipe operates < 20% of the SMYS. Initial service leak testing is only permitted for Category D Fluid Service, at the owner's option.

 

[engr2GW]

sorry, that was a mistake, you're right. Thanks.