hydrostatic testing of AIR RECEIVER & OXYGEN RECEIVER 1

[onaldo]

Hi guys!
Is it necessary for us to hydrostatically test the AIR RECEIVER(WP:120 PSIG) and the OXYGEN RECEIVER(WP:80 PSIG) every year...?

But then if it is indeed required to do such test...can we perform a pressure test other than hydrotesting it...because the latter takes too much time due to plenty of processes ...dismantling , water filling, pressure testing, drying , and installing which would take several days..and these equipment are installed in the hospital premises.

What is your recommendation?

Rony

 

[MJCronin]

Who is telling you that these pressure vessels must be tested every year ? Did this come to the plant manager in a dream ?

Is this requirement written down somewhere or is this "tribal knowledge" from the maintenance staff.

What is the code of construction and where are these vessels located ?

Most pressure vessels in the USA are constructed to ASME which requires a hydrostatic test before final certification. After the owner takes possession of the vessel, he develops his own inspection/mechanical integrity program.

It would be expected that pressure vessels and heat exchangers would be hydrotested by a new plant owner

Most owners perform periodic internal/external inspection every 3 or 5 years and hydrotest as required based on inspection results.

Because of their service, some types of vessels (air receivers) that periodically fill with water might have more frequent inspection on their lower half ....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[onaldo]

Thanks MJC..!!

These pressurized vessels are being used in our Oxygen (PSA) Generators installed in some hospitals.
Only dry compressed air and dry oxygen gas are contained in these vessels.

Vessel Code: AS 1210-2010 Class: 2B

Oxygen (PSA) Generators installed in the hospitals are inside the building therefore , it is not exposed to sunlight,
rain and any harsh environment.

I need additional explanation from you Mr MJ that it might be more convincing to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
that hydrotesting is no longer necessary after the first hydrostatic test.

ONALDO
P.O.M. Manager

 

[MJCronin]

For US installations, this discussion on testing may help:

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=366397

Please note the difference between an ASME Code "hydrostatic test" (preformed by the vessel vendor to earn certification) and a "pressure test" which may be done after minor repairs or as part of a mechanical integrity program.

If your company owns the vessels you can do what you want !!!..... test them every day if you want

There is much confusion about testing terminology

In detail, API Standard 510 discusses pressure testing after alteration/repair. .....This standard is commonly referenced as part of the Owners Mechanical integrity program.

https://inspectioneering.com/tag/api+510

Please respond .... What set of formal rules/legislation etc requires you to have a YEARLY hydrostatic test ?



MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer