hydrotest 1

[DEEPBLUE76]

i have some piping items(valves and other stuff) for which the hydro testing is done by kerosene instead of water so can anyone tell me why they dont use water.

 

[1969grad]

Ability to get the item free of water residue after testing.

 

[Cockroach]

Perhaps they like the excitment of kerosine vaporizing at a joint and flashing in the outside oxygen enriched environment in the presence of an initiator!

I bet the fire guys would have something to say! Perhaps you should consult your local fire marshal.

Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

 

[jte]

Deepblue-

As 1969 grad pointed out, water free is an important consideration. Pipelines are often tested with kerosene or diesel. See B31.4 437.4.1(c), API 1110 paragraph 3.3, and 49CFR195.306. In my expereince, the state fire marshall is notified a day or two prior to conducting the test.

jt

From the CFR:

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 3]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR195.306]

[Page 180]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER I--RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)

PART 195_TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BY PIPELINE--Table of Contents

Subpart E_Pressure Testing

Sec. 195.306 Test medium.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this
section, water must be used as the test medium.
(b) Except for offshore pipelines, liquid petroleum that does not
vaporize rapidly may be used as the test medium if--
(1) The entire pipeline section under test is outside of cities and
other populated areas;
(2) Each building within 300 feet (91 meters) of the test section is
unoccupied while the test pressure is equal to or greater than a
pressure which produces a hoop stress of 50 percent of specified minimum
yield strength;
(3) The test section is kept under surveillance by regular patrols
during the test; and
(4) Continuous communication is maintained along entire test
section.

 

[PAN]

If the test result is acceptable, there will be no problem.

If you require any repair work (hot work) after test, that will be a problem. Because you need to free hydrocarbon before carry out the welding work.