Nitrogen Leak Testing

[NewPiping]

I m in the oil & gas industry on a FPSO project. I understand that nitrogen leak testing is carried out on process lines. Does that apply for all types of process lines? Could anyone also please advise me which of the pipe lines require pickling?

Thank you in advance.

 

[dcasto]

Just test all lines that could ever be used in hydrocarbon or low pressure steam service per B31.3. The nitrogen test is an alternative to hydrotesting. I perfer it when the line is to be placed in cryogenic or low temperature service or if water will damage other processes that it is attached to (like serving catalyst beds that would be damaged from water). In some situations, nitrogen is quicker and easier to use because of disposal of the test water.

I assume by pickeling you mean a cleaning before use. The service will dictate that. For example, a line will carry a fluid that will foam in the presance of oils and greases need to be cleaned with soda ash.