Pressure testing requirement for steel Elbows

[ceenote]

Hello All,

Does anyone know of any pressure testing requirement or code for pipeline elbows. I am talking of gas pipelines - Transmission and High pressure distribution pipelines.

For instance, what is required when pretested pipes are installed with elbows? Thanks

 

[LittleInch]

There is no requirement to pre-test any fittings.

Testing of bends on a pipeline (not "elbows") is undertaken as part of the entire pipeline.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[ceenote]

Thanks. However, I want to put the question in this way.
Is there any provision in any code that allows for installation of "pretested pipe" together with factory made bend/elbow (like 3R 45 deg Ell) without hydrotesting the entire system?
Please, let me know if you know of any such clause. Thanks

 

[bimr]

Generally, the answer is no.

Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

1. §192.503 General Requirements
(a) No person may operate a new segment of pipeline, or return to service a segment of pipeline that has been relocated or replaced, until-
(1) It has been tested in accordance with this subpart and §192.619 to substantiate the maximum allowable operating pressure; and

For short sections of pipe, §192.505(e) provides an exception for conducting a post installation strength test if the test is considered impractical.

 

[ceenote]

Thank you.

 

[LittleInch]

That's a different question, basically can I get away with not doing a hydrotest. This has been covered many times here and the answer is normally no. You can test the entire string offline then connect with two golden welds, but what you're really testing are the girth welds.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[ceenote]

Alright. Thank you LittleInch.