RE-TEST AFTER AN ADDITION IN PIPING ALREADY TESTED.

[vargaslu]

Good Day to All.

According to ASME B31.3 parag 345.2.6, it's mandatory to retest piping that have additions after leak test. But there is an exception that allows the owner to avoid this requirement by taking extra precautions. In your experience, what should be those extra precautions? what do you consider a "minor repair"?.

ASME B31.3 parag 345.2.6 Repairs or Additions After Leak Testing. If repairs or additions are made following the leak test, the affected piping shall be retested, except that for minor repairs or additions the owner may waive retest requirements when precautionary measures are taken to assure sound construction.

If there is a similar thread, please let me know.

Thanks in advance. I will appreciate your comments on this matter.

 

[BigInch]

Pretest the replacement pipe and radiograph the tie-in welds.

 

[bimr]

Minor repair is a subjective term as dictated by the owner. Generally, the definition of minor repair is either removal of surface weld defects that could be repaired and evaluated by NDT without having to leak test a second time.

345.2.6; If repairs or additions are made following the leak test, the affected piping shall be retested, except that for minor
repairs or additions the owner may waive retest requirements when precautionary measures are taken to assure sound construction.

 

[DekDee]

Interpretation: 1·2
Subject: 337, Pressure Tests
Date Issued: April II, 1980
File: 1428
Question (1): When pressure testing, does 337 reqUire the test pump to be isolated from the piping
being tested when the test pressure has been attained?
Reply (l): It is the opinion of the Committee that the Code does not require isolation of the test
pump. It is not the intent of the Code to require specific equipment which may be necessary to perform the
examinations and tests required by the Code.
Question (2): What are the acceptance criteria for pressure tests performed in accordance with
ANSI/ASME B31.3?
Reply (2): It is the opinion of the Committee that the acceptance criterion is a visual examination for
leakage to verify that there are no leaks in the tested piping.

Question (3): In reference to 337.1, what are some examples of "minor repairs or additions"?
Reply (3): It is the opinion of the Committee that minor repairs or additions are those which would
not affect the load carrying ability or leak tightness when precautionary measures are taken to assure sound
construction.