Repair work

[NewMechE]

Hello All,

I have been asked to find out first of all whether or not hydro-testing is required after repair work is done on an ASME code vessel, and secondly where this is referenced in the NBIC rules for repair.

Thanks for any help.

 

[CodeRef]

In which Jurisdiction is this Repair performed?
Which Edition and Addenda of the NBIC (or other Applicable Code)does the Jurisdiction Administration Code specify?

Once you have answered these two questions, it is just a matter of looking up the requirements in the referenced Code.

The NBIC has changed throughout the years regarding pressure testing. In every case, the Jurisdiction, through their administrative code, will have the final say as to the method of verifying pressure retaining item integrity following Repairs and Alterations.

Hydrotests are typical for the ASME Construction Codes, whereas pressure testing to verify integrity is reserved for inservice testing. Some Jurisdictions may mandate "hydrotests" instead of "pressure tests" following Repairs/Alterations.

For the older NBIC lookup paragraphs RC-2050 (Repairs) or RC-3030 (Alterations)

For the 2007 NBIC and later lookup Part 3, Section 4 Repairs and Alterations — examination and testing: paragraph 4.4 Examination and Test for Repairs and Alterations

 

[jte]

Commonly what you will find is that Alterations will require a hydrotest unless it is not practical or its a "paper" alteration such as a rerate and the jurisdiction has approved not hydrotesting. Repairs are commonly performed without a hydrotest but with other forms of NDE. In some cases a hydrotest makes sense. At the end of the day, the AI will make the call based on the specific circumstances including issues CodeJackal pointed out about applicable edition and jurisdiction.

jt

 

[metengr]

A little clarification regarding the NBIC repair requirements. Pressure testing can be used and is used for most repair work, excluding alterations. We had revised the NBIC after the 1995 Edition to be flexible regarding pressure testing (not hydrotesting), which can include a simple boiler fill (static head) to check for repair leaks. NDE can certainly be used for repairs exclusive of pressure testing. The final say is of course the Inspector, and the Jurisdiction where the object is installed.

 

[AIOR]

Per 2007 Edition of the NBIC, Para. 4.4.2, for an alteration test you may use a) Liquid Pressure Test; b) Pneumatic Test; c) Nondestructive Examination.
NDE may be conducted when contamination of the pressure-retaining item by liquids is possible of when pressure testing is not practicable. Concurrence of the owner shall be obtained in addition to the Inspector and Jurisdiction where required.

 

[skearse]

My experience has been similar to what jte describes. For the most part, the AI like to see the hydro, but he has been very flexible about workign with us in specical cases where residual water contamination may pose a safety issue.