SEC VIII div 1 pressure testing requirements of replacement bundles?

[pressure equipment engineer]

We are installing a replacement bundle today and the code hydrotest was not performed at the shop so we will be doing that after installation. My question is; must we hydrotest both sides of the exchanger bundle to 1.3 times design pressure or are we only required to test the highest design pressure side? I know that if we purchased an entire exchanger assembly (channel/shell/bundle) that we would pressure test the shell and channel but this is only for a replacement bundle. I know this may seem like a silly question but if you read UHX-18, it does not differentiate between components of the exchanger. Thanks,

 

[r6155]

Hydrotest both sides. See UG-99

Regards
r6155

 

[SnTMan]

I suspect this is a dead issue by now, but, shop hydro of a replacement bundle is usually a matter of agreement between buyer and seller. Shellside is not often tested for obvious reasons. I do not believe that Code, at least Sec VIII, Div 1, requires any hydrotest of replacement parts, particularly if not welded.

Hydro of the repaired exchanger is then a matter between the jurisdiction, owner, AI, NBIC, etc.

Regards,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[r6155]

See ASME PCC-2–2015
Article 3.12
Inspection and Repair of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

6 TESTING
Following completion of the inspection, a pressure test
or tightness test in accordance with Article 5.1 should be
considered, particularly if the integrity of the
tube-to-tubesheet joint is in question

Regards
r6155