shell and tube heat exchanger re-hydrotest at site ?

[Rasheed Khan]

As per the API-660(2007) Para 10.3.9 states that " Flanged joints that have been taken apart after a hydrostatic test shall be reassembled with unused
gaskets and re-hydrotested". The question is, do we need to have second hydro test at site even the first hydro test at shop have been completed?

 

[Christine74]

If the heat exchanger has been disassembled after the original hydrotest, as is often done for inspection purposes, it's a good practice to repeat the hydrotest at the site in order to ensure that all of the flanged connections were properly assembled and don't leak.


-Christine

 

[MJCronin]

I would follow the recommendations of ASME PCC-1 for second and higher joint disassembly.

It may be good practice to always re-hydro, but some fluids that are incompatable with water will cause problems..

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[mk3223]

IMO, the equipment hydrotest after erected on site is part of the Project Construction responsibility prior to turning over to the Operation.
It's similar to the shop hydrotest is the Fabricator responsibility per the Owner acceptance requirement before the equipment is shipped out from the shop.