Thomas J.C. Eun 5.

Test and Inspection Requirements in ASME

5.4 Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Tests

5.4.1 Principle Concept of Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Tests

Hydrotest Pneumatic Test

Purpose Pressure test to prove no deformation or leakage Leak test to prove no leakage
Test Fluids Water or suitable nontoxic liquid (flash Air, Nitrogen, Helium
point102F for flammable fluids)

5.4.2 Hydrostatic-Pneumatic Test Requirements

Table 5.4.2.1 Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Tests in ASME Sec.VIII & I (2008)/B31.3 & B31.1 (2008)
Codes Hydrostatic Test Pressure Pneumatic Test Main Purpose Remark
Pressure
Sec.VIII, Div. 1 1.3 x MAWP x ST/S 1.1 x MAWP Pressure Test Detected by Deformation
(Strain) and Cracking
General (Fracture) as well as Leaking.
Sec.VIII, Div. 1 1.4 x MAWP x ST/S Pressure Test
Low Temperature,
ULT-99
Sec.VIII, Div. 1 2.0 x MAWP for MAWP>30psi Pressure Test
Cast Iron, 2.5 x MAWP (bur max.60psi) STD hydro test
UCI-101 for MAWP<30psi
Sec.VIII, Div. 1 PB (SMTS) Pressure Test
Hydrotest to Destruction
Cast Iron, UCI-101 6.67 (avg. T.S of test specimen)
Sec.VIII, Div. 2 1.25 x D.P x ST/S 1.15 x D.P Pressure Test
Sec.VIII, Div. 3 1.25 x D.P x ST/S - Pressure Test
Sec.I 1.5 x D.P - Pressure Test
B31.3 *2 *4 1.5 x D.P x ST/S*1 1.1 x D.P *3 Leak Test Detected by Leaking mainly
at flanges gasket face, welds,
fitting, bend parts, etc.
B31.1 1.5 x D.P x ST/S*5 1.2 to1.5 x D.P Leak Test Detected by Leaking mainly
at flanges gasket face, welds,
fitting, bend parts, etc.
Abbreviations: D.P = design pressure, MAWP = maximum allowable working pressure, ST = stress value at test temperature,
S = stress value at design temperature, PR (Test Pressure) = MAWP at operating temperatures listed in Table
UCI-23, PB = destruction test pressure, SMTS = minimum specified tensile strength
Notes;
*1. ST/S shall not exceed 6.5.
*2. The tests are impracticable a hydrotest because damage linings or internal insulation, or contaminate a process
(hazardous, corrosive, inoperative in the presence of moisture, or present brittle failure at low temperature and a
pneumatic test because present an undue hazard of possible release of energy stored or present brittle failure at low
temperature, the alternative leak test may be used as follows;
(1) RT (100% of circumferential, longitudinal, and spiral groove welds) or UT (100%) or
(2) PT or MT or
(3) Flexibility Analysis
*3. A pressure relief device shall be provided, having a set pressure test pressure + the lesser of (50 psi or 10% of the test p
ressure)
*4. Any other leak tests in B31.3;
Para. 345.6 Hydro-Pneumatic Leak Test
Para. 345.7 Initial Service leak Test
Para. 345.8 Sensitive Leak Test
Para. 345.9 Alternative Leak Test
*5 The test pressure shall not exceed the maximum allowable test pressure of any nonisolated components.

200
Thomas J.C. Eun 5. Test and Inspection Requirements in ASME

5.4.3 Test Holding Time

Table 5.4.3.1 Holding Time of Hydrostatic Test (2008)

Code and Standards Class of Test/ Paragraph Applications/Requirements Minimum Time, minutes
ASME Sec.VIII, Div.1 ULT-100 Low temperature service 15
ASME B31.3 Leak (para. 345.2.2) All joints and connections 10
ASME B31.1 Leak (para. 137.4.5) All joints and connections 10
ASME B16.5 Hydrostatic Fitting Size, NPS 2 60
(para.8.2.4) Fitting Size, 2 NPS 8 120
Fitting Size, NPS 10 180
Notes ; 1. Maximum Time : not specified

201