Test requirements for pipelines to operate at a hoop stress less than 30 percent of SMYS and at or above 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage.

Except for service lines and plastic pipelines, each segment of a pipeline that is to be operated at a hoop stress less than 30 percent of SMYS and at or above 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage must be tested in accordance with the following:#

(a)The pipeline operator must use a test procedure that will ensure discovery of all potentially hazardous leaks in the segment being tested.#

(b)If, during the test, the segment is to be stressed to 20 percent or more of SMYS and natural gas, inert gas, or air is the test medium—#

(1)A leak test must be made at a pressure between 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage and the pressure required to produce a hoop stress of 20 percent of SMYS; or#

(2)The line must be walked to check for leaks while the hoop stress is held at approximately 20 percent of SMYS.#

(c)The pressure must be maintained at or above the test pressure for at least 1 hour.#

(d)For fabricated units and short sections of pipe, for which a post installation test is impractical, a preinstallation pressure test must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section.#