Test medium.

(a)Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, water must be used as the test medium.#

(b)Except for offshore pipelines, liquid petroleum that does not vaporize rapidly may be used as the test medium if—#

(1)The entire pipeline section under test is outside of cities and other populated areas;#

(2)Each building within 300 feet (91 meters) of the test section is unoccupied while the test pressure is equal to or greater than a pressure which produces a hoop stress of 50 percent of specified minimum yield strength;#

(3)The test section is kept under surveillance by regular patrols during the test; and#

(4)Continuous communication is maintained along entire test section.#

(c)Carbon dioxide pipelines may use inert gas or carbon dioxide as the test medium if—#

(1)The entire pipeline section under test is outside of cities and other populated areas;#

(2)Each building within 300 feet (91 meters) of the test section is unoccupied while the test pressure is equal to or greater than a pressure that produces a hoop stress of 50 percent of specified minimum yield strength;#

(3)The maximum hoop stress during the test does not exceed 80 percent of specified minimum yield strength;#

(4)Continuous communication is maintained along entire test section; and#

(5)The pipe involved is new pipe having a longitudinal joint factor of 1.00.#

(d)Air or inert gas may be used as the test medium in low-stress pipelines.#