General Requirements [49 CFR 192.503]

(A)A. No person may operate a new segment of pipeline, or return to service a segment of pipeline that has been relocated or replaced, until: [49 CFR 192.503(a)]#

(1)1. it has been tested in accordance with this Chapter and §2719 to substantiate the maximum allowable operating pressure; and [49 CFR 192.503(a)(1)]#

(2)2. each potentially hazardous leak has been located and eliminated. [49 CFR 192.503(a)(2)]#

(B)B. The test medium must be liquid, air, natural gas, or inert gas that is: [49 CFR 192.503(b)]#

(1)1. compatible with the material of which the pipeline is constructed; [49 CFR 192.503(b)(1)]#

(2)2. relatively free of sedimentary materials; and [49 CFR 192.503(b)(2)]#

(3)3. except for natural gas, nonflammable. [49 CFR 192.503(b)(3)]#

(C)C. Except as provided in §2305.A, if air, natural gas, or inert gas is used as the test medium, the following maximum hoop stress limitations apply. [49 CFR 192.503(c)]#

Class Location#

Maximum Hoop Stress Allowed as Percentage of SMYS#

Natural Gas#

Air or Inert Gas#

1#

80#

80#

2#

30#

75#

3#

30#

50#

4#

30#

40#

(D)D. Each joint used to tie in a test segment of pipeline is excepted from the specific test requirements of this Chapter, but each non-welded joint must be leak tested at not less than its operating pressure. [49 CFR 192.503(d)]#

(E)E. If a component other than pipe is the only item being replaced or added to a pipeline, a strength test after installation is not required, if the manufacturer of component certifies that: [49 CFR 192.503(e)]#

(1)1. the component was tested to at least the pressure required for the pipeline to which it is being added; [49 CFR 192.503(e)(1)]#

(2)2. the component was manufactured under a quality control system that ensures that each item manufactured is at least equal in strength to a prototype and that the prototype was tested to at least the pressure required for the pipeline to which it is being added; or [49 CFR 192.503(e)(2)]#

(3)3. the component carries a pressure rating established through applicable ASME/ANSI, Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc. (MSS) specifications, or by unit strength calculations as described in §1103. [49 CFR 192.503(e)(3)]#

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.#

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 9:237 (April 1983), amended LR 10:530 (July 1984), LR 30:1256 (June 2004), LR 44:1041 (June 2018).#