Transmission Lines: Spike Hydrostatic Pressure Test [49 CFR 192.506]

(A)A. Spike Test Requirements. Whenever a segment of steel transmission pipeline that is operated at a hoop stress level of 30 percent or more of SMYS is spike tested under this part, the spike hydrostatic pressure test must be conducted in accordance with this Section. [49 CFR 192.506(a)]#

(1)1. The test must use water as the test medium. [49 CFR 192.506(a)(1)]#

(2)2. The baseline test pressure must be as specified in the applicable Paragraphs of §2719.A.2 or §2720.A.2, whichever applies. [49 CFR 192.506(a)(2)]#

(3)3. The test must be conducted by maintaining a pressure at or above the baseline test pressure for at least eight hours as specified in §2305. [49 CFR 192.506(a)(3)]#

(4)4. After the test pressure stabilizes at the baseline pressure and within the first two hours of the eight-hour test interval, the hydrostatic pressure must be raised (spiked) to a minimum of the lesser of 1.5 times MAOP or 100 percent SMYS. This spike hydrostatic pressure test must be held for at least 15 minutes after the spike test pressure stabilizes. [49 CFR 192.506(a)(4)]#

(B)B. Other Technology or Other Technical Evaluation Process. Operators may use other technology or another process supported by a documented engineering analysis for establishing a spike hydrostatic pressure test or equivalent. Operators must notify PHMSA 90 days in advance of the assessment or reassessment requirements of this subchapter. The notification must be made in accordance with §518 and must include the following information: [49 CFR 192.506(b)]#

(1)1. descriptions of the technology or technologies to be used for all tests, examinations, and assessments; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(1)]#

(2)2. procedures and processes to conduct tests, examinations, assessments, perform evaluations, analyze defects, and remediate defects discovered; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(2)]#

(3)3. data requirements, including original design, maintenance and operating history, anomaly or flaw characterization; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(3)]#

(4)4. assessment techniques and acceptance criteria; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(4)]#

(5)5. remediation methods for assessment findings; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(5)]#

(6)6. spike hydrostatic pressure test monitoring and acceptance procedures, if used; [49 CFR 192.506(b)(6)]#

(7)7. procedures for remaining crack growth analysis and pipeline segment life analysis for the time interval for additional assessments, as required; and [49 CFR 192.506(b)(7)]#

(8)8. evidence of a review of all procedures and assessments by a qualified technical subject matter expert. [49 CFR 192.506(b)(8)]#

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 46:1588 (November 2020).#