PROCEDURE TO PRE-TEST TEMPORARY LINES BEFORE PRESSURIZATION

Before to proceed with pressurization all temporary lines will be proof tested to similar conditions to
those when used during pressurization and strength test pressure plus a safety factor of 5%. The pre-
test pressure will be:

Рstr. = 1.05 * Рreqd.str. = 1.05 * 352.9 = 370.5 bar for a duration of 10 min..
 
Once the lines has been assembled, and prior of their installation, they will be pre-tested as per follow
method:

1) Check all datasheet and certificates to assure that all equipment are in compliance with
Project specifications and are suitable for the services
2) The line to be test, will be placed in an isolated area bounded by warning tape.
3) Connect the hose to the waterline or pump and fill with water prior to application of pressure,
allowing all air in the hose to escape through a venting valve provided for the purpose. This is
important as a safety measure because expansion of air compressed in the hose, when
suddenly released by bursting or other failure, might result in serious accident
4) At the end of the filling the valve will be closed.
5) Apply hydrostatic pressure by means of a hand-driven hydraulic pump.
6) A calibrated master gauge will be fitted on the line.
7) During the hydrostatic test, the hose should be straight, not coiled or in a kinked position.
8) Once the activities will be performed, the pressurization will start.
9) The pressure will be increased by step up to the initial pressure of 375 bar.
10) Reached the calculated pressure, all parts will be visually inspected.
11) Pre-test pressure must be maintained above 370.5 bar for the test duration. To maintain these
conditions, the system may be re-pressurized or bled-off without an extension of the test
duration.
12) The pressure will be held at least 10 minutes.
13) At the end of the pre-testing, the pressure will be decreased slowly, opening the valve,
afterward all water will be displaced by gravity.
 
 
SAFETY WARNING:
 
Before conducting the pressure tests on temporary lines, provisions must be made to ensure the safety
of the  personnel performing the tests and to prevent any possible damage to property.
Only trained personnel  using proper tools and adequate PPE should conduct any pressure test. It is
recommended that testing  only be performed by trained, competent personnel using potable water.
Installation of all hoses shall be carried out ensuring the following conditions are observed:
 To prevent hazard related to falls.
 To prevent damage of hoses.
 To protect all personnel and equipment on site in case of hose rupture.
 Barricade pressurized equipment and hoses.
 Secure hoses connections with equipment using special clamps (whip arrestors or similar)
Hoses of compressors shall be of proper quality, their ends shall be equipped with threaded
connections. Whip checks shall be installed on ends of every hose to ensure securing in case of
rupture. The hoses shall be rated for maximum pressure.
 
WARNING: Water or another liquid suitable for the hose under test shall be used as the test medium.  
The use of air or other gaseous materials as testing media should be avoided because of the risk to
operators.  In special cases where such media are required for the test, strict safety measures are
imperative.  Furthermore, it is stressed that when a liquid is used as the test medium, it is essential that
all air is expelled from the test piece because of the risk of injury to the operator due to sudden
expansion of trapped air released when the hose bursts.
 
Due to the small amount of water volume, the energy stored on lines under test is low and in case of rupture no risks are
expected for test operators, if the previous steps and safety warning has been followed properly. In any case a minimum
safety distance (Hazardous Area)  of 1mt must be respected by operators.
 
The Restricted Area will be of 25mt: entrance to the Restricted area is prohibited for population, including for any
project person not directly involved in the test. Only staff directly involved in the test and persons authorized by the
Chairman of the Committee has access to the Restricted Area.