Guidelines for the Preparation of Pneumatic Testing

Authorized By:

____________________________
Senior Inspector

Methanex Corporation
Medicine Hat, AB

Copy: 01
Revision Date: January 7, 2000
e:\wwwroot\procedures\maintenance\inspection\nde\lt-04.doc
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PNEUMATIC TESTING

1. LT-04: GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PNEUMATIC TESTING ......................................3

Uncontrolled copy unless title page has original authorized signature.

Guidelines For The Preparation Of Pneumatic Testing

Revision Date: January 7, 2000
Page 2 of 3
1. LT-04: GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PNEUMATIC TESTING

1. Due to the large energy storage in compressed gas and hence the potential hazard of a sudden
release of this energy, pneumatic testing should be avoided if at all possible.

2. The testing procedure has to be submitted to the Boilers Branch for acceptance before any
testing can be carried out.

3. The testing procedure must be accompanied by the detailed justifications why a standard
hydrostatic test is not feasible.

4. In addition to strict adherence to the respective code sections, (e.g. ASME Section Viii, Div. I,
Para UG100, or ANSI B.31.3, Para 337.4.4). the testing procedure should contain, as a minimum,
the following information:

• Lists of all personnel within the testing area and designated personnel in charge of testing.

• Test boundaries of the pressure system with specified maximum pressure x volume (PV)
limits, including listings of piping and/or equipment to be included in the test.

• Test site preparations and related precautions undertaken including removal of unauthorized
personnel, isolation of test site, etc.

• Test media, pressure source and pressure and temperature range of testing.

• Provision of Safety Relief Valves which must be sized to handle the maximum output of the
pressure sources to avoid excessive testing pressure. Pressure gauges must also be of the
appropriate range for both initial and final test pressures.

• Material specification involved in the test. For materials whose resistance to brittle fracture at
low temperature has not been enhanced, test temperature above 60 Degrees Fahrenheit (16
Degrees Celsius) may be considered in reducing the risk of brittle fracture during pneumatic
testing.

• Exposure of all joints including weld joints, threaded/flanged.

• Method of testing with details of pressure steps, holding time inspection methods, etc.

• Precautions taken to prevent gas expansion temperature drop and thermal stresses due to
temperature gradients.

• Reference should be made to the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) of the

system/vessels to be tested.

Uncontrolled copy unless title page has original authorized signature.

Guidelines For The Preparation Of Pneumatic Testing

Revision Date: January 7, 2000
Page 3 of 3