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Specification For Hydrotesting of New Pipelines: 0000BF-C-G0-G000-PL-SPC-0001
Specification For Hydrotesting of New Pipelines: 0000BF-C-G0-G000-PL-SPC-0001
DOCUMENT NUMBER
0000BF-C-G0-G000-PL-SPC-0001
DATE
17 February 2020
Project
Rev Description Originator Review Date
Approval
an Date: 2020.02.17
16:37:08 +03'00'
CONTENTS
1 SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................... 5
2 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 8
3 REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 10
1 SUMMARY
This specification provides the requirements for pressure testing new steel pipelines for the
transportation of oil, gas and water within Rumaila.
a) A pressure test suitable for the conditions under which the test will be conducted—this includes,
but is not limited to, material characteristics, operating conditions, and various types of anomalies
or other risk factors that may be present;
b) Site-specific procedures are developed and followed during all phases of the pressure testing
process;
e) Pressure tests are conducted in order to meet stated acceptance criteria and pressure test
objectives;
f) Pressure test records are developed, completed, and retained for the useful life of the facility.
Due to the risks involved in the hydrostatic testing of new pipelines, an appropriate risk assessment
must be performed and approved by the COMPANY representative.
This document must be read in conjunction with Energy Isolation Procedure ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0019.
Personnel involved in hydrostatic test activities must understand the importance of careful planning to
ensure safe and efficient practices and procedures. Employees and CONTRACTORs should be briefed
on-site about specific activities and safety procedures. Only competent personnel with the proper
training, experience and demonstrated skills shall be allowed to perform hydrostatic test activities.
Hydrostatic testing of a pipeline is usually carried out by testing a number of isolated test sections which
aims to establish.
AEROBIC
Bacteria that grow in presence of air or un-combined oxygen.
BACTERIA
ANAEROBIC
Bacteria that grow in absence of air or un-combined oxygen
BACTERIA
Brackish water is water that is saltier than fresh water, but not as salty as sea
water. It may result from mixing of seawater with fresh water, as in estuaries,
BRACKISH or it may occur naturally, as in brackish fossil aquifers. Technically, brackish
WATER water contains between 0,5 and 30 grams of salt per litre—more often
expressed as 0,5 to 30 parts per thousand (ppt or ‰), (Raw water sourced
locally in ROO is considered Brackish).
CONTRACT Shall mean the formal agreement between COMPANY and SUPPLIER
The party which carries out all or part of the described work and services. The
CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR may undertake all or part of the duties of the CONTRACT
Any physical part of the pipeline other than line pipe, including but not limited
COMPONENT
to valves, welds, tees, flanges, fittings, taps, branch connections and outlets.
HYDROSTATIC A pressure test conducted using water or other approved liquid as the test
TEST medium.
PIPELINE Any physical portion of facilities through which gas, petroleum gas, hazardous
SYSTEM liquids, highly volatile liquids or carbon dioxide are transported. This includes
pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to the pipe, compressor units,
PLANKTONIC Bacteria that are found in the water and their movement is controlled by the
BACTERIA movement of water.
SESSILE
Bacteria that grow on and lie attached to a surface.
BACTERIA
Shall mean the party supplying goods, equipment or material specified by the
SUB-SUPPLIER
SUPPLIER
SPECIFIED
MINIMUM YIELD Yield strength value prescribes in the material specification under which pipe
STRENGTH and fittings are purchased from the manufacturer.
(SMYS)
Shall mean all and any of the works, services and materials required to be
WORK
provided by the CONTRACTOR
NOTE: Throughout this document where the term CONTRACTOR is used, this also means
SUPPLIER
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 Scope
This procedure shall apply to all Rumaila Operating Organisation locations and facilities including
Qarmat Ali and K44. It shall be followed when planning and execution of hydrostatic testing.
This procedure defines mandatory requirements governing pressure testing of all parts of a new
pipelines including line pipe, appurtenances connected to line pipe, fabricated assemblies, valves,
tees, elbows, reducers, flanges, etc.
This Specification does not apply to process and utility piping, pumping units, compressor units,
breakout tanks, control piping, sample piping, instrument piping/tubing, or any component or piping
system for which other codes specify pressure testing requirements (i.e., piping systems covered
by building codes, etc.).
This Specification does not apply to existing pipelines. Refer to COMPANY Specifications
0000RP-C-G0-G000-PL-SPC-0001 Specification for Pressure Testing Existing Pipelines to ensure
Integrity
2.1.2 Purpose
Any conflicts between this procedure and other applicable ROO Engineering procedure, Materials
Specifications, Standard Drawings, or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing
by the COMPANY Representative.
Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the COMPANY Representative, who
shall follow internal COMPANY procedure and forward such requests to the Technical Authority (TA).
The CONTRACTOR shall comply with applicable National or Local codes, regulations, ordinances,
and rules. Unless defined otherwise these shall be those applying to the country where the
equipment is to be installed.
The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of
equipment and facilities required by this standard shall comply with the latest edition of the
references listed below, unless otherwise noted. Any conflicts between the requirements of this
Specification and other reference documents shall be referred to COMPANY for resolution.
The following documents are available to support this procedure, latest edition shall apply:
.
Document number Title of procedure
ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0001 Control of Work Manual
ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0004 Control of Work Policy
ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0007 Gas Detection
ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0019 Energy Isolation
ROO-ALL-HS-PRO-0127 Welding and Cutting
0000BF-C-G0-G000-QA-SPC-0002 Rumaila Specification for Carbon Steel Pipeline
Welding and Inspection
0000BF-C-G0-G000-PL-BOD-0001 Pipeline Brown field Basis of design
00100W-C-G0-G000-PE-SPC-0005 Specification for Brownfield Pipeline class Y09E2B
00100W-C-G0-G000-PE-SPC-0006 Specification for Brownfield Pipeline class Y15B2B
0000RP-C-G0-G000-PE-SPC-0007 Specification for Brownfield Pipeline Class Y09E2B
0000RP-C-G0-G000-PE-SPC-0011 Specification for Brownfield Pipeline Class Y03F3B
0000RP-C-G0-G000-PE-SPC-0014 Specification for Brownfield Pipeline Class Y03F6B
0000RP-C-G0-G000-QA-PRO-0003 Materials Traceability & Certification
0000RP-C-G0-G000-QA-PRO-0004 Deviation Request
In the event of ambiguity or contradiction between the above, precedence shall be given in the order
listed above. In the event of ambiguity or contradiction within the Specification, CONTRACTOR shall
apply the most onerous requirement. In all cases, CONTRACTOR shall seek approval via an
Engineering or Technical Query before proceeding.
For the avoidance of doubt, hierarchy stipulations in any other document within the specification are
superseded by the above hierarchy.
International codes and standards shall be the latest edition and latest addenda at the time of
CONTRACT award.
3 REQUIREMENTS
3.1 General
a) Every pipeline after construction and prior to initial operation shall successfully pass a hydrostatic
test. The hydrostatic test shall be performed in accordance with section 8 of this specification and
requirements of the applicable design code (ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, as applicable).
b) If block valves are used for blocking or isolating hydro test sections, the differential pressure across
the valve seat shall not exceed the seat test pressure during strength test and shall not exceed the
rated seat pressure during tightness test.
3.2 Design
a) Supports: For above ground installation, the pipeline shall be analysed to determine whether
temporary supports are required during hydrostatic testing to limit the sustained longitudinal
stresses to acceptable code limits. If temporary supports are found to be needed and more
economical than permanent supports, this should be highlighted in the hydrostatic test procedure.
Prior to conducting the pressure test, the following engineering and operations documents shall be
reviewed to make sure that the pressure test is appropriate and feasible:
b) As built drawings
c) Fabrication Records
e) Pipeline route.
g) Test pressure ratings of valves, components, connections, and appurtenances in the test section.
The following characteristics shall be established and clearly documented in a specific hydrostatic test
procedure and shall be submitted by CONTRACTOR for COMPANY approval:
b) Test section boundaries and segmenting of the pipeline including as built drawings.
c) Location of appurtenances within the test section (valves, flange sets, taps, stopples, sleeves,
patches, etc.)
d) Location of isolation points (valves, blind flanges, removal spool, etc.) within the test section
boundaries.
f) Location of measuring devices (Pressure and temperature) within the test section.
a. Large amounts of exposed pipe can result in large temperature related pressure changes,
making a stable test difficult to achieve.
a. Consider exposing all threaded, bolted or flanged fittings within the test segment prior to the
test for visual inspection during the test.
b. Consider replacing any gaskets within the test section prior to conducting the pressure test.
o) List of nominated personnel who are to supervise the pressure testing operations, and their
qualifications, tasks, responsibilities and authority.
5 HYDROSTATIC TESTING
This section defines specific requirements related to pressure testing of pipelines, such as test medium
and pressure, duration, etc. All testing requirements shall be indicated on the relevant Approved For
Construction pipeline drawings. The COMPANY will allocate one or more water sources for flushing
and testing.
5.1 Pipelines
All new Pipelines shall be subjected to a hydrostatic strength test equivalent to not less than 1.25
times the design pressure 4 hours minimum.
Acceptance criteria for strength tests is specified in section 8.5 of this specification.
a) There are many water sources and the water quality differs from one source to another depending
on the ecoregion, the type of watershed and depth of groundwater source. Some surface water,
particularly those in swampy or low-lying areas, may have high suspended solids concentrations
or other undesirable characteristics (e.g. high bacteria or high salinity/sodicity levels). There is also
a risk of contaminants being present from other industrial discharges.
b) The type of water that is used during hydro testing depends on the water source availability, volume
of water necessary, and criticality of the tested pipeline.
c) Water can be taken from: rivers, water canals, lakes, streams, or comparatively shallow water
sands, where the salinity is low, usually less than 5 000 ppm. Nevertheless, organic content, total
dissolved solids (TDS) and bacteria content varies widely from one source to another.
d) Before start a pipeline flooding operation, the CONTRACTOR shall perform an analysis of the
water intended to be used in hydro testing, to determine the number of active biological colonies.
Based on the obtained results, CONTRACTOR shall present for ROO approval, the recommended
biocide doses.
e) As much as be practical the use of brackish water from unknown sources should be avoided, due
to the uncertainties about its composition and chemical characteristics.
The water inlet should be well off the water source floor to minimize the possibility of picking up
dirt and debris.
Hydro test water shall be filtered to 50 micron (0,002 in) maximum particulate size before filling the
equipment.
If water is approved by COMPANY from source water. Water to be used as a test medium, before
confirming treatment type and chemicals dosage, water should be sampled in the exact location
where the water for hydro testing is taken. The amount of bacteria (at least CARBs and AFPs)
present in the water shall be determined.
If water is approved by COMPANY from source water. Hydro test water chemical treatment
requirements as well as the chemical types depends on factors such as:
a) Water characteristics (pH, solids content, Oxygen content, bacteria presence, salinity, etc.)
b) Pipeline material.
Biocide treatment shall be applied to all waters used for hydrotesting in ROO. All local water
sources contain bacteria which may have a detrimental impact on the pipeline materials and
generate H2S gas causing HSE and handling issues.
Biocide concentration shall be proportional to the number of active biological colonies identified,
but typically doses of 100 to 500 ppm by volume (ml/m3 water) depending on type and strength
should be used. Evidence of the effectiveness of the biocide treatment shall be recorded.
Note: advice on approved chemicals and treatment rates may be obtained from COMPANY.
Water used in hydro test not treated with biocide shall be removed from the pipeline as soon as
feasible. This can be accomplished by one of following methods:
a) Once the pipeline is connected to the wellhead, water will be displacing throughout the
pipeline and processed at the degassing station as part of the normal production fluids.
b) If the pipeline profile is suitable, the pipeline can be drained by gravity through one or both
ends.
In cases b and c; considerations to avoid flooding drain area shall be made, also the chemicals
concentration shall be maintained below regulatory thresholds or be controlled by neutralizing it
prior to being discharged.
Water used in hydro test that have been treated with biocide, can remain in the pipeline as
necessary.
All valves, fittings, pipe, hoses and instruments that form part of the test equipment shall be fully rated
for the test pressure and using materials that fully conform to the applicable line specification. All test
equipment connections shall be flanged and welded, no threaded connection fittings shall be used
unless accepted in writing by COMPANY. Suitably rated restraints/lashings or other approved
engineering design shall be used to mitigate the risk exposure to pressurised test equipment failure.
Visual inspection of all hydro test equipment including test fittings prior to each test use shall be carried
out by a competent person and documented to confirm compliance. Flange faces, gaskets and hoses
shall be checked for damage. Any damaged fittings shall be replaced before test is commenced.
Annual inspections of hydrotest equipment shall be carried out by CONTRACTOR and results
maintained in a register available for inspection by COMPANY.
Special care should be taken with the pressure gauges, which shall be calibrated within the expected
pressure range of 1.5 – 2 times the test pressure required.
b) A high-volume pump and associated piping to fill the line that provides adequate pressure to,
maintains sufficient velocity to move any debris in the pipeline.
c) To prevent the overpressure of test segments, during pressure test. The Installation of a relief valve
should be considered. When the PSV installed at the pressure source, its pressure set shall be
established as the test pressure, plus the lower value of 5% of the test pressure or 2 barg (200
Kpa, 30 Psi).
d) A portable tank or transport into which excess test medium can be discharged and from which
make-up volumes can be drawn.
e) A pressure sensing and display device that has the pressure range and increment divisions
necessary to indicate anticipated test pressures.
f) A continuous-recording pressure chart recorder, accurate within 2% of full scale that allows the
test pressure to be within 60% of the gauge, provides a permanent record of pressure versus time.
The accuracy of this instrument shall be confirmed through the respective calibration certificate
with validity not greater than a year.
g) A test medium temperature sensing and display instrument that is properly calibrated to a range
suitable for anticipated test temperatures. Temperature instrument accuracy shall be within 1°C of
actual temperature. Temperature instrument sensitivity shall be within 0.1°C.
j) If there is a deviation of more than 2% between the gauge and the recorder during the test, the
test shall be stopped, and the equipment recalibrated.
This procedure may be a combination of this spec, international standards guides and the operator’s
standard operating practices.
8.1.1 Cleaning
Contractor’s Method Statements and Inspection and Test Plans shall ensure the interior of all pipe
lengths are cleaned and carefully examined for the presence of foreign matter before the joints are
lined up for welding. Each joint shall be uniquely numbered with logged photograph evidence of
pipe cleanliness which shall be fully recorded.
At the end of each day’s work or every time jointing and welding operations are interrupted, the
open ends on the welded strings shall be covered with a securely fitted rubber caps, so as to
prevent the entry of dirt, water or any foreign matter into the pipeline. These covers shall not be
removed until the work is to be resumed.
Whenever partially complete pipelines are left with open ends to be tied in after an appreciable
time lag temporary blinded flanges shall be welded to the ends of the pipe.
8.1.2 Filling
The filling water should comply with sections 6.1, and if approved by COMPANY, 6.2.1, 6.2.2 and
6.2.3, unless a Deviation Request has been raised and accepted by the COMPANY, or when
specific conditions are defined and accept, as part of the specific test procedure presented by the
CONTRACTOR.
Filling should be carried in a way which minimise the amount of air remaining in to test section.
At least one vent point shall be installed on the pipeline at the opposite end of the pipeline to where
the filling is taking place.
Any vent points shall remain open during the filling operation until a continuous flow of water is
observed through them.
The volume of air remaining in the test section after filling shall be such that pressure can be
maintained within +/−1% of the end-point pressure for the test hold period, and isolated for the hold
period of the test.
a) All personnel should be located at a safe distance of minimum 20m from the test section.
b) All temporary piping and test heads should be adequately secured before the pressurization
process is started.
c) The initial pressurization of the section of pipe to be tested begins once the segment is full of
fluid and the appropriate measures have been taken to bleed any and all air; in other words,
the line segment is “packed.”
d) Initial pressurization of the section shall occur at a controlled rate to avoid surging the pipeline.
The site-specific test procedure should determine the pressurization rate up to the target test
pressure (the pressurization rate is typically 10 psig / min or lower).
e) Pipe connections should be periodically checked for leaks during the pressurization process.
f) Once 80% – 90% of the target test pressure is reached, the rate of pressurization should be
reduced, especially when the pressure is at or near 100% of the target test pressure.
g) Prior to the start of the test, it may be desirable to have a stabilization period, which would allow
both the temperature and pressure to stabilize.
h) Pressure transients may occur during the pressurization process and residual air may go into
solution.
i) Time required for thermal stabilization is dependent on the temperature of the test medium at
the time of filling, heat capacity of the test medium, pipe diameter, depth of buried pipe , and
the ground temperature.
j) Once the desired test pressure is reached, the pressurization equipment should be stopped
and isolated from the section.
Note: Pressure charts, sensors, and displays only show an approximation of the actual
pressure. The charts provide proof of the continuity of the test. The deadweight tester or
electronic equipment provides the actual pressure to be recorded.
Testing personnel should verify that the specified test pressure is being maintained.
The test period shall begin after the temperature of the test medium, has stabilized.
The test section temperature shall be plotted against time during the temperature stabilisation period
by recording every hour.
a) Strength test: Pressure shall maintain for a minimum of four (4) hours.
a) Any leaks or failures of the pipeline should be properly documented in the test report.
b) The mode or manner of failure will be important to guide any subsequent actions taken by
COMPANY.
a. If a rupture or a substantial leak occurs, the test shall be stopped and COMPANY notified
If a substantial failure occurs, the COMPANY shall determine when the test can be re-started.
Pipe or other failed components should be preserved for further examination and failure
analysis if necessary.
b. If a small leak occurs, the pressure should be reduced to an appropriate level while locating
the leak. After successful completion of the required rework, the test should be restarted with
a new hold period for strength test.
If rupture occurs, the damaged pressure-containing component shall be replaced and the strength
test shall be repeated. If leakage occurs during a pressurization or hold period, the quantity of
leaked liquid shall be collected, measured and consider in the determination of the end-point, and
the details of the leak shall be reported.
The preferred disposal method is to displace it to the degassing station associated to pipeline which is
being tested (oil service) or to water injection well (injection water service), otherwise it should be
disposed in accordance with all applicable environmental regulations and in the place determined by
environmental team.
k) Date and time of the start and end of the pressure test.
r) Name, signature and title of the person responsible for performing the pressure test.
t) Leak or failure information including location, description, cause (if known), method of repair, and
disposition of failed pipe or components.
11 GOC REQUIREMENTS
CONTRACTOR shall comply with the requirements of GOC completions procedure 00096R-C-G0-
G000-CO-PRO-0001.
11.1 A - ITR’s