Piping Test Pack

[Athenasby Regalado]

Steelpipes are used everywhere, from plumbing systems to a wide variety of structural applications. To ensure that these pipes can perform under different levels of environmental stresses, they have to undergo a series of pipe testing methods. The types of testing can be classified under destructive and non-destructive testing. Since almost all pipes will inevitably be subject to wear and tear, corrosion, cracking, and other manufacturing defects, testing methods are crucial in predicting their behavior.

Since only surface identification is involved in magnetic particle inspection, it does not destroy parts or the entire pipe itself. Likewise, it is capable of identifying locations prone to surface breakage, cracking, poorly-welded joints, pores, cold laps, and the like.

Another destructive pipe testing technique, the Charpy impact design is designed to measure the toughness of the pipes. This is most commonly performed on notched pipes or pipes that have been joined together on the side to create a bend or a joint.

In this test, a weighted pendulum is placed in a controlled environment, where it is swung from a height. The impact on the material is the measurement of how much energy the pipe absorbed upon impact or fracturing.

Ultrasonic testing has also been reliable because once wall thickness is properly identified, it can provide useful information for the inspector regarding corrosion and other potential imperfections. Post-processing techniques are thus implemented as a result.

When understanding the different pipe testing methods, the types are essential in determining the behavior of the pipe under certain conditions. Several of these tests are non-destructive in nature, meaning they do not result in damage to the original specimen or pipe. Instead, they are conducted to identify certain physical properties of the material. Whereas in non-destructive testing, the object is deliberately subject to impacts to test its level of ductility, brittleness, or toughness.

Before buying steel pipes, or any other material for that matter, a good practice is to ask the manufacturer or supplier if they conduct any of these tests on the list. Only then can you be assured that the pipes will meet their specifications for use, especially where impacts, temperature, and pressure are concerned.

MITT-Series tools allow welding to be performed safely on hydrocarbon lines. This provides peace of mind of a positive pressurized hydrostatic isolation. Each of these combination tools can be used for both isolation and testing.

Up to 6 pipe schedules are covered per tool, and the lightweight construction means a crane is not required. The tools simply mount into elbows and tees and allow testing to take place on mismatched schedules.

Certified API 570 Piping inspectors must have a broad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, alteration and repair of in-service metallic piping systems. The API 570 examination is designed to determine if applicants have such knowledge.

API 570 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation ensures that the exam has been developed to the highest standard for openness and integrity and meets the rigorous requirements established under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024.

As outlined in the Annex A of the API 570 Standard, the qualification requirements for API 570 Piping inspector certification are based on the combination of education and experience related to in-service metallic piping systems. This experience must have been acquired within the last 10 years while employed by, or under contract with, an authorized inspection agency as defined in API 570.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 570 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application and will be verified after your application has been submitted.

API Standards SubscriptionAccess standards, analyze available standards, support your organization with other API initiatives and mitigate risk with the latest change management tools like new standards alerts through this direct licensing platform.

1. What is a tightness test?

2. What NYS law requires tightness testing?

3. Which tank and piping systems must be tested for tightness and how often must they be tested?

4. How often must Subpart 3 tanks/piping be tested?

5. How often must Subpart 2 tanks/piping be tested?

6. Who is responsible for ensuring that tank systems are tested for tightness?

7. Who is a qualified tester and where do I find one?

8. What if my tank system fails a tightness test?

9. How are test results reported?

10. What should I do if I think the tightness test notice has been sent to me in error?

Note: This information is intended to provide tank owners and operators answers to commonly asked questions. Tank owners should obtain a copy of the state Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) regulations, determine which Subparts apply to their tank system(s), and read them carefully and in their entirety. Tank owners and operators are responsible for complying with all technical requirements in the PBS regulations.

A tightness test is a means of determining whether a storage tank and/or its piping system are leaking. DEC requires using a test that can detect a tank or piping leak of 0.1 gallons per hour (gph) (with a probability of at least 95% and no more than 5% probability of false alarm. For line (piping) tightness tests, the test must detect 0.1-gph leaks at one and one-half (1.5) times the operating pressure. The test(s) used must detect leaks from the entire tank system component - tank tests must include the liquid-filled portion of the tank AND the vapor space above the petroleum, while piping tests must include all portions of underground piping (that routinely contain petroleum). To accomplish this, one of the four following tests can be used:

There are many variables which can affect the ability of each of these tests to detect a leak. One variable commonly involved in all test methods (except for the separate piping test) is the depth of groundwater in relation to the tank. In order to compensate for the presence of groundwater around the tank, its depth must be determined as close to the tank as possible by using either a well or well point. (Without this information on the test report, the test is invalid.)

Because some tests compensate for variables better than others, DEC has determined that the test methods listed by the National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluations (NWGLDE) meet the requirements set forth in the regulations and give results that are acceptable to DEC. A list of all leak detection methods, including tightness tests and a specification page for each leak detection method that indicates how that method must be used, is available at the NWGLDE website (See "Links Leaving DEC's Website" on the right-hand side of this page). Tests must be conducted in accordance with this specification in order to be acceptable. (When looking at the NWGLDE website, click "Testing Methods" on the left-hand side and then look under one of the following categories: line tightness test method, non-volumetric tank tightness test method (tracer), non-volumetric tank tightness test method (ullage), non-volumetric tank tightness test method (vacuum), volumetric tank tightness test method (underfill), or volumetric tank tightness test method (overfill)1.)

In an effort to prevent leaks and spills, the New York State Legislature passed the Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) Law - Article 17, Title 10, of the Environmental Conservation Law - requiring DEC to develop and enforce a State code for storage and handling of petroleum. The regulations are found in Part 613 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations 6 NYCRR Part 613 (215 pages, 1.2 MB).

TANKS - Subpart 3: USTs that are part of a Subpart 3 tank system must be tested for tightness at least every year. However, no annual tightness testing is required for a Subpart 3 UST that is:

PIPING - Subpart 3: Underground4 pressurized and suction piping, for UST systems subject to Subpart 3, must be tested for tightness at least every year. However, no annual tightness testing is required for:

TANKS - Subpart 2: USTs that are part of a Subpart 2 tank system do not require tightness testing as these tanks are required to be equipped with an acceptable leak detection method.

Under the regulations, both the tank owner and the tank operator are responsible for having tanks and piping tested periodically by a qualified technician. Note: Tank owners/operators in New York City (NYC) are responsible for contacting the Fire Department (FDNY) prior to testing tank systems storing motor fuel.

Each test manufacturer trains and certifies technicians who perform that test. Each authorized technician will have a certification that indicates that they have been properly trained as well as an expiration date for that certification. The certification number for the technician performing the test must be included on the test report. Companies that provide tank testing services can be found online, or you might get a referral from your petroleum supplier. If you have any questions about a technician, call the test manufacturer. The manufacturer's phone number is on the list found at the website for the National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluations (NWGLDE) (See "Links Leaving DEC's Website" on the right menu of this page).

The test report must include the test results, calculations, how depth to groundwater was determined, and all information required in section 613-3.3(c)(1)(ii)(b). A copy of this test report must be sent to the DEC Regional Office by the tank owner or the test technician, within thirty (30) days after the test is performed. The report must also be kept on file by the tank owner for at least three (3) years. Note that the means of determining the depth to groundwater is not required to be on the report for the separate piping test.

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