ARTICLE T-3 HYDROSTATIC TESTS

AT-300 HYDROSTATIC TESTS BASED ON VESSEL DESIGN PRESSURE static test pressure is allowed to exceed, either intentionally or accidentally, the value determined as prescribed in AT-301 to the degree that the vessel is subject to visual permanent distortion, the Inspector shall reserve the right to reject the vessel. (See AT-330.)

Except as otherwise permitted in AT-330 and AT400, completed vessels designed for internal pressure shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test pressure which, at every point in the vessel, is not less than 1.25 times the design pressure (see AD-121.1) to be marked on the vessel, multiplied by the lowest ratio (for the materials of which the vessel is constructed) of the stress intensity value Sm for the test temperature of the vessel to the stress intensity value Sm for the design temperature (see Table AD-150.1). AT-301 Hydrostatic Tests Based on Calculated Pressure

AT-310

HYDROSTATIC TESTS OF COMBINATION UNITS

Combination units shall be tested by one of the following methods. AT-310.1 Pressure Chambers Designed to Operate Independently. Pressure chambers of combination units that have been designed to operate independently shall be hydrostatically tested as separate vessels; that is, each chamber shall be tested without pressure in the adjacent chamber. AT-310.2 Common Elements Designed for a Maximum Differential Pressure. When pressure chambers of combination units have their common elements designed for the maximum differential pressure that can possibly occur during startup, operation, and shutdown, and the differential pressure is less than the higher pressure in the adjacent chambers, the common elements shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test pressure of at least 114 times the differential pressure to be marked on the unit, corrected for temperature as in AM-300. AT-310.3 Adjacent Chambers. Following the test of the common elements, as required by AT-310.2, and their inspection, the adjacent chambers shall be hydrostatically tested simultaneously (see AT-300 and AT-301). Care must be taken to limit the differential pressure between the chambers to the pressure used when testing the common elements. AT-310.4 Special Stamping and Data Report Requirements for Combination Units. The vessel stamping and the Manufacturers Data Report must describe the common elements and their limiting differential pressure (see AS-101, AS-300, and AS-301).
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A hydrostatic test based on a calculated pressure may be used by agreement between the user and the Manufacturer. The hydrostatic test pressure at the top of the vessel shall be the minimum of the test pressure calculated by multiplying the basis for calculated test pressure for each pressure element by 114 and reducing this value by the hydrostatic head on that element. The basis for this calculated test pressure is the highest permissible internal pressure, as determined by the design formulas, for each element of the vessel using nominal thicknesses, including corrosion allowance, and the allowable stress intensity values given in Subpart 1 of Section II, Part D for the temperature of the test. When this pressure is used, it shall be as set forth in the Design Report. AT-302 Upper Limit of Hydrostatic Test Pressure

The requirements of AT-300 represent the minimum standard hydrostatic test pressure required by this Division, except as permitted in AT-330. The requirements of AT-301 represent a special test condition based on calculations. Any intermediate value of pressure may be used. The upper limits of hydrostatic test pressure are established in AD-151 and AD-151.1. If the hydro-

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AT-320

PART AT TESTING

AT-355

AT-320

VESSELS DESIGNED FOR VACUUM

AT-352

Fluid Media and Temperatures for Hydrostatic Tests

Vessels designed for a vacuum or partial vacuum only and chambers of multichamber vessels designed for a vacuum or partial vacuum only shall be subjected to an internal hydrostatic test or, when a hydrostatic test is not practicable, to a pneumatic test in accordance with the provisions of Article T-4. Either type of test shall be made at a pressure not less than 114 times the difference between normal atmospheric pressure and the minimum design internal absolute pressure.

AT-330

ENAMELED VESSELS

The test pressure for enameled vessels shall be at least equal to but need not exceed the design pressure to be marked on the vessel.

Any liquid, nonhazardous at any temperature, may be used for the hydrostatic test if below its boiling point. Combustible liquids having a ash point less than 110F (43C), such as petroleum distillates, may be used only for near atmospheric temperature tests. It is recommended that the metal temperature during hydrostatic test be maintained at least 30F (17C) above the minimum design metal temperature, but need not exceed 120F (49C), to minimize the risk of brittle fracture. The test pressure shall not be applied until the vessel and the pressurizing medium are at about the same temperature. If the test temperature exceeds 120F (49C), it is recommended that examination of the vessel required by AT-355 be delayed until the temperature is reduced to 120F (49C). AT-353 Check of Test Equipment Before Applying Pressure

AT-340

PAINTED/COATED/LINED VESSELS

Vessels, except for those in lethal service as dened in AG-301(c), may be painted or otherwise coated either internally or externally, and may be lined internally, prior to the pressure test. However, the user is cautioned that such painting/coating/lining may mask leaks that would otherwise have been detected during the pressure test.

Before applying pressure, the test equipment shall be inspected to see that it is tight and that all lowpressure lling lines and other appurtenances that should not be subjected to the test pressure have been disconnected or isolated by valves or other suitable means. AT-355 Examination for Leakage After Application of Pressure

AT-350 AT-351

HYDROSTATIC TESTING PROCEDURE Provision of Vents at High Points

Vents shall be provided at all high points of the vessel in the position in which it is to be tested to purge possible air pockets while the vessel is being lled.

Following the application of the hydrostatic test pressure, examination for leakage shall be made of all joints and connections and of all regions of high stress such as head knuckles, regions around openings, and thickness transition sections. This examination shall be made at a pressure equal to the greater of the design pressure or three-fourths of the test pressure and shall be witnessed by the Inspector. Any leaks that are present shall be corrected in accordance with the rules, after which the vessel shall be retested in accordance with these requirements.

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