ASME B31.
3-2014
(b) Self-restrained metallic bellows expansion joints
(i.e., tied, hinged, pressure balanced, etc.) have restraint
hardware designed to resist the pressure thrust forces.
Except as limited in para. 345.3.3(c), a piping system
containing self-restrained expansion joints shall be leak
tested in accordance with para. 345. A self-restrained
expansion joint previously shop tested by the manufac-
turer in accordance with Appendix X may be excluded
from the system to be leak tested, except when a sensi-
tive leak test in accordance with para. 345.8 is required.
Restraint hardware for all types of expansion joints shall
be designed for the pressure thrust forces at the test
pressure.
(c) When a metallic bellows expansion joint is
installed in the piping system subject to a leak test and
the leak test pressure determined in accordance with
para. 345 exceeds the pressure of the test performed by
the manufacturer in accordance with Appendix X, the
required leak test pressure shall be reduced to the manu-
facturer’s test pressure.
345.3.4 Limits of Tested Piping. Equipment that is
not to be tested shall be either disconnected from the
piping or isolated by blinds or other means during the
test. A valve may be used provided the valve (including
its closure mechanism) is suitable for the test pressure.
345.4 Hydrostatic Leak Test
345.4.1 Test Fluid. The fluid shall be water unless
there is the possibility of damage due to freezing or to
adverse effects of water on the piping or the process
(see para. F345.4.1). In that case another suitable non-
toxic liquid may be used. If the liquid is flammable, its
flash point shall be at least 49°C (120°F), and consider-
ation shall be given to the test environment.
(14) 345.4.2 Test Pressure. Except as provided in para.
345.4.3, the hydrostatic test pressure at every point in a
metallic piping system shall be as follows:
(a) not less than 1.5 times the design pressure.
(b) when the design temperature is greater than the
test temperature, the minimum test pressure, at the point
under consideration, shall be calculated using eq. (24).
PT p 1.5 PST/S (24)
where
P p internal design gage pressure
PT p minimum test gage pressure
S p allowable stress at component design tempera-
ture for the prevalent pipe material; see
Table A-1
ST p allowable stress at test temperature for the
prevalent pipe material; see Table A-1
(c) in those cases where the piping system may not
include pipe itself, any other component in the piping
88
Copyright c 2015 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
system, other than pipe-supporting elements and bolt-
ing, may be used to determine the ST/S ratio based on the
applicable allowable stresses obtained from Table A-1. In
those cases where the piping system may be made up
of equivalent lengths of more than one material, the ST/S
ratio shall be based on the minimum calculated ratio of
the included materials.
(d) if the test pressure as defined above would pro-
duce a circumferential pressure or longitudinal stress
(based on minimum pipe wall thickness) in excess of
the yield strength at test temperature or a pressure more
than 1.5 times the component rating at test temperature,
the test pressure may be reduced to the maximum pres-
sure that will not exceed the lesser of the yield strength
or 1.5 times the component ratings at test temperature.
[See paras. 302.3.2(e) and (f ).] For metallic bellows
expansion joints, see Appendix X, para. X302.2.3(a).
345.4.3 Hydrostatic Test of Piping With Vessels as a
System 3
(a) Where the test pressure of piping attached to a
vessel is the same as or less than the test pressure for
the vessel, the piping may be tested with the vessel at
the piping test pressure.
(b) Where the test pressure of the piping exceeds the
vessel test pressure, and it is not considered practicable
to isolate the piping from the vessel, the piping and the
vessel may be tested together at the vessel test pressure,
provided the owner approves and the vessel test pres-
sure is not less than 77% of the piping test pressure
calculated in accordance with para. 345.4.2(b).
345.5 Pneumatic Leak Test
345.5.1 Precautions. Pneumatic testing involves
the hazard of released energy stored in compressed gas.
Particular care must therefore be taken to minimize the
chance of brittle failure during a pneumatic leak test.
Test temperature is important in this regard and must
be considered when the designer chooses the material
of construction. See para. 345.2.2(c) and Appendix F,
paras. F323.4 and F345.5.1.
345.5.2 Pressure Relief Device. A pressure relief
device shall be provided, having a set pressure not
higher than the test pressure plus the lesser of 345 kPa
(50 psi) or 10% of the test pressure.
345.5.3 Test Fluid. The gas used as test fluid, if not
air, shall be nonflammable and nontoxic.
345.5.4 Test Pressure. The test pressure shall be (14)
not less than 1.1 times the design pressure and shall not
exceed the lesser of
(a) 1.33 times the design pressure
(b) the pressure that would produce a circumferential
pressure or longitudinal stress (based on minimum pipe
3
The provisions of para. 345.4.3 do not affect the pressure test
requirements of any applicable vessel code.
 ASME B31.3-2014

Table B-1 Hydrostatic Design Stresses (HDS) and Recommended Temperature Limits for
Thermoplastic Pipe
Recommended
Temperature
Limits [Notes (1), (2)] Hydrostatic Design Stress at
23°C 73°F
ASTM
Minimum Maximum [Note (3)] [Note (3)] 38°C 100°F 82°C 180°F
Spec. Material Cell
No. Pipe Designation Designation Class °C °F °C °F MPa ksi MPa ksi MPa ksi

... PR ABS 43232 −40 −40 80 176 ... ... ... ... ... ...
D2846 SDR11 CPVC4120 23447 ... ... 82 180 13.8 2.0 ... ... 3.45 0.5
F441 Sch. 40 CPVC4120 23447 23 73 93.3 200 13.8 2.0 ... ... 3.45 0.5
F441 Sch. 80 CPVC4120 23447 23 73 93.3 200 13.8 2.0 ... ... 3.45 0.5
F442 SDR-PR CPVC4120 23447 23 73 93.3 200 13.8 2.0 11.3 1.64 3.45 0.5

D3309 SDR11 PB2110 ... 23 73 93.3 200 6.9 1.0 ... ... 3.45 0.5
D2239 SIDR-PR PE1404 ... 23 73 ... ... 2.76 0.40 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE2305 ... 23 73 ... ... 3.45 0.50 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE2306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE2406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE3306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE3406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2239 SIDR-PR PE3408 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE1404 ... 23 73 ... ... 2.76 0.40 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE2305 ... 23 73 ... ... 3.45 0.50 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE2306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE2406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE3306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2447 Sch. 40 and 80 PE3406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE2305 ... 23 73 ... ... 3.45 0.50 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE2306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE2406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE3306 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE3406 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D2737 SDR7.3, SDR9, SDR11 PE3408 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE1404 ... 23 73 ... ... 2.76 0.40 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE2606 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE2708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE3608 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE3708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE3710 ... 23 73 ... ... 6.89 1.00 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE4608 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE4708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
D3035 DR-PR PE4710 ... 23 73 ... ... 6.89 1.00 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE1404 ... 23 73 ... ... 2.76 0.40 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE2606 ... 23 73 ... ... 4.34 0.63 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE2708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE3608 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...

355
Copyright c 2015 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
 ASME B31.3-2014

Table B-1 Hydrostatic Design Stresses (HDS) and Recommended Temperature Limits for
Thermoplastic Pipe (Cont’d)
Recommended
Temperature
Limits [Notes (1), (2)] Hydrostatic Design Stress at
23°C 73°F
ASTM
Minimum Maximum [Note (3)] [Note (3)] 38°C 100°F 82°C 180°F
Spec. Material Cell
No. Pipe Designation Designation Class °C °F °C °F MPa ksi MPa ksi MPa ksi

F714 SDR-PR PE3708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE3710 ... 23 73 ... ... 6.89 1.00 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE4608 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE4708 ... 23 73 ... ... 5.51 0.80 ... ... ... ...
F714 SDR-PR PE4710 ... 23 73 ... ... 6.89 1.00 ... ... ... ...
F2389 SDR6, SDR7.3, SDR11 PP ... −18 0 99 210 4.34 0.63 3.45 0.50 1.38 0.20
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC1120 12454 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC1220 12454 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC2120 14333 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC2116 14333 23 73 ... ... 11.0 1.60 ... ... ... ...
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC2112 14333 23 73 ... ... 8.6 1.25 ... ... ... ...
D1785 Sch. 40, 80, 120 PVC2110 14333 23 73 ... ... 6.9 1.00 ... ... ... ...

D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC1120 12454 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC1220 12454 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC2120 14333 23 73 ... ... 13.8 2.00 ... ... ... ...
D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC2116 14333 23 73 ... ... 11.0 1.60 ... ... ... ...
D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC2112 14333 23 73 ... ... 8.6 1.25 ... ... ... ...
D2241 PR (SDR series) PVC2110 14333 23 73 ... ... 6.9 1.00 ... ... ... ...

Table B-2 Listed Specifications for Laminated

Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Pipe4
Spec. No.

ASTM C582

Table B-3 Listed Specifications for Filament Wound and Centrifugally Cast
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin and Reinforced Plastic Mortar Pipe4
Spec. Nos. (ASTM Except as Noted)

D2517 D2997 D3754

D2996 D3517 AWWA C950

356
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 ASME B31.3-2014

Table A341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Bonds

RTR and RPM

Thermoplastic [Note (1)]
Kind
of Hot Gas Solvent Heat Adhesive
Imperfection Welded Cemented Fusion Cemented

Cracks None permitted Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

Unfilled areas in joint None permitted None permitted None permitted None permitted
Unbonded areas in Not applicable None permitted None permitted None permitted
joint
Inclusions of charred None permitted Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
material
Unfused filler material None permitted Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
inclusions
Protrusion of material Not applicable Cement, 50% Fused material, 25% Adhesive, 25%
into pipe bore, %
of pipe wall
thickness

NOTE:
(1) RTR p reinforced thermosetting resin; RPM p reinforced plastic mortar.

A344 TYPES OF EXAMINATION A345.2.2 Other Test Requirements

(a) Paragraph 345.2.2(a) applies.
A344.1 General
(b) The possibility of brittle fracture shall be consid-
Paragraph 344.1 applies in its entirety. ered when conducting leak tests on brittle materials or
at low temperature.
A344.2 Visual Examination
(c) Paragraphs 345.2.3 through 345.2.7 apply.
Paragraph 344.2 applies in its entirety.
A345.3 Preparation for Leak Test
A344.5 Radiographic Examination
Paragraph 345.3 applies in its entirety, considering
Radiographic examination may be used in accordance bonds in place of welds, and excluding expansion joints.
with para. 344.1.2.
A345.4 Hydrostatic Leak Test
A344.6 Ultrasonic Examination
Ultrasonic examination may be used in accordance A345.4.1 Test Fluid. Paragraph 345.4.1 applies.
with para. 344.1.2. A345.4.2 Test Pressure
(a) Nonmetallic Piping. Except as provided in
A344.7 In-Process Examination para. A345.4.3, the hydrostatic test pressure at any point
Paragraph 344.7 applies in its entirety. in a nonmetallic piping system shall be not less than
1.5 times the design pressure, but shall not exceed
1.5 times the maximum rated pressure of the lowest-
rated component in the system.
A345 TESTING (b) Thermoplastic Piping. For piping systems in which
A345.1 Required Leak Test the design temperature is above the test temperature,
(a) Prior to initial operation, each piping system shall para. 345.4.2(b) applies, except that S and ST shall be
be tested to ensure tightness. The test shall be a hydro- from Table B-1 instead of A-1.
static leak test in accordance with para. A345.4, except (c) Metallic Piping with Nonmetallic Lining. Paragraph
as provided herein. 345.4.2 applies.
(b) Paragraphs 345.1(a) and (b) apply. A345.4.3 Hydrostatic Test of Piping With Vessels as
a System. Paragraph 345.4.3 applies.
A345.2 General Requirements for Leak Test
Requirements in para. A345.2 apply to more than one A345.5 Pneumatic Leak Test
type of leak test.
A345.5.1 Precautions. In addition to the require-
A345.2.1 Limitations on Pressure. Paragraphs ments of para. 345.5.1, a pneumatic test of nonmetallic
345.2.1(b) and (c) apply. piping is permitted only with the owner’s approval,

109
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