A reduction in operating pressure can provide an equivalent level of safety as that provided by a Subpart E hydrostatic test. Is a pressure reduction an acceptable integrity assessment method?
A pressure reduction is not an assessment method. Although a pressure reduction can provide an equivalent margin to failure as a hydrostatic pressure test, a pressure reduction provides no information about the condition of the pipeline. One of the primary objectives of this rule is for operators to obtain a better understanding of the condition of their pipe so they can make well-founded technical decisions to reduce risk and protect HCAs.Section 195.452 (h) (1) specifies that a reduction in operating pressure taken to provide an immediate improvement in safety cannot extend more than 365 days without the operator taking additional remedial action.
Related Questions
- A reduction in operating pressure can provide an equivalent level of safety as that provided by a Subpart E hydrostatic test. Is a pressure reduction an acceptable integrity assessment method?
- Can the temporary reduction in operating pressure be based on calculations other than those defined in section 451.6.2.2 (b) of ASME/ANSI B31.4?
- Can the temporary reduction in operating pressure be based on calculations other than those defined in section 451.7 of ASME/ANSI B31.4?
