What strength test requirements must be met to operate at a higher alternative MAOP?
49 CFR 192.620 (c)(4) addresses initial strength testing requirements. In order to establish a higher alternative MAOP, an operator must perform the initial strength testing of a new segment at a pressure at least as great as 125 percent of the MAOP in Class 1 locations and 150 percent in Class 2 and 3 locations. Since an existing pipeline was previously operated at a lower MAOP, it may have been initially tested at a pressure less than these levels. If so, 192.620(c) allows the operator to elect to conduct a new strength test in order to raise the MAOP.
49 CFR 192.620 (c)(4) addresses initial strength testing requirements. In order to establish a higher alternative MAOP, an operator must perform the initial strength testing of a new segment at a pressure at least as great as 125 percent of the alternative MAOP in Class 1 locations and 150 percent of the alternative MAOP in Class 2 and 3 locations. (For Class 2 alternative MAOP segments installed prior to December 22, 2008 the alternative test factor is 1.25.) Since existing pipelines are operated at a lower MAOP, they may have been initially tested at a pressure less than these levels. If so, 192.620(c) allows the operator to conduct a new strength test in order to raise the MAOP.
