ASTM F2786 is an excellent source for reliable information on how to “Leak Test” Polyethylene (PE) piping systems. The practice provides information on apparatus, safety, pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests of polyethylene pressure piping systems after installation using gaseous testing media such as unodorized inert non-toxic gas or air, and applying pressure to determine if leaks exist in the system (pneumatic leak testing). This practice applies only to testing to discover leakage. Testing for other purposes, such as testing to establish operating pressure, is beyond the scope of this practice.
Leak testing with pressurized gaseous testing media shall be used ONLY IF ONE OR BOTH of the following conditions exist:
- The piping system is so designed that it cannot be filled with a liquid, or
- The piping system service cannot tolerate traces of liquid testing fluid.
Where hydrostatic testing is specified in contract documents or by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), testing using pressurized gaseous testing media (pneumatic) testing shall NOT be substituted without the express consent and authorization of the authority having jurisdiction. Some manufacturers prohibit or restrict testing of their products with pressurized gaseous testing media. Contact component manufacturers for information. Where the manufacturer of a test section component prohibits or restricts testing with pressurized gaseous testing media, testing in accordance with this practice shall not be used without the express consent and authorization of the authority having jurisdiction and the component manufacturer.
Warning—Failure during a pressurized gaseous testing media leak test can be extremely violent and dangerous because the energy that is applied to compress the gaseous testing media and to pressurize the system will both be suddenly released.
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