I see many contractors still attempting to argue that Pressure Testing and Leak Testing are the same tests. This is incorrect, as I have often discussed in my ramblings on this website. This post breaks down the requirements of the most common “leak test,” called the “bubble test.” ASME B31.3 refers us to ASME BPVC, Section V, for how to perform the “bubble test” on our piping. And yes, we are well aware that ASME Section V is a pressure vessel code; however, rather than copy and paste the requirements from Section V, the B31 series refers us to Section V. The bubble test practice is the same whether we are looking for leaks on a weld on a pressure vessel or pressurized piping.
Please note that this post goes back to our Pre-Start Up Safety Review line item, which so many sign off on without fully understanding what they are signing off on!
1910.119(i) Pre-startup safety review.
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The pre-startup safety review shall confirm that prior to the introduction of highly hazardous chemicals to a process:
1910.119(i)(2)(i) Construction and equipment is in accordance with design specifications;
68.77 Pre-startup review
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(b) The pre-startup safety review shall confirm that prior to the introduction of regulated substances to a process:
(1) Construction and equipment is in accordance with design specifications;
(emphasis by me)