Piping

Transferring liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 per NFPA 704

We have discussed all the requirements for transferring flammable liquids and gases (i.e., NFPA Flammable “4”); however, I have not mentioned the requirements for transferring TOXIC and HIGHLY TOXIC LIQUIDS that have an NFPA 704 Health Rating of 3 or 4. We see these issues in our Chlorine work where Cl2 is a “utility” to…...

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Cathodic Protection on Piping and Line Breaking

The question was asked… If the underground piping is protected by a cathodic protection system, does this system need to be turned OFF and Locked Out before workers begin working on the pipe?… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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Can we do a leak test using the BUBBLE TEST — DIRECT PRESSURE TECHNIQUE in “cold” weather?

I was always taught the “bubble test” method had a climate limitation regarding cold ambient temperatures. As we have discussed, ASME B31.3 refers us to ASME Section V for the Bubble Test method for leak testing. It is there we can find the “surface temperature” limitations… (emphasis is by me)… Membership Required You must be...

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Piping inspections are more than post-welded inspections

I talk a lot about inspecting welds/flanges and then pressure testing and leak testing our piping. However, there is more to this story. Inspecting our piping actually begins before it is installed. 341.4.1 Examination – Normal Fluid Service… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in...

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Not all flanges and threaded joints must be “visually examined” unless…

It is true that not all flanges and threaded joints have to be visually examined. However, this exemption is seriously limited. (4) a sufficient number of threaded, bolted, and other mechanical joints selected at random to satisfy the examiner that they conform to the applicable requirements of para. 335. Here is the qualifier…… Membership Required...

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Threaded Piping Connections and Hazardous Materials

Recently I was asked if “torquing” threaded pipe is required by code. I answered the inquiry by referring the client to ASME B1.20.1-2013, which states: 1.4 Sealing (NPT and NPSC Only)…1.4.3 Tightening Torque.Due to application-specific variables such as materials, wall thickness, operating pressures, etc., no guidance is given in this Standard regarding joint-tightening torque. However,…...

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Hazards of Pneumatic Pressure Testing Piping with Nitrogen

At 8:04 a.m. on May 11, 2023, an employee, 58, working for an oil and gas support services company was found dead. On 5/10/23, the night before, the employee had instructed his coworkers from other contractors to go home, and he would finish the job up. This was the last time anyone had spoken to…...

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Pressure Test gone BAD (Fire Hose #2)

Employee #1, a firefighter, was performing a pressurized hose test on a 4-inch fire hose. The employee was standing at the pump panel of the fire truck next to the discharge point where the hose was connected by a 2.5-inch double female adapter to the 3.5-inch fitting on the truck. The hose was being brought…...

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Pressure Test gone BAD (Fire Hose)

On November 3, 2006, Employee #1, a firefighter/paramedic, was the designated pump operator during the performance of an annual hose test. The pump on the fire department apparatus was utilized to perform the test. Near the conclusion of the 5-minute 400 psi test, while Employee #1 was reducing the pressure in a hose being tested,…...

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