Kvaerner Process Systems

Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Document No. : 9055-Q-PR-0120

Revision No .:
1
Page :
1 of 2

LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - PIPING

1.0

GENERAL

1.1

This procedure defines the minimum requirements for leak testing (assembly integrity testing)
of assembled piping.

1.2

It is the responsibility of the Quality Control Engineer to ensure that all leak testing complies
with the requirements of this procedure.

1.3

Leak testing is to be carried after flushing and hydrostatic testing at site of the assembled piping.
The objective of leak testing is to ensure that all piping joints are leak free once placed into
service. Leak testing is only applicable to piping systems which operate at a pressure greater
than 1 barg or which could under upset conditions be subject to a pressure greater than 1 barg

1.4

Leak Testing medium shall be compressed Air at 1 barg.

1.5

Leak Testing shall be carried out in a controlled manner. During testing all non essential
personnel shall be prohibited from entering the area where testing is taking place.

2.0

PREPARATION FOR LEAK TESTING

2.1

All piping shall be installed in their normal service positions. .

2.2

All valves, instruments and other equipment shall be installed in accordance with the relevant
Piping and Instrument Diagrams. All temporary equipment i.e. spades shall have been removed.
All equipment shall have been tested and calibrated as applicable so that no future equipment
removal is planned.

2.3

All isolation valves local to atmospheric tanks shall be closed.

2.4

All flanged joints which will be tested shall be sealed with plastic tape. The Quality Control
Engineer shall "pin prick" the tape at one location only and highlight the location for future ease
of identification.

3.0

LEAK TESTING

3.1

Leak Testing shall be carried out by the application of 1 barg (nominal) compressed to the piping
system. After pressurisation to 1 barg the source of the compressed air shall be isolated from the
piping. A pressure gauge shall be used to indicate the pressure in the piping system.

265986390.doc

Kvaerner Process Systems

Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Document No. : 9055-Q-PR-0120

Revision No .:
1
Page :
2 of 2

LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - PIPING

3.2

In the case of piping which is "broken" by an atmospheric tank, leak testing should be carried
out in stages i.e. testing of the upstream piping followed by testing of the downstream piping.

3.2

The pressure shall be maintained constant for at least 15 minutes or the length of time that it
takes for the Quality Control Engineer to verify that there is no leakage from any flanged or
threaded joint - whichever is the longer.

265986390.doc

Kvaerner Process Systems

Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Document No. : 9055-Q-PR-0120

Revision No .:
1
Page :
3 of 2

LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - PIPING

3.3

Soapy water shall be used to as a means in assisting the detection of leakages.

3.4

In the event of any leakage the piping shall be vented to atmospheric pressure prior to the
tightening of bolts or plugs.

4.0

RECORDS

4.1

Satisfactory leak testing shall be recorded on a Pressure Test Certificate which shall contain the
following information.

4.2

a.

Test medium and pressure.

Holding time

Pipe line no.s tested.

Signatures and stamps of all witnesses.

A typical Pressure Test Certificate is attached to this procedure.

265986390.doc