LAC 43:XIII.2303. General Requirements [49 CFR 192.503]

A. No person may operate a new segment of pipeline, or return to service a segment of pipeline that has been relocated or replaced, until: [49 CFR 192.503(a)] 1. it has been tested in accordance with this Chapter and §2719 to substantiate the maximum allowable operating pressure; and [49 CFR 192.503(a)(1)] 2. each potentially hazardous leak has been located and eliminated. [49 CFR 192.503(a)(2)] B. The test medium must be liquid, air, natural gas, or inert gas that is: [49 CFR 192.503(b)] 1. compatible with the material of which the pipeline is constructed; [49 CFR 192.503(b)(1)] 2. relatively free of sedimentary materials; and [49 CFR 192.503(b)(2)] 3. except for natural gas, nonflammable. [49 CFR 192.503(b)(3)] C. Except as provided in §2305.A, if air, natural gas, or inert gas is used as the test medium, the following maximum hoop stress limitations apply. [49 CFR 192.503(c)] Class Location | Maximum Hoop Stress Allowed as Percentage of SMYS Natural Gas | Air or Inert Gas 1 | 80 2 | 30 | 75 3 | 30 | 50 4 | 30 | 40 D. Each joint used to tie in a test segment of pipeline is excepted from the specific test requirements of this Chapter, but each non-welded joint must be leak tested at not less than its operating pressure. [49 CFR 192.503(d)] E. If a component other than pipe is the only item being replaced or added to a pipeline, a strength test after installation is not required, if the manufacturer of component certifies that: [49 CFR 192.503(e)] 1. the component was tested to at least the pressure required for the pipeline to which it is being added; [49 CFR 192.503(e)(1)] 2. the component was manufactured under a quality control system that ensures that each item manufactured is at least equal in strength to a prototype and that the prototype was tested to at least the pressure required for the pipeline to which it is being added; or [49 CFR 192.503(e)(2)] 3. the component carries a pressure rating established through applicable ASME/ANSI, Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc. (MSS) specifications, or by unit strength calculations as described in §1103. [49 CFR 192.503(e)(3)]