LAC 43:XIII.2503. General Requirements [49 CFR 192.553]

A. Pressure Increases. Whenever the requirements of this Chapter require that an increase in operating pressure be made in increments, the pressure must be increased gradually, at a rate that can be controlled, and in accordance with the following. [49 CFR 192.553(a)] 1. At the end of each incremental increase, the pressure must be held constant while the entire segment of the pipeline that is affected is checked for leaks. [49 CFR 192.553(a)(1)] 2. Each leak detected must be repaired before a further pressure increase is made, except that a leak determined not to be potentially hazardous need not be repaired, if it is monitored during the pressure increase and it does not become potentially hazardous. [49 CFR 192.553(a)(2)] B. Records. Each operator who uprates a segment of pipeline shall retain for the life of the segment a record of each investigation required by this Chapter, of all work performed, and of each pressure test conducted, in connection with the uprating. [49 CFR 192.553(b)] C. Written Plan. Each operator who uprates a segment of pipeline shall establish a written procedure that will ensure that each applicable requirement of this Chapter is complied with. [49 CFR 192.553(c)] D. Limitation on Increase in Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure. Except as provided in §2505.C, a new maximum allowable operating pressure established under this Chapter may not exceed the maximum that would be allowed under §§2719 and 2721 for a new segment of pipeline constructed of the same materials in the same location. However, when uprating a steel pipeline, if any variable necessary to determine the design pressure under the design formula (§905) is unknown, the MAOP may be increased as provided in §2719.A.1. [49 CFR 192.553(d)]