Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
Section 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 | 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) ]La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § XIII-2303
Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 9:237 (April 1983), amended LR 10:530 (July 1984), LR 30:1256 (June 2004), Amended LR 441041 (6/1/2018).AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.