Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This NORSOK standard is developed with broad petroleum industry participation by interested parties in the
Norwegian petroleum industry and is owned by the Norwegian petroleum industry represented by The Norwegian
Oil Industry Association (OLF) and The Federation of Norwegian Industry. Please note that whilst every effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of this NORSOK standard, neither OLF nor The Federation of Norwegian
Industry or any of their members will assume liability for any use thereof. Standards Norway is responsible for the
administration and publication of this NORSOK standard.
Standards Norway Telephone: + 47 67 83 86 00
Strandveien 18, P.O. Box 242 Fax: + 47 67 83 86 01
N-1326 Lysaker Email: petroleum@standard.no
NORWAY Website: www.standard.no/petroleum
Copyrights reserved
NORSOK standard L-004 Edition 2, September 2010
Foreword 5
1 Scope 6
2 Normative and informative references 6
2.1 Normative references 6
2.2 Informative references 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations 6
3.1 Terms and definitions 7
3.2 Abbreviations 7
4 Materials 7
4.1 Colour marking of materials 7
4.2 Material storage, handling, recieval and identification control 7
5 Fabrication of pipework 8
5.1 General requirements 8
5.2 Welding and NDE 8
5.3 Butt welds for orifice runs 8
5.4 Screwed pipework 8
5.5 Dimensional tolerances for pre-fabricated piping assemblies 8
5.6 Branch connections and outlets 10
5.7 Pipe flanges, mechanical hub and clamp coupling 11
6 Installation of piping 11
6.1 Pipework erection 11
6.2 Flanged joints 11
6.3 Strain sensitive equipment with flange connections 12
6.4 Gaskets 12
6.5 Bolting 12
6.6 Pipe support 13
6.7 Global tolerances, installation 13
7 Cleaning of pipework 14
7.1 General 14
7.2 Hydro flushing 14
7.3 Pressurised air shockblowing 14
7.4 Pneumatic flushing 15
7.5 Soft pigging 15
7.6 Verification of cleanness 15
8 Pressure tests 15
8.1 General 15
8.2 Test preparation 15
8.3 Test media 16
8.4 Hydrostatic testing 17
8.5 Pneumatic testing 17
8.6 After completion of test 17
8.7 Test acceptance criteria 17
8.8 Test documentation 17
9 Chemical cleaning 18
9.1 General 18
9.2 Documentation 18
10 Hot oil flushing 19
10.1 General 19
10.2 Marking 19
10.3 Documentation 19
11 Tightness testing 20
12 System colour coding of piping 20
12.1 Purpose 20
12.2 Types of markers 20
12.3 Insulated lines 21
Foreword
The NORSOK standards are developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry to ensure adequate safety,
value adding and cost effectiveness for petroleum industry developments and operations. Furthermore,
NORSOK standards are, as far as possible, intended to replace oil company specifications and serve as
references in the authorities’ regulations.
The NORSOK standards are normally based on recognised international standards, adding the provisions
deemed necessary to fill the broad needs of the Norwegian petroleum industry. Where relevant, NORSOK
standards will be used to provide the Norwegian industry input to the international standardisation process.
Subject to development and publication of international standards, the relevant NORSOK standard will be
withdrawn.
The NORSOK standards are developed according to the consensus principle generally applicable for most
standards work and according to established procedures defined in NORSOK A-001.
The NORSOK standards are prepared and published with support by The Norwegian Oil Industry Association
(OLF), The Federation of Norwegian Industry, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and The Petroleum Safety
Authority Norway.
1 Scope
This NORSOK standard covers the basis for fabrication, installation, flushing, pressure testing, chemical
cleaning, hot oil flushing and system colour coding of process, drilling and utility piping for offshore oil and/or
gas production facilities.
3.1.2
should
verbal form used to indicate that among several possibilities one is recommended as particularly suitable,
without mentioning or excluding others, or that a certain course of action is preferred but not necessarily
required
3.1.3
may
verbal form used to indicate a course of action permissible within the limits of this NORSOK standard
3.1.4
can
verbal form used for statements of possibility and capability, whether material, physical or casual
3.2 Abbreviations
ABS absolute
API American Petroleum Institute
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
EN European Standard
GRP glass fiber reinforced plastic
He helium
HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
ISO International Organisation for Standardisation
IX special metallic seal ring, see NORSOK L-005, clause 5
N2 nitrogen
N2He nitrogen helium
NCR non conformance request
NDE non destructive examination
NPT National Pipe Thread Taper
NS Norwegian Standard
O2 oxygen
OD outside diameter
P&ID piping and instrument diagram
PAS pressurised air shock blowing
PVC polyester vinyl chloride
UV ultra violet
4 Materials
• carbon steel and stainless steel components shall be segregated to avoid any cross contamination.
• all fittings and equipment shall be protected against damage during handling from supplier to fabrication
yard and further to final installation plant. Especially focus shall be made to sealing surfaces, bevelled
areas, and contact between different material qualities to avoid surface contamination. This also includes
protection during erection phase in order to protect against contamination from other activities on site.
5 Fabrication of pipework
Internal cleaning of pipe spools shall be done by hydro flushing or hydro jetting.
The fabrication yard shall be outfitted for work with relevant materials. Intermediate storing, lifting devices and
handling equipment shall have a surface not causing contamination of the materials they are used for. All
tools shall be restricted to the relevant material group to avoid rust contamination and shall be marked to
avoid mixing of tools for different materials. Different grades of stainless steel materials can be handled with
the same tools.
All welded attachments to piping, including pads and doubler plates, shall be of a material 100 % compatible
with the piping material.
Fabrication of high alloy piping shall take place in areas separated from areas where carbon steel piping is
fabricated. Titanium fabrication shall also be separated from stainless steel and carbon steel fabrication
areas.
Bending and forming of pipe shall be carried out in accordance with ASME B31.3, NORSOK M-630 (EDS
NBE1 and EDS NBE2) and shall be carried out according to documented procedures.
Internals of in-line valves and equipment that could be damaged due to heat transfer shall be removed prior
to welding and/or heat treatment.
All threading shall be carried-out after bending, forging or heat treatment, but where this is not possible,
suitable thread protection shall be provided.
NPT threads need special attention to dimensional tolerances due to the conic configuration. Minimum
engagement shall be 4.5 for NPT threads.
Angularity tolerances across the face of flanges, weld end preparation and rotation of flanges shall be as
stated in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Closer tolerances on weld end preparations than stated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, may be specified in the
relevant welding specification for the material in question, and shown on the fabrication isometric(s).
When closer tolerances other than those given above are required, these shall be as specified on the
isometric drawing in question.
3 mm per 1 m
L
Max 6 mm L
L L
L
L
L [m] ∆L T
Tolerances [mm]
≤6 ±5 ± 1,5
>6 ± 10 ± 1,5
A
L2
d L1
L
L2
T d L1
L
T
L [m] L A T 2 in ≤ d ≤ 12 in ≤ d ≤ d >20 in
10 in 20 in
Tolerances [mm] Tolerances [mm]
≤6 ±3 ± 1,5 ± 1,5 L1 ±3 ±5 ±5
>6 ±5 ± 1,5 ± 1,5 L2 ±3 ±5 ±5
H ±3 ±3 ±3
T ± 1,5 ± 1,5 ± 1,5
d = nominal diameter K ±2 ±3 ±3
1.5 mm
X" X"
NOTE 1 Before reworking any spools contact engineering department in order to check complete isometric.
NOTE 2 Cut to fit requirement to be stated on fabrication isometrics (typically 100 mm).
NOTE 3 Bolt holes on flanges shall straddle the horizontal or vertical lines or plant north/south centre lines when orientation is
not given on drawings.
Reinforcement pads or saddles required by specifications and drawings shall be of the same material as the
main pipe (unless specified otherwise) and shall be formed and countered to provide a good fit to both main
and branch pipe.
Branch reinforcement pads shall be according to ASME B31.3. Branch reinforcement pads or each segment
thereof shall be provided with a minimum 3,0 mm drilled and tapped hole prior to fitting to the pipe, to ensure
leak detection, venting and testing facilities. Whenever possible, pad should be made in one piece before
fitting onto pipe. After welding and testing the hole shall be permanently plugged, e.g. welded or metal plug in
piping material.
Particular attention shall be paid to protection of compact flange seal faces where reference is made to
requirements in NORSOK L-005.
6 Installation of piping
Pipework shall be erected on permanent supports designated for the line. Temporary supports shall be kept
to an absolute minimum, but to an extent sufficient to protect nozzles and adjacent piping from excessive
loads during the erection. Tubing shall not be used inside walls or other enclosed compartments without
access.
The weldolets shall be fully welded to the extent needed to confirm with the design requirements in ASME
B31.3, and NORSOK L-001.
Pipework shall be fitted in place without springing or forcing to avoid undue stressing of the line or strain
being placed on a vessel or item of equipment, etc.
All temporary pipe spools and supports that are an aid to erection, testing/flushing, sea fastening, etc. are to
be specially marked for removal identification.
All valves shall be protected against ingress of dirt during any temporary storage.
With the piping flange fitted and prior to bolting-up the joint, the following shall be maintained:
• bolting shall move freely through accompanying bolt-holes at right angle to the flange faces;
• there shall be a clear gap between two flange faces before gasket installation. There shall be sufficient
flexibility to install and replace gaskets.
Compact flange heel are one of two sealing surfaces and are vulnerable to damage from corrosion and rough
handling and need special attention. For handling, installation and assembly of compact flanges, see
NORSOK L-005.
For work on flanges, OLF guideline 118 gives a practical view on flange work.
Flanges connecting to strain sensitive mechanical equipment (e.g. pumps, compressors, turbines, etc.) shall
be fitted-up in close parallel and lateral alignment prior to tightening the bolting. Unacceptable forces
transferred on to the nozzles shall be prevented.
To achieve this true alignment, full advantage shall be taken of the 'cut to fit' allowances and loose flanges
provided. In general, flange connections to strain sensitive equipment shall be the last connection made on
completion of a line or interconnecting system of lines.
With reference to NORSOK L-002, connections to strain sensitive equipment shall always be subject to
stress analysis with true misalignment.
With the piping flange fitted and prior to bolting-up the joint, the tolerances shown in Figure 3 shall be
maintained.
D ≤ 3" : (A − B) ≤ 0.2 mm
4" ≤ D < 14" : (A − B) ≤ 0.3mm D
( A − B ) ⋅ 1000
D ≥ 14": ≤ 1.0
D1
D1
A
In general, flange connections to equipment shall be the last connection made on completion of a line or
interconnecting system of lines.
6.4 Gaskets
Gaskets (all types) shall be treated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Gaskets shall not be re-
used.
Gaskets shall not under any circumstances, protrude into the bore of pipe.
Ring type joints (RTJ) rings are to be lightly smeared on the mating surface with a propriety anti-friction
lubricant prior to fitting between the flange grooves. Anti-friction lubricant, compatible with the flange material
and process fluid shall be used.
IX seal rings used in compact flange connections may be reused provided that the conditions in NORSOK L-
005 are followed.
6.5 Bolting
Bolting shall be in accordance with NORSOK L-001, or the piping specification for the project.
Bolt tightening shall be calculated according to a recognized industry standard, e.g. ASME VIII, ASME PCC-
1, API 6A and EN 1591.
Manually torqued flange bolts and stud bolts shall extend fully through their nuts with minimum one and
maximum five threads.
To archive the required bolt tension lubrication is important, all flange bolts, stud bolts threads as well as nut
spot faces shall be thoroughly lubricated prior to fitting.
All flanged stud bolts shall be progressively controlled to equalise bolt pressure on the gasket. A detailed
procedure shall be developed prior to start.
All bolted flange connections shall have controlled tightening by means of manual torque wrenches or
hydraulic bolt tightening.
Hydraulic bolt tightening (tension or torque) shall be used on all bolts greater than 25,4 mm (1 in) diameter. If
required the bolts shall have extra overlength of 1 x bolt diameter in order to accommodate tensioning tool.
The Contractor is responsible to have a traceable system to document all bolted flange connections
tightening by means of manual torque wrenches or hydraulic tightening. The flange connections shall be
marked on a suitable document, e.g. a mark-up isometric drawing, “kontroll og aktivitetsskjema” in OLF
guideline 118, or by using an electronically tracking system for flange tightening. Information shall include, but
not be limited to the following information:
• piping class;
• tension/torque;
• nominal flange size, pressure class, bolt size and length;
• type of tool and hydraulic pump pressure;
• date and signature by the operator.
Nuts and bolts shall have their grade marks visible after installation. Stud bolts cut from long lengths of
studding shall have material grade stamped on the end of each cut.
For bolts larger than 25,4 mm (1 in) protection against mechanical damage and corrosion shall be evaluated,
e.g. thread/nut protection caps.
For lines subject for comprehensive stress analysis (see NORSOK L-002), contractor shall ensure that the
stress isometric drawings fully comply with the installed system with regard to pipe routing, pipe support
locations and support functionality.
Piping shall not be forced to fit with support locations in such a manner that additional stress is introduced.
Where spring supports are installed, the spring shall be in fixed position with preinstalled load until
mechanical complete is achieved.
Pipes shall not be supported by other pipes, i.e. individual supporting is required. Bracing is, however,
allowed according to NORSOK L-CR-003.
Vent holes in wear plates and trunnions is not required. However, when the wear plate or a trunnion covers a
circumferential weld that has not been pressure tested, a vent hole is required for leak detection.
Installation tolerances of piping components shall be as required by the individual service of the piping
component including requirements for
• maintenance access,
• position relative to surrounding steelwork, equipment, cable tray and heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning (HVAC) duct routings,
• positioning of pipe supports relative to the structural steel,
• pipe stress.
7 Cleaning of pipework
7.1 General
The initial flushing shall be carried out prior to pressure testing. For austenitic steelwork flushing can be
performed after pressure testing, upon agreement.
General requirements for flushing for specific systems are listed in Table B.1.
All pipework shall be free from all foreign materials (e.g. as dirt, grease, oxide scale, weld deposits and
temporary protective coating) which could cause operational disturbances for the relevant service class.
Cleaning shall be documented by visually inspection (including video, boroscope etc) of critical parts of the
system, as agreed with Company.
All items that can be damaged during cleaning shall be removed or blocked prior to cleaning, e.g. pressure
gauges, flow meters, signal sensors, relief valves, permanent strainers, check/globe/control valves having
reduced cross sectional areas, rupture discs, instrument probes, thermo wells, connection to vessels/pumps
level instruments, etc.
All orifice plates shall be installed after flushing and pressure testing.
Ball valves shall be flushed in fully open position. Flanged ball valves shall not be installed until flushing is
completed. Flanged ball valves may be installed when flushing is completed and prior to pressure testing,
provided the fabrication contractor has verified acceptable cleanness of the system. For flanged riser- and
pipeline valves, the valves shall not be installed before flushing, pressure testing and all clean-up pigging
operations of the pipelines are completed.
Welded ball valves shall only have the valve body installed during flushing and pressure testing. The valve
internals shall not be installed until the flushing and pressure testing activities are completed. For welded in
riser valves shall the pigging sleeves be used during all pressure testing activities and clean-up pigging
operations of the pipelines. Valve internals shall be installed when all pipeline and riser activities are
completed.
All piping systems shall be flushed using high pressure jetflushing equipment, e.g. rotating hose or rotating
nozzle. Minimum pressure shall be 60 MPa, and in the range 100 litres to 150 litres per min.
The connection points shall be located such that all parts of the system are properly flushed.
The piping system shall be hydro flushed to ensure that weld deposits are removed.
-6
The flushing medium shall be fresh water, the chloride ion content shall be less than 50 x 10 (50 ppm), the
Ph value shall be between 6,5 and 7,5.
After flushing shall the piping systems be completely drained and protected against corrosion.
used when there are problems removing trapped liquid in the circuit, or to verify cleanness of small bore pipe
where video inspection is impossible or inadequate due to pipe dimension or configuration.
When using PAS method for cleaning or verification the procedure shall be repeated until cleanness is
acceptable.
The air shocking pressure shall never exceed the working pressure of the system and shall never be more
than 0,8 MPa. Safety precaution shall be taken when this method is used.
A procedure developed for the operation shall describe in detail the arrangement for catching/receiving the
pig in a safe manner.
Items which can be sensitive to damage during soft pigging shall be removed.
Inline valves except ball valves shall be removed. Ball valves shall be fully open.
When using soft pigging for cleaning or verification the procedure shall be repeated until level of cleanness is
acceptable.
If pipe configuration in critical parts of systems as defined in Table B.1 is too complicated for visual
inspection, the PAS method or other suitable methods shall be used for verification of cleanness.
8 Pressure tests
8.1 General
The test pressure shall, unless otherwise specified, be in accordance with ASME B31.3. The test pressure
shall be calculated based on the maximum design pressure of the piping class (not the design pressure of
the individual line) at 20 ºC.
Special requirements for pressure testing of GRP plastic piping shall be clarified with the manufacturer.
• all small bore instrument control piping downstream of the first piping block valve;
• open drains and vents to atmosphere (hydrostatic test with liquid fill).
Minimum of one gauge shall be positioned at the highest point and one recorder to be positioned at the
lowest point. Accuracy of pressure gauge shall be at least 1 % to 2 % at full scale and 1 % to 2 % for the
recorder. The test pressure shall be within 60 % of the gauge range (20 % from top and 20 % from bottom).
If there is a deviation of more than 2 % between gauge and recorder during test, the test shall be stopped
and the equipment recalibrated.
Piping joints, welds (including those used in the manufacturing of welded pipe and fitting, and structural
attachment welds to pressure-containing components), and bonds shall not be insulated or physically
covered until satisfactory completion of testing in accordance with this NORSOK standard, expect previously
tested according to this NORSOK standard. All joints may be primed and painted prior to pressure testing.
All piping shall be adequately supported before the pressure test. Spring or other variable type supports shall
be blocked to prevent movement.
Unless otherwise noted, all valves are to be through body tested. First block valve for pressure instruments
shall be included in the test.
If valves are included in the pressure test, the following applies: ball, plug, slab gate valves and other valves
where the cavity pressure may differ from the bore pressure, shall be pressure tested in the half open
position. All other valves shall be tested in the fully open position. When check valves are included in
pressure test they shall be jacked open or have their internals removed.
Where the test pressure to be applied to the piping is greater than the maximum allowable test pressure for
valves, the valves shall be blinded off on the side to be tested, or removed and replaced by dummy spools.
Turbines, pumps, compressors and vessels shall be blinded off prior to pressure testing.
A list shall be prepared for sensitive equipment (i.e. expansion joints, relief valves, inline instruments, etc)
that shall be removed, blocked off or isolated during testing. This list shall be a part of the test procedure.
If ambient temperature falls below 2 °C some time during the entire testing period (until dried system), the
test water shall have antifreeze added.
Carbon steel systems as defined in Table B.1 shall be tested with an acceptable preservation fluid to prevent
rust.
For pneumatic testing, the test media shall be oil free, dry air or any inert gas. The use of air for testing shall
be limited to a maximum pressure of 0,7 MPa overpressure. Above this pressure nitrogen shall be used. The
extent of pneumatic testing shall be approved.
For instrument/utility air systems, where the introduction of water is undesirable, test media shall be oil free
dry air or any inert gas.
Care shall be taken to ensure that overpressuring due to static head does not take place.
1. A pressure of 0,05 MPa overpressure shall be introduced in the system and a leak test performed. The
pressure shall gradually be increased to 50 % of the specified test pressure and kept for minimum 10
min to equalize strain.
2. The pressure shall then be increased in steps of 10 % of the specified test pressure, until the specified
test pressure is reached. At each step, the pressure shall be kept for minimum 10 min to equalize strain.
3. The specified test pressure shall be kept for 1 h. The pressure shall than be reduced to the design
pressure before examining for leakage.
4. The piping systems shall not show any sign of plastic deformation or leakage.
Systems with drying requirement as defined in Table B.1 shall be dried out after hydro testing with dry oil free
air with a dew point of -10 °C. Drying can be terminated when the dew point at the outlet is equal to the dew
point at the inlet.
Other methods (e.g. vacuum drying or air shocking) may also be used if the same dryness can be
documented.
Requirement for drying as defined in Table B.1 shall take in to consideration the time for start up of system. If
more than 3 months to commissioning, drying shall be followed by preservation with nitrogen to keep the pipe
system completely dry and to avoid condense. Other alternatives are subject to agreement.
Reinstallation of the system shall be performed in accordance with the test procedure. After completion of
flushing and pressure testing, the valve internals for welded in ball valves shall be installed by the valve
supplier. Prior to installation, the ball valves shall be inspected for cleanness. All ball valves shall be pad-
locked in open position. After the installation of the valve internals the valve shall be pressure tested through
the body cavity drain port.
Where permanent or temporary strainers have remained in place for the hydrostatic pressure test, they shall
be removed following the test and thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling.
Ends of pipes and nozzles shall be fully protected against the ingress of foreign material by the use of caps,
plugs or plate blinds sealed with gaskets. These shall not be removed until just prior to final assembly.
All lines or joints that fail to pass the pressure test shall be re-tested to the same procedure after repairs.
• a valid test certificate specifying date, location, line numbers, test pressure, test medium and test duration,
• a test record chart fully specifying the pressure, temperature and time relation during the test period.
9 Chemical cleaning
9.1 General
Lines to be chemical cleaned shall be identified on the P&IDs and Line Index. For system overview, see
Table B.1. Acceptance criteria for chemical cleaning shall be according to ISO 4406.
• lubrication oil;
• seal oil/gas or other seal fluids;
• fuel oil/gas (critical parts only);
• relevant part of gas compressor suction lines;
• process discharge to anti-surge control and safety relief valves;
• hydraulic oil systems with requirement to cleanness.
A procedure shall describe in detail the steps for chemical cleaning and shall include, but not be limited to
• degassing,
• chemical cleaning/descaling,
• neutralization,
• passivation,
• water flushing,
• drying.
The end result shall be a clean smooth surface. Maximum temperatures used during these operations shall
not exceed maximum design temperature for the systems as listed in the Line Index. For equipment such as
turbines, generators, pumps and compressors, the piping to be cleaned shall have all sensitive items that can
be damaged by the cleaning medium removed or blanked off. Generally, the following items shall not be
chemically cleaned (items shall be identified on isometric drawings for chemical cleaning):
The systems to be cleaned shall have high and low point vents and drains installed. "Dead legs" shall be
avoided.
To assure turbulent flow and proper transportation of particles, the flow requirements used for hot oil flushing
(see Table B.1) shall apply.
Cleaning shall be carried out after pressure testing unless otherwise specified.
If more than 3 months to start up of commissioning activities the system shall be preserved with nitrogen.
Overpressure shall be 0,05 MPa.
9.2 Documentation
The compliance to specified ISO 4406 requirements shall be documented by relevant laboratory analysis
certificate. The level of cleanness shall be documented from an automatic particle counter or a membrane
checked in a microscope, before the water flushing operation is considered finalised.
10.1 General
All piping subject to hot oil flushing, shall in advance be chemically cleaned to the required cleanness level.
Required cleanness for systems subject to hot oil flushing shall be in accordance with Table B.1.
Acceptance criteria for hot oil flushing shall be the same as for chemical cleaning of the similar systems.
A detailed procedure for hot oil flushing shall be written and approved by Company prior to start.
Filling of lubricant oil shall take place through filters with 10 µm ABS.
Flushing and sampling to verify cleanness shall take place at turbulent flow, upstream any filters. The fluid
samples shall be representative of the system with 2 to 3 test points.
To assure turbulent flow and proper transportation of particles, the flow requirements given in Table 1 shall
be met during flushing.
The oil used for flushing shall be identical to the oil used in operation. The oil viscosity shall be lower than or
equal to the viscosity of the oil used in operation.
Flushing oil shall, if possible, remain in the system after completion of flushing. Preservation shall be
performed, either by N2 overpressure, chemical additive or other suitable method.
The level of cleanness shall be documented from an automatic particle counter or a membrane checked in a
microscope before a flushing operation is considered finalised.
10.2 Marking
Piping spools or systems that have been chemical cleaned or hot oil flushed shall be marked in a unique
manner.
10.3 Documentation
The compliance to specified ISO 4406 requirements shall be documented by relevant laboratory analysis
certificates or other acceptable methods.
Hot oil flushing documentation shall be fully traceable during the project period of the flushed system. The
documentation shall include
• a certificate specifying level of cleanness according to ISO 4406, date, location, line numbers and flushing
medium,
• a chart from automatic particle counter or the membrane for microscope used to verify particle cleanness.
11 Tightness testing
A tightness test (sensitive leak test) can be performed to check that all external (e.g. mechanical joints,
stuffing box) and internal (closed valves) potential leakage points meet the maximum leakage requirements.
The tightness test is performed in the commissioning phase, after all construction work is finished and
mechanical completion is achieved.
The leak test shall be performed with a suitable test medium. The test medium can be divided into the
following four types:
The different test medium shall be used in connection with the following services:
• Type 1 medium: All services containing toxic or flammable gases or volatile liquids, including first valve
connecting utility systems. Both external and internal leakage points to be checked.
• Type 2 medium: Utility systems containing gas where O2 present in the system is not acceptable. Only
external leakage points to be checked.
• Type 3 medium: Utility systems containing gas where O2 present in the system is acceptable. Only
external leakage points to be checked.
• Type 4 medium: All other services not falling into category type 1, 2 or 3 medium. Only external leakage
points to be checked.
The pressure to be used in the test shall be according to ASME B31.3, ASME PCC2, or other recognized
industry standard.
Leakage at flanged joints may be evident at much lower pressures when using sensitive leak detection
methods; therefore, the minimum test pressure should be specified which enables the test sensitivity
requirements to be met. Precautions shall be taken regarding hazard of released energy stored in
compressed gas.
The pressure shall be maintained for a sufficient length of time to permit visual and/or electronically
examination of all external/internal potential leakage points.
The leak test shall be performed according to accepted procedures and the test results shall be documented.
12.1 Purpose
In addition to line-numbering, the purpose of having a system for colour coding of piping is to ensure quick
recognition of medium and flow direction for any system.
12.2.1 General
One out of the markers described in 12.2.2 to 12.2.4 shall be used.
12.2.4 Laminated plastic signs, mounted in aluminium or stainless steel frame brackets
Shall be used
• on all pipes of stainless and hiqh-alloyed materials,
• on all pipes with a surface operating temperature of more than 60 °C,
• on all pipes of OD 76,2 mm (3 in) and below and all tubing of OD 25 mm and below.
Can be used on all pipes and in all areas mentioned in 12.2.2 and 12.2.3.
12.5 Obstruction
The warning tape shall be yellow with black diagonal stripes. This tape is used in conjunction with a standard
marker to indicate special precaution requirements.
The pigmentation shall secure colour retention when exposed to sunshine, oil, grease, steam wash etc.
Material shall be suitable for a marine atmosphere and for application in sheltered or exposed positions.
The adhesive used shall secure the tape firmly to pure metal surface or to surfaces coated or insulated in
accordance with project specifications. Tape shall have an adhesive free from chlorides.
The tag shall be manufactured to cover both right and left flow directions, with right direction on one side and
left direction on the opposite side to give full flexibility to installation.
The pigmentation shall secure colour retention when exposed to sunshine, oil, grease and steam wash, etc.
The material shall be suitable for a marine atmosphere and for application in sheltered or exposed positions.
The laminated tag shall be soft/elastic down to -5 °C. Bending tests shall be documented. Minimum bending
radius is 10 to 12 times the thickness of the tag (minimum thickness is 1,5 mm).
Laminated PVC-signs to be mounted in brackets made from stainless steel or seawater-proof aluminium.
The signs shall be fastened to the bare pipe or over insulated pipe by means of non-metallic, UV-resistant
PVC-straps and locks. Strap shall be proportionate to the size of the sign.
The brackets shall be fastened to the pipes with PVC-covered stainless steel straps and locks. Such straps
shall also be used for fastening of signs on all pipes with surface temperature of more than 60 °C
The text shall be in letters and figures of minimum height of 5 mm according to Table 2, but size may be
adjusted to fit all required information within the arrow.
Longer words can be abbreviated using standard approved abbreviations. However, maximum 2 lines can be
used for the abbreviation. On laminated plastic signs, the size of the letters is to be adjusted to fit the size of
the sign.
The marking shall be with Norwegian text only. Exception is potable water, which shall have both Norwegian
and English text, thus: "Drikkevann/Potable water".
The outside diameter of the cladding shall be the basis for determination of the size for insulated lines.
• markers shall be positioned specially considering operational aspects of the plant, and shall be easily
readable from deck, platform or ordinary access way. Ladders, scaffolding or other temporary equipment
shall not be needed for identification of markers;
• markers shall be placed at each branching point;
• markers shall be placed on each side of bulkheads, decks and other penetration points;
• markers shall be positioned on the pipe close to major components of the actual system (vessel, pumps,
etc.);
• maximum spacing between markers shall not exceed 10 m;
• marker shall be positioned by inlet and outlet of process train;
• on elevated pipes, markers shall be positioned adjacent to stairways and platforms;
• markers shall be positioned at start and end of pipe racks.
The number plate shall be of stainless steel on which the tag number shall be permanently printed.
Minimum plate size shall be 20 mm x 50 mm with capital letters of height minimum 5 mm. The tags shall be
fastened close to the valve, not onto the valve. This to ensure the tag in position even if the valve is removed
or dismantled.
Annex A
(normative)
Alternative test methods
A.1 Scope
This annex defines the alternative test options and methods that may be applied to replace the pressure test
requirement for closure welds in hook up spools, and for minor changes and addition in piping system which
have already been hydrostatically tested.
A.2 General
All installed piping shall have been pressure tested at the test conditions and medium as specified in
accordance with the requirements laid down in ASME B31.3 and this NORSOK standard.
All integral welds in a hook-up spool shall have been previously pressure tested. Prior to any alternative
testing taking place, acceptance shall be obtained from Company, by issuing a NCR. The NCR shall be the
formal documentation of this acceptance.
The qualification of a weld by alternative testing falls into the following two categories which are determined
by service/pressure.
Alternative I
100 % NDE shall be performed and minimum two different NDE methods shall be employed (i.e. 2x100 %
NDE).
A certified welding-inspector shall follow up the welding during the entire welding operation.
Alternative II
The final weld (closure weld) which connects the systems is not required to be pressure tested provided the
following requirements have been met:
The weld is examined in accordance with ASME B31.3 and passes with
A certified welding inspector shall follow up the welding during the entire welding operation.
The above alternatives are clearly depicted in Table A.1 which shall be used as a guideline to define the
acceptable alternative testing method.
All alternative testing shall be documented with full traceability to the applicable welds.
Annex B
(informative)
Requirements for internal treatment of piping after prefabrication and installation before commissioning
Table B.1 ― Requirements for internal treatment of piping after prefabrication and installation before commissioning