HYDROSTATIC TESTING PROCEDURE FOR OCEAN PETROLEUM PIPELINES (8” 6” AND 4”).

This will be carried out to determine and verify pipeline integrity. Pipeline is designed to operate at a
certain Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP).

The pipelines will be tested to ensure that they are structurally sound and can withstand the internal
pressure before being put into service.

1. Generally, gas pipelines are hydro tested by filling the test section of pipe with water and
pumping the pressure up to 19 bar / or 12 bar value that is higher than maximum allowable
operating pressure (MAOP)
2. Fill water to the pipeline it is advisable to measure accurately the water being filled into the
pipeline for determining the total fill volume, and also to help locate a pig that may stick in the
pipe during pigging process
3. Slowly increase the pressure while checking on the calibrated gauge pressure to 19 bar. Upon
reaching, a pressure of 13 bar, the rate of increase should not be more than 10 psig per minute.
4. Hold the pressure for a period of four hours
5. During holding time check for any rise in temperature to avoid overpressure of pipeline since
high temperatures increase the pressure
6. Check for any signs of leaking along the joints and any signs of yielding of the pipeline.
7. If there is no sign of leakage and holding time has elapsed.
8. Slowly release the water pressure and drain off the water
9. Further, dry the line by blowing compressed air or Nitrogen to clear off the water.
10. Alternatively, you can use foam pig to clear off the water, then you use a more abrasive pig to
clean the pipeline, and await commissioning.

Note

Adequate saline hydro test water shall be made available for the process, recommended water quality
is:

 Silt should be Less than 100 PPM

 Salinity Less than 2,000 PPM
 pH Factor Between 6 and 9
This process applies to both sections of the pipelines that will be tested. That is section between the
terminal and Pit valve near the ocean. In addition, section between Pit and mooring point /PLEM.

This procedure complies with the AP1 5L Pipelines for petroleum products.

Procedure Written By.

Eng. Alban Kanali.