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General Requirements for Leak Tests as per ASME B31.3

01th of July 2021
General Requirements for Leak Tests as per ASME B31.3

• Leak Test Pressure for in-service piping (Paragraph K345.1 (b) – ASME B31.3):
A leak test of the installed piping system shall be conducted at a pressure not less than 110% of the design pressure to ensure tightness.

• Examinations for leaks (Paragraph 345.2.2 (a) – ASME B31.3):

A leak test shall be maintained for at least 10 min, and all joints and connections shall be examined for leaks.

• Heat Treatment (Paragraph 345.2.2 (b) – ASME B31.3):

Leak tests shall be conducted after any heat treatment has been completed.

• Low Test Temperature (Paragraph 345.2.2 (c) – ASME B31.3):

The possibility of brittle fracture shall be considered when conducting leak tests at metal temperatures near the ductile-brittle transition temperature.

• Special Provisions for Testing - Piping Components and Subassemblies : (Paragraph 345.2.3 (a) – ASME B31.3):
Piping components and subassemblies may be tested either separately or as assembled piping.

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General Requirements for Leak Tests as per ASME B31.3

• Repairs or Additions after Leak Testing (Paragraph 345.2.6 – ASME B31.3):

If repairs or additions are made following the leak test, the affected piping shall be retested, except that for minor repairs or additions the owner may waive retest
requirements when precautionary measures are taken to assure sound construction.

• Test Records (Paragraph 345.2.7 – ASME B31.3):

Records shall be made of each piping system during the testing, including : Date of test, identification of piping system tested, test fluid, test pressure, certification of
results by examiner …Etc.

• Preparation for Leak Test (Paragraph 345.3 – ASME B31.3):

 Joint Exposed : All joints, welds (including structural attachment welds to pressure-containing components), and bonds shall be left uninsulated and exposed
for examination during leak testing.

 Temporary Supports : Piping designed for vapor or gas shall be provided with additional temporary supports, if necessary, to support the weight of test
liquid.

 Limits of Tested Piping : Equipment which is not to be tested shall be either disconnected from the piping or isolated by blinds or other means during the
test. A valve may be used provided the valve (including its closure mechanism) is suitable for the test pressure.