PIPELINE HYDRO TESTING PROCEDURES1. Upon arrival, ensure that all necessary tools and equipment are available and

serviceable, and that the site is prepared for testing. If the site is not adequately

prepared for the hydro test, report the issue to the pipeline supervisor.

2. When the site is safely prepared for testing, tie in the air compressor and prepare to

push pigs.

3. Pigs will be pushed as follows:

i. Bi-Directional Brush Pig with air

ii. Bi-Directional Poly Pig with air

iii. “Bullet” or Coned Poly Pig with water

4. Attach hose and filter bag to the receiver in case water or trash is in the line.

5. Close all valves that are not on the main line (bypass valves, etc). Only hydro testing

personnel should open or close valves during testing unless directed otherwise by Hydro

Test Engineer.

6. Load the brush pig into the line and ensure that the hatch is properly closed.

7. Communicate with testing crew at the other end of the line and let them know that the

brush pig is about to be pushed.

8. Open the low point drain valve on the receiving end in order to allow air, water, and

debris to flow out of the line.

9. On the launching end, start the air compressor while a hydro-test crewmember stands

at the riser to feel for the pig to leave the launcher.

a. While remaining clear of the line of fire, open the low point valve to allow air to

push the brush pig down the line.

10. When the pig is received at the receiver, close the valve to the compressor and blow

down the line completely.

11. Once the line is blown down close off the valve to the receiver, stand clear of the line of

fire, and open the hatch. Remove the pig, then close and secure the hatch.

12. When both sides are ready, load the bi-directional poly pig into the launcher and repeat

steps 9 thru 11.

13. Detach the air compressor and rig up the water pump.

14. When both sides are ready, open the hatch to the launcher and load the “bullet” poly

pig. Secure the hatch.

15. Notify the crew on the receiving end that water is about to be sent. Start the pump

while a crewmember stands at the riser to feel for the pig to leave the launcher.

16. Once the pig is received, open all bypass valves, blow down valves, and flow lines that

may be coming off of the main line.

17. Ensure that all lines are full, then “half cock” and plug all valves as needed.

18. Remove the pump/watering unit and rig the pipe with the testing tree.

19. Ensure that safety precautions (access control points and signage) are in place to warn

personnel that a hydro test is about to be conducted. No unauthorized personnel

should be allowed near the testing site.

20. Set recording equipment and dead weights on the pipe.

21. The Hydro-Test Inspector will determine the target test pressure.

22. Rig up the pressure unit, and begin pressuring the line. (Be sure that the Inspector is

present).

23. Divide the target test pressure number given by the Inspector by 4 in order to

determine a ¼ of the overall pressure. Upon reaching ¼ pressure, stop the process and

leak check for 5-10 minutes. If no leaks are detected proceed to ½ pressure, then ¾

pressure; each time checking for leaks.

24. When the target test pressure is achieved the test begins. Await the necessary time

allotted by the Inspector, all the while checking for leaks and line deficiencies.

25. Record the dead weight psi, chart recorder psi, ambient temperature, and pipe

temperature every 15 minutes during the pressure test.

a. There will be a 15 minute buffer on all tests, so if it is a 4-hour test, the

equipment will run for 4-hours and fifteen minutes.

26. When the test is complete, begin bleeding off pressure slowly, keeping out of the line of

fire. When at 0 psi, rig down and remove equipment from the line.

27. Attach dewatering equipment onto the line. Run hoses from one side of the pipe into a

filter bag. Place the bag on top of a tarp and anchor the line down to prevent the hose

from whipping during the dewatering process.

28. Open the end of the line that was previously used for receiving the pig during watering

up, and flip the pig around.

29. Close off all bypass valves to prevent water from circulating and impeding the flow.

30. Hook the air compressor to the opposite end of the line. Alert the hydro testing crew

that the dewatering process is about to begin. Start the compressor and begin to blow

the pig/water out of the line.

31. Once dewatering is complete and/or pig is received, open bypasses and blow them out,

including 4” line if one is attached. When all water is removed turn off the air

compressor and begin to blow down the line.

32. Once air pressure is off the line, open the hatch and remove the pig from the receiver.

Load a foam/cleaning pig into the launcher and, when personnel at both ends are

prepared, send the foam pigs 5 minutes apart.

a. Four pigs in total should be pushed. Be sure to number the pigs to know which

order they went into the line. This will show if any pieces of the pig are missing

and how dry/clean the line is after the pigs have been pushed.

33. When all pigs have been received, ensure that the line is completely blown down and

remove all equipment from the pipeline.

34. Move all equipment from the line and prepare to inventory and load equipment prior to

departure.