Description
Pressure Testing is part of the start-up and commissioning phase of a plant prior to initial operation. It is usually done by the construction companies. The pressure testing is often under the control of Engineers, Technicians and personnel from Quality and Safety who, although qualified in their own discipline, may not have received formal Mechanical Engineering training. To be effective, Engineers, Technicians and personnel of all disciplines should have a fundamental understanding of the principles that dictate the requirement of testing by the Construction Code and the risks involved with it. Special emphasis will be given to pneumatic testing, which is not normally encountered in a plant but which involves greater risks to the safety of plant and personnel when faced with one.

This 3 hour course is designed to meet the needs of Engineers, Technicians and personnel of all disciplines (Quality, Safety and Process/Production) from Design, Construction and Owner Companies.

The testing requirements will be based on ASME B31.3 Code.

Objective
To provide a basic understanding and knowledge of the testing requirements typically required by any process plant
To outline the different testing options available
To provide an awareness of the codes and regulations that governs the installation and operation of a plant

Who Should Attend
Industrial and commercial plant & facilities engineers
Industrial and commercial plant & facilities operators
Process engineers
Consultants
Design engineers

Individuals who are involved in the design and operation of a process plant. Professionals who need to add to their current experience and knowledge of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers who require practical knowledge of certain aspects of mechanical engineering or who need to refresh their knowledge. New graduates will benefit from the practical industrial experience of the instructor.

Program Outline (0.3 CEUs / 3 PDHs)

Required Leak Test
Why a leak test required?
Which test to consider?

Types of Leak Tests
Hydrostatic Leak Test
Pneumatic Leak Test
Hydrostatic-pneumatic Leak Test
Initial Service Leak test
Sensitive Leak Test
Alternative Leak Test

General Requirements for leak Tests
Limitations on Pressure
Other Test Requirements

Preparation for Test
Joints exposed
Temporary Supports
Piping with Expansion Joints
Limits of Tested Piping

Hydrostatic Leak Test
Test Fluid
Test Pressure
Hydrostatic Testing of Piping with Vessel as a system

Pneumatic Leak Test
Precautions
Relief Device
Test Fluid
Test Pressure
Test Temperature
Energy Calculation
Minimum Safe Distance Calculation
Test Procedure for Testing of Piping with Vessels in the system.

Hydrostatic-Pneumatic Leak Test

Initial Service Leak Test
Test Fluid
Test Procedure
Limitation

Sensitive Leak Test

Alternative Leak Test
Examination of Welds
In-Process Examination

Local Regulatory Requirement
Registration with Local Authority

Test Failure Case Studies

Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes

Concluding Remarks and Final Adjournment

After Attending This Course You Will Be Able To:
Understand codes and standards governing the construction of a Process Plant
Learn the risks and hazards associated with a pressure test.
Gain insight into how to carry out a system test.

Instructor
Mr. Ganga D. Deka, P.Eng is a registered professional Engineer with APEGGA Alberta and currently works with an Engineering Design Company as a Senior Mechanical /Piping Engineer. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in oil and gas industry with diversified experience in both engineering design and operation. He, therefore, brings with him the best experience from both the sides – from the drawing office to hands-on.

Ganga had assumed responsible positions in with multi-million dollar projects both in greens field engineering design and browns field projects. He had led teams of multi-disciplinary Engineers in design, commissioning, start-up and turn-arounds and clearly understands the needs of people who work in a process plant.

Ganga’s long years of experience in the oil industry gives him a thorough insight to the basics of centrifugal pumps used in process industry. With his versatile knowledge and experience he currently delivers seminars on various mechanical engineering subjects related to a process plant to both young and experienced mechanical and non-mechanical engineers.