Recording: Introduction to Pipeline Pressure Testing

“This course provided a lot of useful information on when, why, and how to perform different types of pressure tests. It was a good introduction, but also provided useful information for experienced people.” – NiSource

Any company that operates pipelines transporting various commodities needs to be well versed in the procedures for pressure testing in order to ensure pipeline integrity and the interruption-free movement of their contents.

This course will provide insight to the testing process, whether using air, gas or a liquid, and how these tests measure the strength of the line and identify leaks.

Attendees of this introductory course will learn:

• Basic testing methodology including mechanical concepts
• How test results are evaluated for validity
• How environmental factors can affect testing validity
• Safety procedures and proper documentation of test elements

Learning Outcomes

• Review the basic testing process and discuss the difference between pneumatic and hydrostatic tests
• Run through the distinct phases of a test procedure
• Acknowledge the environmental effects on a test
• Evaluate how to normalize the test results
• Describe the process to prepare the piping to be placed into service
• Discuss documentation of test results

Introduction

• • Welcome
  • Student introduction
  • Class agenda
  • Training objectives

Basic Pressure Testing Principles

• • Why
  • How often
  • Standards
  • Basic procedure

Pneumatic vs. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing

• Pneumatic testing considerations
• Hydraulic testing considerations

Hydrostatic Testing

• Understand environmental effects

Testing Phases

• Prepare line to be tested
• Fill line with test medium
• Connect test measurement equipment
• Stabilize test facility
• Pressure up line
• Hold test pressure
• Correct test discontinuities
• Depressurize line
• Clean line if required

Analyze Test Results

• Temperature and pressure effect on test medium
• Temperature and pressure effect on pipe
• Normalize any environmental effects

Prepare Line to be Placed into Service

• Remove residual liquid from line
• Clean interior surface of line

Recordkeeping and Documentation

Thomas Lael, Formerly with ConocoPhillips Pipeline Company

Mr. Lael has been involved with the pipeline industry for over 45 years. He has worked for various State Pipeline Regulatory agencies (Illinois, Connecticut, and California) and the Federal government (Transportation Safety Institute, now known as Training and Qualification’s [T&Q]).  More recently, Mr. Lael has worked for major petroleum pipeline operators as a code compliance officer and Operator Qualifications Administrator. He has been responsible for determining the operator’s compliance with Federal and State pipeline safety regulations and determining the intent of current and proposed PHMSA regulations.

Mr. Lael spent 10 years working with ConocoPhillips as the OQ administrator for the company OQ program. His employment with ConocoPhillips evolved from his initial employment with Tosco Corporation starting in 1999, merged into Phillips Pipeline Company in 2001, and finally into ConocoPhillips in 2002. He was responsible for the OQ qualifications for approximately 950 employees and over 1,500 contract individuals.

Mr. Lael has worked as an expert witness on legal cases concerning pipeline safety and accident/incident investigations. Mr. Lael has investigated numerous natural gas and petroleum pipeline explosion and fires.

This is a recorded session - no instructor interaction is available. Recordings will expire 90 days from date of purchase and downloading or copying of the recording in anyay is strictly prohibited

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Recording: Introduction to Pipeline Pressure Testing