Test requirement for tubing

[potato2012]

Is pneumatic test mandatory for tubing off ASME B31.3 piping? Thanks a lot.

[Sajid Ali Khan]

Treating your question as “ Does ASME B 31.3 require it as mandatory that Metallic Tubing for Instrumentation Service be pneumatically leak tested, prior to putting it into service.”

I reviewed the ASME B31.3 Process Piping 2002 as well as the latest edition 2012 editions. Para 345 deals with testing. The Standard does not address this issue,

Dear post installation leak testing is done to check the tubing system, inclusive of all fittings etc in the installed condition, so that major defects in manufacturing and workmanship of installation can be identified and rectified, at the end user’s site. It is not just the tubing itself.

Even if not specifically mentioned by ASME, it is practiced by owners and contractors alike

All defects even minor ones are “examined” at the factory before shipment. To further clarify between “Examination” and “Inspection”. I have copied out the B31.1 paras 340.1 and 341.1 for your guidance.

340.1 General
This Code distinguishes between examination and inspection. Inspection applies to functions performed for the owner by the owner’s Inspector or the Inspector’s delegates. References in this Code to the “Inspector” are to the owner’s Inspector or the Inspector’s delegates.


341.1 General
Examination applies to quality control functions performed by the manufacturer (for components only), fabricator, or erector. Reference in this Code to an examiner is to a person who performs quality control examinations.
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I hope the above reply is sufficient. If not can you be more specific.
Sajid Ali Khan