May I ask whether a flame arrester can be used in the pneumatic testing of pipeline systems?
Thread Content
Dear Haihao friends! The exhaust gas modification system for my project is about to undergo a pneumatic pressure test. The design pressure is 1.0 Mpa, while the pressure used for the pneumatic test is 1.15 Mpa. There is a pressure booster fan in the pipeline system, and flame arresters are installed on both the inlet and outlet pipelines of this fan. Can the flame arresters also be used in the pneumatic pressure test? Where else can I find a list of pipe components that cannot be used in pipeline pressure tests? It’s rare in pipeline specifications and not comprehensive.
Everyone is welcome to actively participate in the discussion and give high ratings as rewards
It’s possible to do it together, but can pressure be applied at such a high level?
1.15 Mpa is below the specified limit of 1.6 Mpa, so I think there’s no problem. Under normal operation, the pipeline is at a slightly positive pressure, but the design pressure is 1.0; therefore, a pressure test in accordance with the relevant standards is sufficient, and there are no issues with that.
The specification is below 0.6 MPa; which specification are you referring to?
The pipeline pressure of a flame arrester generally does not exceed 0.1 MPa.
This post was last edited by qugd on 2022-1-13 at 13:35. The function of a flame arrester is to isolate flames that could cause combustion; it is generally used in pipelines and containers under normal pressure or slightly positive pressure. During pressure testing of pipeline systems, the flame arrester is usually left open to the atmosphere or to a safe atmosphere side. It is possible to install a valve on the flammable gas side of the flame arrester and close that valve before conducting the pressure test. If the flame arrester is unobstructed in the pipeline, its leakage rate during pressure testing can be very high. I’m not familiar with the regulations in this area; it’s based on my personal on-site experience.
Yes, I misread it; the design requires a pressure test since the medium in the pipeline is gas
Under normal use, the pipeline indeed is at a slight positive pressure
Participation in direct pipeline pressure testing is not recommended! The reason is simple: firstly, during the pipeline installation process, it’s inevitable that some debris such as particles, sand, and dust will get inside. If the pipeline is not purged after installation and the valves are used directly in the pressure testing of the pipeline, particles and debris present inside the pipeline can very likely damage the inner walls of the valves as well as the sealing surfaces of other internal components. Therefore, it is recommended to install the valve after completing the tests!
Thank you for your reply. Considering that the pipeline needs to be purged after the pressure test, the flame arrestors still need to be removed. It would be better to remove all of them and use fake pipes for connection; then, once the testing and purging are complete, the flame arrestors can be reinstalled in their original positions. The main consideration is maintaining the cleanliness inside the flame arrester