Pressure tests under 192.500 and 195.310 require the records noted far below. From my inspections of hydrostatic pressure test records, frequently missing records required include:
- Pressure gauge calibration records
- Deadweight calibration records
- Elevation profiles
- Failed test records
Also, with divestitures and acquisitions, at times the pressure test records are not forwarded to the new owner so entire record packages are missing. Operators often just retest when a test fails and don’t keep the failed test record as required by code.
- 192.517 Records.
(a) An operator must make, and retain for the useful life of the pipeline, a record of each test performed under §§192.505, 192.506, and 192.507. The record must contain at least the following information:
(1) The operator’s name, the name of the operator’s employee responsible for making the test, and the name of any test company used.
(2) Test medium used.
(3) Test pressure.
(4) Test duration.
(5) Pressure recording charts, or other record of pressure readings.
(6) Elevation variations, whenever significant for the particular test.
(7) Leaks and failures noted and their disposition.
(b) Each operator must maintain a record of each test required by §§192.509, 192.511, and 192.513 for at least 5 years.
- 195.310 Records.
(a) A record must be made of each pressure test required by this subpart, and the record of the latest test must be retained as long as the facility tested is in use.
(b) The record required by paragraph (a) of this section must include:
(1) The pressure recording charts;
(2) Test instrument calibration data;
(3) The name of the operator, the name of the person responsible for making the test, and the name of the test company used, if any;
(4) The date and time of the test;
(5) The minimum test pressure;
(6) The test medium;
(7) A description of the facility tested and the test apparatus;
(8) An explanation of any pressure discontinuities, including test failures, that appear on the pressure recording charts; and,
(9) Where elevation differences in the section under test exceed 100 feet (30 meters), a profile of the pipeline that shows the elevation and test sites over the entire length of the test section.
(10) Temperature of the test medium or pipe during the test period.
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