er Copyrighted material for licensee's use only. ‘00813427 08 Feb 10 6 APL Recouenoeo Paacrice 574 ee Figure 26—Sketch and Radiograph of Dead-end Corrosion 10.3 Internal Visual Inspection 10.3.1 Corrosion, Erosion, and Fouling 10.3.1.1 Piping can be opened at various places by removing a valve or fting or by springing the pipe apart at fanges to permit visual inspection. The intemal surfaces of the piping should be inspected visually over the greatest possible ‘area. A flashlight or extension light usually sufficient for this task, but a probe such as a borescope or a mirror and light will permit 2 more detailed view. Other inspection methods include opticallaser and mechanical calipers. 10.3.1.2 Where nonuniform corresion or efosion concitions are noted in areas that are accessible for visual examination, it may be advisable to perform an RT or to measure thicknesses with ultrasonic instruments to extend coverage to parts ofthe piping that are inaccessible for vsual examination, Ths apples particularly to piping that could not be er was not inspected during operaton [Nonuriform corosion or erosion can also be pinpointed for doser examination Byfsirecting sunlight along the surface of the piping with a mirror or by shining a light parallel to the surface. The amount of fouling should be noted to determine wiether cleaning is necessary[Fouling should be investigated to determine whether it consists of deposits from the product stream or is a buildup of corrosion products. Taking ‘samples for chemical analysis may be necessary. 10.3.2 Cracks 10.3.2.1 [The locations most susceptible to cracking are welds, including filet welds atlother than oressure welds heat-affected areas adjoining welds, and points of restraint or excessive strain. Locations that are subject to SCC. hydrogen attack, and caustic or amine embrilement also require allention, as do exposed threads of threaded joinis 10.3.2.2 The inspected surface should be clean if cracks are to be detected, Cleaning can be accomplished by wire brushing, sandblasting, or chemically removing coatings, deposits, and corrosion products. After thorough cleaning, the area should be visually inspected for any indications of cracks. (Spot checking by magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, or Uttrasonic testing should be considered even if visual inspection revealed no cracks.) Adequate lighting and a good ‘magnifying glass wil assist in locating such indications. Visual inspection may not differentiate between a surface scratch and a crack. Any apparent scratch should be further investigated by other methods. MT can be used on ‘magnetic materials, PT and UT can be used on both nonmagnetic and magnetic materials. Only liquid penetrants with low or no chlorides should be used for austenitic materials. Other methods such as, shear- or surface-wave ultrasonics, eddy current, ACFM or sample removal for microscopic insoecton may be used. (The depth of a crack may be determined by]NDE or by chipping or grinding until sound metal s reached, The inspector should determine # the area ‘can be repaired properly Before commencing to grind, however. 1d material for licensee's use only. 9 prohibited, Copyrial Single user license only,Copyrighted material for licensee's use only. ‘300913427 08 Feb 10 Iuspecrion Pracrices Fos Pena Srstew ComPonENTS 6 10.3.3 Gasket Faces of Flanges CRRRR [The gasket seating faces of fanged joints that have been opened should be visually inspected for corrosion ad {The gasket faces should be checked owe “the flange centedine [Grooves and rings of ring joints should be checked fo wb peek theatooves oronthe seaing surfaces defects, including cracks at the bottom of 10.34 Valves 410.41, Nomaly, valves used in process piping systems have body thicknesses somewhat heavier than adjoining piping, For this reason, an adequate piping coreson-montxing program need nt outinl include monitoring of valve bee body thicknesses However in ping efcuts where coresion rate monitoring of piping indicates severe coresion or ‘erosion, consideration should be giveiToffoutinely measuring thicknesses of selected valve bodies in the circuit 10.3.42\ severe services, such 26 hydrofuore atid, slury,fuidized catalyst services, vales may neeT Ba) SOL cismanted and inspected at specified intervals to assure intemal parts are of sufficient inteaty to provige reliable and Sate operation, SGI 10.24. Cafenever valves are remove trom serie for overhaul or eurblsned for reuse, they shouldbe inspected and ested tothe requirement PAPLSGB, When a vais disassembled forinspecton, he bonnet gasket shoud be replaced. Ary valve parts that do nok mee! tre minimum requirements of the eppicable valve standard should be Ciher repaired or replaced. The used valves should then be restored for continued safe operation 103.44 When body thicknesses are measured, the measurements should include locations that were inaccessible é f before dismantling, particularly at areas that show evidence of corrosion or erosion [Bodies of vaives that operate in severe cyclic temperature service should befchecked intemally for cracks. SKK 1034 Uae vaves sould be measured for thicknesd between the seats, since turbulen deteoraion This ls parteuary weak locaton because ofthe wedging acon of he dee or edge, syne he vave is closed. The seating surfaces shouldbe visual inspected fr defect that mght cause leakage he wedge guides PRP should be inspected fareorrosion and erosion, both on the wedge and in tre bod) 10.3.4.4.2 The stem and the threads on the stem and in the bonnet should be examined for corrosion. The connection between the stem and the wedge should be inspected to ensure that the wedge will nat detach from the stem during operation Sea (19348, Suingcheck vais cane spec by removing over fap. Check aves ten ter raking he that and hinge tn prnpal pons of deteoraton. ne da shuld be checked fr erie, an the nhtng Zilo_ somrintn hast sad ect anh patna fag no taser ots Tha Shou te foe sun, apn acne pn oat srl be nape or ear The seaig surscas on both e {0 | disc and the vale body can be checked for deterioration by feling them withthe fingers. I: s-exvemely important a that the cover is installed in, jentation for the wedge to operate property. CRefer to AP! 570 for reauirements for inspection o(Giieal check valves. 10.3.4.6 Quarter-tum valves can be inspected for ease of operation and the abily to open and close completely by operators. When they are serviced, all seating surfaces should also be examined 10.3.4.7 [Wien valves are reported by operators to have “operability” problems lke leaking through the gate when fully closed, a review of thefootential for that leakage to cause or accelerate deterioration downstream of the valve. D should be conducted to helo establish the priofity for valve replacement and the need of increased inspection of downstream piping Copyrighted material for linensee's use only Single user license only, copying prohibitedoak Aismé pis? Bones oeex Kook Ke Mier material for licens (00913427 08 Feb Copyright 82 API RecoMmuenneD Pracnce 674 103.5 Joints Methods of inspection for specific types of joints are discussed in 10.3.5.1 through 10.3.6.4, 10.3.5.1. Flanged and Bolted Joints 10.35.11. Sites should have a program to assure that anges are made up properly. Proper make-up of every fange in a piing syser is imporant for relly [Poper make-up incudes the use ifn proper qostet and fastener material, type and size, proper postioning ofthe gasket and proper torquing ofthe fasteners, The assurance program should include procedures for gasket and fastener selection and for fastener torquing ‘The program_can incorporate varying degrees of carving. ysl nspocion fel sing, end deste eng o components [Gasket selection can usualy be confirmed by)yisual exarination ofthe aasket's color and markings, MOL {SEtzhwound gaskets shoud be marked and clr coded in accordance MIMIASNE B16 20 Fasteners canbe visualy SEC examined fod proper stampings or markings and PMI tested in accordance with API 678, Proper gasket pastioning and sg bp torqung depends on fis ations of fhe worers naling up The fanges. Gaskel-posbiring can be checked vovaly, Proper torquing is dificult to check, but flange deformation can be a sign of improperly torqued fasteners. 10.3.8.1.2 [Flanged joints should be visually inspected for cracks and metal loss caused by corrosion and erosion when they are opened. See 10.3.2 for methods of inspection for cracks. Inspection of gasket faces is covered in 10.3.3. Flange joints can be inspected while in service by applying single-element or phased array UTs to the external surfaces to measure flange face corrosion and to detect ring groove cracking 10.35.13 [Elange bots shouldbe inspected Tatetching and corosion, Where excessive botloacngsindcates STREFEH Ay or uitere fanges are deformed, a nut canbe related along tne enielengh of the stuclIE tie std is stored the thread pth MiTBA changed and the rut. no tum tet Inspectonivalves checking io determine whether bois of te prove sector ave bean Used, af tray me chemical anlyss ophyeal ess detemine he Yeld S77 pg point end the utmate strength ofthe meter 10.3.5.1.4|Lif flanges are bolted too tightly, they can bend until the outer edges of the flanges are in contact When this occurs, the pressure on the gasket can be insufficient to en hLioint. Visual inspection of the gasket wil ‘reveal this condition. Permanently-deformed flanges should be replaced or refaced, 10.3.8.2 Welded Joints 10.38.24 welds cz welds if corrosion at welds is suspected, {The inspection pragram should look at a sampling of 10.3.5.2.2 Welded joints may be subject to leaks caused either by cracks or by corrosion or erosion, Cracks in alloy- steel welds are often associated with excessive harness resulting from improper control of preheat or PWHT. The hardness of air-hardenable alloy-stee! welds should therefore be checked afer heat treatment. Carbon-steel welds in environmental cracking service should be checked for hardness. 10.35.2.3 Corrosion can occur in the form of pitting that has penetrated the weld or the adjacent heataffected metal. Both pitting and welding defects can be detected by radiography. If severe defects are suspected and radiography is not feasible, the affected area can be chioped or gouged out until sound metal is reached, and the ‘groove can be rewelded 10.35.2.4 [Welded joins in carbon stee! and carbon-molybdenum steel exposed to elevated temperatures of 800 °F (426°C) or greater can be subiect taraphitization. When graphitization is suspected, 2 sample should be taken from ‘a welded joint and examined metallurgicaly for evidence of excessive graphitization, Copyrighted material only ing prohibitedCopyrighted material for ‘A008 Inspection PRACTICES FoR PHEW SYSTEM COMPONENTS 6 103.53 Threaded Joints Beek Treated joints can leak becousd oi}mproper assembly. ose threads, corrosion, poor fabrication, cross threading, ‘through crack in the root ofa thread, or threads that are dirty atthe time of assembly. the pO vee -Use.ol the wrong Lubrcant can also cause leaks, [he leak cannot be stopped by tightening the join, the jont shoud be unscrewed and visually examined to determine the cause of the leak, crack in a thread root could open up significantly and cause a release of product with serious consequences. 10.3.5.4 Clamped Joints 26% —_Aslemped pint that depends on machined surfaces for ghiness can leak because of cn, cartosion of he mating faces, mechanical damage, or failure ofthe clamp to provide sufficient force an the mating faces for proper contact. A clamped joint that depends on a gasket for tightness can leak because of damaged or dirty gasket seating surfaces or failure of the clamp to provide sufficient pressure on the gasket. If tightening the clamp does not stop the leak, the joint should be dismantled and visually inspected to determine the cause of the leak KAR ‘Caution—Certain kinds of clamped joints should not be used without adequate axial restraint on the piping, and sufficient pipe wal thickness at the ends of the clamp to resist collapsing by the clamping forces. Other types of clamps are designed to provide adequate strength tothe joint 10.26 Misalignment ERR (en, misalenment isnot apoarent unl the piping Fad eooled and has moved tots cold positon, The inspector should note, 28 in 10.13, ndcatons of msalgnment wile the pining Ts CoB ate especaly tre ot and cld hop poston ot sng anges te celomneMe hangers er auton cope i he Sanges noon osors a hat to cold, This is especially critical for large diameter ines such as catalyst transfer lines in FCC unis. Usually caused by the following conditions: Ket /s tf misalignment of piping was noted ar the cause should be determined and corrected [Misalignment is inadequate provision for expansion; m, ) broken or defective anchors or guides; s = ©) excessive fiction on sliding saddles, indicating a tack of lubrication ora need for rollers: \ C5) & beenrters reer tat canottunnecaue of coroson rick of Kbratn nS 6) broken or impropery adjusted hangers ay & —& | 9 hangers that are too short and thus limit movernent or cause lifting ofthe piping; Seam excessive operating temperature; e119 operating temper s hh) failure to remove the spring biocks after system construction. 103.7 Vibration [iiere excessive vibration or swaying was noted during operation, an inspection should be mad Tad paints of abrasion and external wear and for cracks in welds at locations that could not be inspected during operation. TheCopyrighted material for licensee's use only, ‘800813427 08 Feb 10, os API REcowmENeD PrAcrce S74 visual inspection methods described in 10.1.5 should be followed. This inspection should be supplemented by NDE. ‘methods as applicable. The conditions causing excessive vibration or swaying should be corrected. ras rorseou(( Ree?) ‘The internal insulation of piping shouldbe visually inspected for bypassing or complete failure in locations of hot spots ‘on internally insulated piping noted during aperation (see 10.1.8). The cause of the hot spot should be corrected “The pipe wall near the hot spot should be visually inspected for oxidation and resuitant scaling. All the scale should be removed, and the remaining sound metal should be examined for incipient cracks. The sound metal should be rmoasured ip ens that suit hickness romain fr te service. ihe OD of ping in hightemperature service Tal temperatures of BBGUPEOO °F (427 °C) and a80VE}-shoulé be measured to check fol ereep, or deformation with time under sess. To ensure that an In-service fracture wll not occur, the amount of ereep permitied should be based on estabished data forthe contemplated sevice ie wee 10.3.9 Expansion Joints RR 10.3.9.1 /Tngpection of expansion joints invalvasJexeminations both at maintenance outages and during operation priot to shuldown and shorty ater startup. While in operation, te "not setings and positon of connected pipe supports! “guides and the expansion jit shoud be recorded. Comparing measurements obained porto unk shutdown anc ater Startup alo for changes tobe denied and subsequently studied. In aditon he joint and attached pping should be BPR vecaly examined fovlaanment, distortion, cracks and leaks A check should be made prior strtup to make cure af stops and other resting devices re removed and al components are posttoned in the cold seting. Temporary Supports may be let in place as longa they wl not nterfere with the piping expansion inte hot eeting. 10.3.2 [fféred nemography examination ofthe jontn hgh temeratie servies can arn pts and bul HR temperature determine both the ents operating whim is design temperature and ay intemal ber bint and in ashooaied wih fe as uncon oy deed 10.3.8.3 During maintenance outages, additional inspection activities may be performed. The “cold” position and settings should be recorded and compared to previous “cold” and “hot” measurements. Changes should be reviewed ¥ against design. The expansion joint should be visually examined externally, and if possible, internally. Any external coverings should be removed to facilitate the inspection. The fabric in fabric joints should be examined for rips, holes, and fiexibilty. Metal attachment rings and bolting should be examined for distortion and corrosion. Metalic bellows may be examined with dye penetrant examination, ET and UT for cracking. Cracks can occur in convolutions, at piping attachment filet welds, and on any intemal liner attachment welds. Thinning and pitting can occur in some services and should be examined during internal inspections. 10.4 Nonmetallic Piping Nonmetallic piping systems are often used for fluids that are nontoxic, nonflammable and environmentally benign However, in some circumstances, even these piping systems are critical considering economic or operational ee consequences. Inspection intervals are probably best assessed using a risk-based approach |Eactors which influence the inal inspection date ard the emount and qualty of the supervision and inspection performed during constuction (Tie inspector should have adequate knowledge oNERP materials, resins, reinforcements, laminate imperfections and ‘manufacturing techniques. Generally, experience shows an intial inspection withinlthe fist two years of operation and subsequent intervals Oke being extended or reduced based on initial findings. [A site experiencing a significant number of failures in the early ‘Years of operator ay need ff teats Inspecion actos and shorten intoval, 10.4.1 Initial Construction KK Vous! exarinaion and pressure tesingfare the primary inspection and tesing methods used during oii “coISTUtaT] ASTI DSZ60 proves uence fr the val examination of ERE comanaaas bts onset on Coy Single user license only. copy prohibitedet aOR ia for licensee's use onl ‘opyrighted rn ‘800913427 08 Feb 10 InsPEcTIOn PRACTICES FoR PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENTS 65 manufacturing, assembly [Some of the more stringent specifications require RT andlor bond inspection tools of Coin bonded nonmetalic jis] These are more advanced examinations to supplant the coin tapping” method frlocating delaminated or disbonded areas close to the surface of nonmetallic piping Tappln4 Pressure testing al upto 1.6 times design pressure wil reveal leaks from major favs such as severe impact damage Presse tess, however, are nota guarantee of structural egy. Jonts vith upto 85° isbond have reportedly passed pressure tote. The use of acouste emission monitoring during pressure tesing can Wentfy materia falure Securing porto leakage, thereby, creasing the serstvily ofthe pressure test. This can be used reatime to prevert the pressure test For causing Wreversble damage to the ppe which might ofwerse. occur uthout tmontonng end ead to future in-service flue, 104.2. Onstream Examination and Testing Techniques Many vadtional NDE techniques and testing ae used to asses nonmetal piping. These techriques indus a) UT, b) RT, ©) AE, 4) hardness testing, ¢) thermographic maging, 9 uw Cinicrowave) 10.5 Pressure Tests 41054 Purpose of Testing 10.5.1. (iatessure test conducted on in-service piping may function ad a leak test or i the pressure is high enough, “itcan reveal aross errors in design or fabrication Pressure tests of existing piping should be performes in accordance ‘nthe reqements of APL 870, png systems which may be subjected fo pressure testing clude the flowing a) underground ines and other naccessble piping: b) water and other nonhazardous utlty lines; ©) ‘ong ciltransfer lines in areas where a leak or spill would not be hazardous to personnel or harmful to the environment; 4) complicated manifold systems; 2) small piping and tubing systems; fall systems, after a chemical cleaning operation: @) when required by the jurisdiction. 1.5.1.2 The reasons and procedures for pressure testing piping are generally the same as those for equioment When vessels of process units are pressure tested, the main lines connected to the vessels are often tested at the same time\Far service testing of Category D piping systems, ASME 831.3 limits the gage pressure t0}150_psi (1034.2 KPa) = ited material for licensee's use only. only, copying prohibited.Copyrighted material for licensee's use only. ‘A00813427 (08 Feb 10 « Pi neccmcioen Prac 74 “able 5—Comparison of Common Nonmetallic Piping NDE Techniques Tea Tavares Taos aaa cram SSS | UT SVT es aca SPOT | ee Becksemmins ae whens cirscutstn he napa eaeanesatne | - | Probe selection, typically at the low frequency range of 0.25 MHz erases | 225 ite oben tr ulresonc starvation cexactisies (ee tiwectcrea etme tart | This technique cannat detect kissing” bonds in thermal welds. | bein an avait of sua carton samples eben |Bameraramst | ania ima tava ca youre nate ad Spat exponue wegues may raed Strode cer eeintetrans Bocce oqvanatet wegen tect sone thea octet an lpeba |. |contevsedtoveriertoas otc ec. ast eemers tein rte costucten goal) [Radiograr | Disbonaing and lack of adhesion flaws may not be easi sy _Sentabe war tistaingee eo) r=tbe cay Erarinaton often pinghas nox ce ypc EATS petoecey Uae ow neste Tai arg fa ab nad Screen ba cave ado A wi apy ae Taw [Aches been used on vessels nd tks consuced| "UH BE see ering energy) Fee se ects Giaccone he flaws ony possble wih her mye DME BAU Seen Vaan | compares NEE tea, pal tev nto nck neat sca De es erie cc, aut incr acouts enon | attain gach ose oo ow os tare Sh cut nag cg| {ganic ot ocnararcetne cack otters snd | catia itemanecreatoe | Ter sees sucnnsh epatigct he sect Re caret cee poe ~~ | Materal property used to identify proper curing and | Limited by available area (eg. small diameter bore pipe). p~ longterm degradation ofthe rsh Wax iin can yielslover hanes ves Theos coon hadsslrence ASTM areas) [BEBE | (Bareatnarsa testa aca todetermine the | Ne ergs | io Hebenaeliodaa Sei outa area sus ts 7 Saas oe amen on cea roughage tick val ng jeanne Th its of detection oe late gh wih about 0.25n | [Rees arenas paar ats 2s seer, amos Onteion fron hem ferent te proces Satan ne or rere deer ee Seeei oe opens pe pte nt be sos ptamaiespttches sont alah we | SEMA aSE A te Seay iat 8 sar | tae apieazo raha Tipe mn ales —| Une ped ea ny ma ang aS (Se nksensos"bos on ose eam wcovave | Hace agrestis io he ibetaein cence Tecigus ashe ayo cect tons ata eerste | ‘Copyrighted material for licensee's use only. Single user license only, copying prohibitedSRR Copyrighted material for licensee's ‘800913427 08 Feb 10 InsPecrion Practices FoR Pew SYSTEM COMPONENTS er 10.5.2. Performing Pressure Tests 105.21 AP|570, Section 5X provides guidelines for preparing piping for pressure testing 10.2.2 During liquid pressure testing, all air should be expelled from the piping thrpugh vents provided at all high points. If te system is not full of liquid, the trapped air wll compress. With large quantities of a compressible medium in the system, a failure will be more violent than in a liquid-ull system because of expansion of the compressible medium, 10.5.2.3 Care should be taken to ensure the test does not overpressure the eystem, including components €.9, expansion joints, that may have a lower design pressure than the remainder of the piping system. Calibrated pressure {gauges properly located and of the proper range should be used and carefully watched during pressuring, When all air is expelied from the system, the pressure will se rapidly. A sudden rise in pressure can cause shock, resulting in failure of the tested equipment. 10.5.2.4 The pressure fora liquid pressure testis usually supplied by an available pump. fa pump of sufficient head. is not available, the necessary test pressure can be supplied by bottled inert gas, such as nitrogen, bled in atthe top of the system after the system is filed with the test liquid, This method has the disadvantage of introducing a ‘compressible medium into the system, but the quantity can be kept small. n either case, if overpressuring can occur, a relief device should be installed to protect the system. 10.5.2.5 Various fuids can be used for pressure testing. The following are the most commonly used 2) water with or without an inhibitor, freezing-point depressant, or wetting agent; ») liquid products normally carried in the system, if they are not toxic or likely to cause a fire in case of a leak or failure; ©) steam; d) air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, or another inert gas. NOTE ASME 831.3has resticons onthe use ofthe test mediums ksted in tem) and Item l2 leak or failure occurs, fluid may be released in the area of the piping being tested. For this reason, the fuid should not be harmful to adjoining equipment or to the plant sewer system and appropriate safety precautions are taken to avoid personnel exposure. a x keh - 7 10.5.2.6 [Water may gat 66 Suiable as a test fad in some piping ystems, such as}acid lines, cryogenic systems, and aivatrsyaams (Uninhibted sat water can cause coroscon oom noneravs aloys and 906 of austen Stariess stele [Sak water can also causefcoroson of ferc soos and severe ping ofausteric sees such as valve tim or plating ost natural waterS contain bacteria which can lead t@ microbiologiclly Induced corosion i the water i let in the PI for too long afer a pressure fest. Austenitic sinless stele have fled afer two Tove weeks of te hind of exposure. Water can freeze in cold weather unless a freezing-point depressant is used. The depressant should not be harmful to the seer system or other place of disposal. Steam is sometimes used to warm the water and prevent freezing ‘The transition temperature of the steel should be considered to prevent brite fallure when the testing is during cold ‘weather or with cold fuids. A steam test may be advantageous where steam is used for heating or purging equipment before operation. The steam pressure should not exceed the operating pressure. An advantage of steam is that it heats the piping, thereby, Popping flux from welds in piping that could have passed a water test; however, steam testing does have several disadvantages. Condensation occurs, and the draining of condensate may be necessary before operations are Copyrighted material for licensee's use Single user license only, copying prCopyrighted material for licensee's use only, ‘A00913427 08 Feb 10 68 API Recoumenceo Pracrce 674 started. When high-pressure steam is used, leaks are difficult to detect and can bum personnel who are in the area of the equipment. Steam also has the previously mentioned disadvantage of compressible media. ASME B31.3 allows for a leakage test with the flowing medium at operating conditions for Category D fluid services; that is, the fluid should be nonfiammable, nontoxic, and 386 °F (186 °C) or lower, NOTE __ if steam is used as the test medium for piping other than Catagory 0 piping, the rules for pneumatic testing stated in [ASME B31.3 should be followed, 10.8.2.7 Pneumatic tests in conjunction with a soap solution, foaming agent, or sonic leak detector are sometimes permissible for small lines and systems. The preferred medium for pneumatic testing is an inert gas. Compressed air should not be used where flammable fuids can be present. Leaks that would not be detected during @ liquid pressure test can often be detected by a pneumatic test. Because nitrogen and hellum are more penetrating than air, they are used when service conditions are particularly critcal. Filing any piping system with an inert gas creates an asphyxiation hazard at every stage in the process. Precautions must be taken to ensure that no personnel are inadvertently exposed to a low-oxygen atmosphere. Preumatic testing should be conducted strictly in accordance with ASME 3.3, All the precautions specified in ASME 1831.3 should be strictly observed, including the elimination of conditions under which bite fracture might occur, 410.6 Hammer Testing Hammer testing of piping, valves, and fitings is @ largely outdated test method in which the component is struck with a hammer in order to make it ring. The type of ring can be used By an experienced inspector in hammer testing to differentiate thin metal from thicker metal, While some inspectors can gain some knowiedge about 2 pipe’s condition Using this technique, the difficulties of calibrating and standardizing 2 hammer test put this technique outside the scope of modern recommended practices. individual sites may choose to allow hammer testing of certain lines arter ‘evaluating the hazards involved and assessing whether the hammer strikes will damage the piping. 10.7. Telltale Hole Drilling Telltale driling (also referred to as sentinel holes or detforez holes) is the application of small pilot holes, e.g." in (3.2 mm) diameter, drilled into the pipe component wall using specified and controlled patterns and depths. The purpose ofthe tell-tale holes is to prevent major incidents associated with undetected thinning damage due to internal corrosion, erosion, and erosion-corrosion, by alerting unit personne! through a leak through the tel-tale hole, Teltale holes can be less effective where isolated pitting is occurring. Telltale holes are used in conjunction with typical, ‘detailed piping inspection programs although they provide an added measure of protection to prevent significant releases, nti the general acceptance of UT wall thickness measurements, the use of telltale holes was common practice to determine when some amount of pipe wall loss had occurred. This practice was abandoned by many users in favor of i sescene eanelontens auaiee aetannantea cetacean ‘employing recognized and generally accepted piping inspection practices, ¢.g. manual UT, ALT, profile RT, ete, ‘The pilot holes are drilled from the OD to the outermost pat of the corrosion allowance periphery such that when the internal corrosion allowance is consumed a “weep” occurs atthe telltale hole. Special dil assemblies and depth gauges are used to assure the hole is driled to the proper depth. The hole pattern and density can vary depending "upon the type of service, ikeihood of falure and consequence of fale. They are most commonly installed during Pipe fabrication Older facities may have piping installed with telltale holes. It is suggested to document those piping systems containing tel-tale holes as their presence can alter the inspection plan and any replacement plan to prevent a leak ‘rom the telltale hole, Copyrighted material for licensee's use only Single user license only, copying prohibited