Section 680IAC2-5-5. Hydrostatic pressure tests; procedures; standards; alternative tests

   (a) A hydrostatic pressure test, when applied to boilers or unfired pressure vessels of riveted or welded construction, except locomotive boilers, shall not exceed one and one-half (1½) times the maximum allowable working pressure. Hydrostatic pressure applied to glass lined vessels shall not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure. During the hydrostatic pressure test, the safety valve or valves shall be removed or each valve disk shall be held down by means of a testing clamp and not by applying additional load to the spring with the compression screw. The minimum temperature of the water used to apply a hydrostatic test shall be not less than seventy degrees Fahrenheit (70°F) but the maximum temperature shall not exceed one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120°F).

  (b) When a hydrostatic test is to be applied to regulated equipment, the pressure shall be as follows:

(1) For all cases involving the question of tightness, the pressure shall be equal to the release pressure of the safety valve or valves having the highest release setting.

(2) For all cases involving the question of safety, the pressure shall be equal to one and one-half (1½) times the maximum allowable working pressure, except for locomotive boilers in which case it shall be one and one-fourth (1¼) times the maximum allowable working pressure.

  (c) If the inspector and the owner or user so agree, tests in accordance with the API-ASME code or the ASME code may be substituted for the tests required by this section. (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules Board; 680 IAC 2-5-5; filed Jan 5, 1996, 10:15 a.m.: 19 IR 1124; readopted filed Jul 9, 2001, 1:33 p.m.: 24 IR 3822; readopted filed Sep 21, 2007, 9:16 a.m.: 20071010-IR-680070389RFA; readopted filed Oct 19, 2007, 1:08 p.m.: 20071114-IR-680070389RFA; readopted filed Sep 5, 2013, 10:09 a.m.: 20131009-IR-680130182RFA)