Frequently-Asked Question FAQ #219

FAQ-219: Manufacturing and Construction Defects if Subpart J tested

Question: Are integrity assessments required for manufacturing and construction defects, including seam defects, if the pipeline has been pressure tested in accordance with Subpart J?

Answer: OPS considers a successful Subpart J pressure test to be sufficient to reveal any manufacturing and construction defects that could jeopardize pipeline integrity at operating pressures less than or equal to MAOP, as of the date of the pressure test. Any manufacturing and construction defects that survive the Subpart J pressure test are considered to be stable and not subject to failure, unless other threats adversely affect the stability of the residual manufacturing and construction defects. An operator is expected to conduct its threat identification analysis in sufficient detail to identify if other interacting threats could adversely affect the stability of residual manufacturing and construction defects, as required by ASME B31.8S, Section 2.2, and establish its assessment plans accordingly.

Assessments addressing the threat of manufacturing and construction defects are required for pipe that has never been tested to Subpart J requirements if operating conditions on the line change. (See FAQ-220)