Section 19 in The Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016
19. Periodic testing of pressure vessels in service.
(1)(a)Except specifically otherwise provided in this rule, all vessels shall be hydraulically tested by a competent person at a pressure marked on the vessel at intervals of not more than five years after the date of first test, provided that in the case of vessels, containing corrosive or toxic gases, the periodic test shall be done at an interval of two years. Internal inspection along with residual thickness measurement shall be carried out during the periodic testing.(b)Vessels of more than 100 KL water capacity meant for flammable, corrosive and toxic gases shall also be subjected to Non Destructive Test for weld inspection in addition to hydraulic test referred in clause (a).(2)In case of vessels which are so designed, constructed or supported that they cannot be safely filled with water or liquids for hydraulic testing or which are used in services where traces of water cannot be tolerated, the Chief Controller may permit pneumatic testing along with non-destructive tests instead of hydraulic testing, as per procedure laid down in vessel fabrication code; after satisfying himself about the adequacy of the safety precautions undertaken.(3)(a)Cryogenic pressure vessel and vessel for liquid Carbon Dioxide made of stainless steel shall be periodically tested with pneumatic pressure at 1.1 times of maximum allowable working pressure.(b)Carbon Dioxide storage and transport vessels made of carbon steel shall be subjected to hydraulic testing (instead of pneumatic testing) at the marked test pressure as per design and fabrication code. It shall be ensured that the vessel after testing is thoroughly dried of water and made moisture free before taking into service.(4)The mounded and underground vessel shall be periodically inspected as specified in Schedule III.(5)(a)Ammonia Horton sphere shall be subjected to first periodic inspection after two years of its installation and the inspection shall consist of detailed Non-destructive Testing of the vessel.(b)The second periodic inspection shall be carried out after three years of first inspection and shall involve Non-destructive Testing and hydro testing of the sphere.(c)Subsequent periodic inspection including Non-destructive Testing and hydro testing shall be carried out every five years.(d)If any major repair is carried out on a Horton sphere, the vessel shall be subjected to Non-destructive Testing and hydro testing in accordance with original code of construction and procedure approved by Chief Controller and the vessel shall be treated as a new vessel for subsequent periodic inspection as per the procedure noted above.(e)The Non-destructive Testing shall be as per the procedure approved by the Chief Controller.(6)Notwithstanding anything mentioned in clause (a) of sub-rules (3), sub-rules (4) and (5) above; the Licensee is at liberty to carry out Hydraulic Test as per the design code during the periodic inspection under rule 19.(7)The competent person carrying out the test as required under sub-rule (1) to sub-rule (6) above shall issue online certificate of test in the prescribed proforma along with the Annexures giving the details of NDT inspections prescribed above.
