Advancement of Australian technological standards for pressure testing of pipelines

As a key task in new pipeline engineering construction, pressure testing is very important for ensuring safe operation of pipelines. This paper reviews currently available technologies for pressure testing of pipelines and progresses in development of new technologies. In addition, differences between domestic standards and foreign standards (e.g. USA, Canada, UK and Russia) for pressure testing are investigated. It is proposed to amend domestic standards with references to Australian technical standards for pipelines. This paper presents the current pipeline situations and technical standard systems in Australia and especially the differences between the Australia pipeline pressure testing standard AS 2885.5-2012 and the domestic standards. The AS 2885.5-2012 is superior in its technical requirements for liquid petroleum testing, SMS for gas testing, determination of strength testing level based on pipeline types, qualification criteria for strength testing, accuracy of pressure gauges, calibration frequency of thermometers, preconditions for entering of isolated areas based on risk assessments and minimization of testing intensity. Finally, this paper proposes to amend domestic standards with references to Australian standards for pressure testing of pipelines.