API RP 1110-2022 PDF

Full title and description

API RP 1110:2022 — Pressure Testing of Steel Pipelines for the Transportation of Gas, Petroleum Gas, Hazardous Liquids, Highly Volatile Liquids, or Carbon Dioxide. This recommended practice provides guidance and procedural requirements for planning, performing, and documenting pressure (principally hydrostatic) tests of steel pipeline systems and associated facility piping used in the transportation of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide.

Abstract

API RP 1110 (7th edition, December 2022) addresses the planning, execution, safety, and recordkeeping associated with pressure testing of line pipe, station piping, fabricated assemblies, valves, fittings, flanges and other pipeline appurtenances. It clarifies test objectives, acceptable test media (primarily liquid/hydrostatic), test pressure calculations, safety controls, instrumentation and acceptance criteria, and identifies items and systems that are outside its scope.

General information

• Status: Active / Current.
• Publication date: December 1, 2022 (7th edition).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Pipeline transportation / Pipeline operations (API classification: Pipeline Transportation, COPS section).
• Edition / version: 7th edition (RP 1110, ed. 7, 2022).
• Number of pages: 37 pages.

Scope

This RP applies to all parts of a pipeline or pipeline facility including line pipe, pump station piping, terminal piping, compressor and metering station piping, delivery and regulator station piping, fabricated assemblies, valves, tees, elbows, reducers, flanges, and other pipeline equipment or appurtenances. It excludes pumping/compressor units, breakout tanks, pressure vessels, instrument tubing, and systems for which other codes specify testing requirements. The RP focuses on hydrostatic pressure testing with liquid test medium and does not address pressure testing with natural gas, nitrogen, or air.

Key topics and requirements

• Planning and authorization of pressure tests: responsibilities, pre-test inspections, and written test plans.
• Test media and environmental considerations: preferred liquid (hydrostatic) testing, handling and disposal of test fluid, contamination and freezing precautions.
• Test pressure determination: methods for calculating required test pressure and factors to account for temperature, elevation, and component ratings.
• Safety controls and isolation: hazard assessment, protection of personnel and public, temporary restraints, venting and draining procedures.
• Instrumentation and monitoring: pressure gauges, temperature measurement, data recording, and acceptable measurement tolerances.
• Acceptance criteria and leak evaluation: permitted pressure loss, criteria for repair or rejection, and retest procedures.
• Documentation and recordkeeping: test plans, charts/records, as-built drawings, and retention of test records for inspection and regulatory review.

Typical use and users

Used by pipeline owners and operators, commissioning and construction contractors, pipeline integrity and corrosion engineers, inspection and test personnel, project managers, and regulators. Typical applications include commissioning new pipeline segments, post-repair testing, facility piping tests at terminals and stations, and formal documentation of test results for regulatory compliance and asset integrity programs.

Related standards

Frequently used alongside other pipeline and piping standards and codes such as API RP 1111 (pipeline design and operation guidance), API RPs for facility integrity and operator qualification, and established piping codes including ASME B31.4 (liquid pipeline systems) and ASME B31.8 (gas transmission and distribution). Depending on the component or jurisdiction, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and other national/regulatory codes may also apply.

Keywords

pressure testing, hydrostatic test, pipeline commissioning, pipeline integrity, steel pipelines, test pressure, leak test, test plan, pipeline safety, API RP 1110.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API RP 1110:2022 is an API recommended practice that gives guidance and requirements for planning and conducting pressure (primarily hydrostatic) tests of steel pipelines and associated facility piping used to transport gas, petroleum gas, hazardous liquids, highly volatile liquids, or carbon dioxide.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test planning, determination of test pressures, acceptable test media and environmental controls, safety and isolation procedures, instrumentation and monitoring, acceptance criteria, and recordkeeping. It deliberately excludes certain equipment covered by other codes (e.g., pressure vessels, instrument tubing) and does not address pneumatic/gas testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pipeline operators, construction and commissioning contractors, integrity and inspection engineers, test crews, and regulators use this RP when performing and documenting pressure tests on new, modified, or repaired pipeline systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The December 1, 2022 edition (7th edition) is the current / active edition of API RP 1110 and supersedes prior editions (for example API RP 1110:2013 and its R2018 reaffirmation).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of API’s pipeline-related recommended practices and standards suite (pipeline operations and integrity group). Users commonly reference other API RPs and codes (e.g., RP 1111, RP 1160) and national piping codes (ASME B31 series) together with RP 1110.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: pressure testing, hydrostatic, pipeline commissioning, leak detection, test pressure calculation, pipeline integrity, test plan, API RP 1110.