Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.814 (Hydrostatic pressure test) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 178.814 requires for your Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs):
* Applicability: You must conduct a hydrostatic pressure test to qualify all metal, rigid plastic, and composite IBC design types that are intended to contain liquids or solids loaded/discharged under pressure.
* Special Preparation: Before testing, remove any thermal insulation equipment (for metal IBCs), and remove all pressure relief devices and vented closures, plugging or rendering their apertures inoperative.
* Test Method:
* Measure hydrostatic gauge pressure at the top of the IBC.
* Apply the required pressure for a duration of at least 10 minutes.
* Do not mechanically restrain the IBCs during the test.
* Required Pressures: You must apply the specific gauge pressure required for your specific IBC design type and intended material (for example, specific pressures are designated for metal design types 31A/31B/31N, 21A/21B/21N, rigid plastics like 21H1/21H2/31H1/31H2, and composite types like 21HZ1/21HZ2/31HZ1/31HZ2).
* Passing Criteria: To pass, the IBCs must show no leaks (and, depending on the material type, no permanent deformation that would render the IBC unsafe for transportation).