Burst Testing Services
Burst Pressure Testing
Burst Testing is pressure testing for pressure vessels and piping systems to estimate the allowable pressure a piece of equipment can take before it bursts or breaks. Burst Testing is used to compute the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for vessels or parts under ASME VIII-1 UG-101 or Finite Element Analysis under ASME VIII-2.
Note: This guideline is for information only and is intended as an introduction to burst testing requirements pertaining to obtaining a Canadian Registration Number for an unlisted pressure-retaining fitting, pressure vessel, boiler, or other pressure-retaining equipment.
Disclaimer: Always consult the respective jurisdictional safety authority, irrespective of the contents of this document.
Acceptable standards to Canadian safety authorities that include burst testing (other standards may apply. It is recommended to consult with the jurisdictional safety authority prior to conducting any burst testing):
- ASME Section VIII Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, division 1, UG-101
- ASME B31.3 Process Piping paragraph 304.7.2 (c) which references ASME VIII-2, Division 1, UG-101
- ASME I Power Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section I, A-22
- ASME B31.1 Power Piping, paragraph 104.7.2 (c), which references ASME I, section I, A-22
- ASME IV Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers, section HG.
- ASME B16.9 Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings, section 9
- MSS-SP-97 Integrally Reinforced Forged Branch Outlet Fittings – Socket Welding, Threaded, and Buttwelding Ends, annex B
Key Considerations While Burst Testing for CRN Number
Burst Testing involves assessing the safety integrity level to evaluate all factors of safety such as code of construction, material selection, allowable working pressure, design code for custom systems, or heavy lifting equipment to establish an ultimate pressure rating by containing pressure tests using internal and external pressures.
Requirements for proof testing to establish MAWP are provided in Paragraph UG-101 in ASME Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME BPVC. Provision is made in these rules for two types of tests to determine the internal maximum allowable working pressure:
- Tests based on the yielding of the part to be tested. These tests are limited to materials with a ratio of minimum specified yield to the minimum specified ultimate strength of 0.625 or less.
- Tests based on the bursting of the part.
Requirements for permitted proof test procedures are specified in the following paragraphs in the 1992 and 2015 editions of Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME BPVC.
- Paragraph UG-101(l) – Brittle-Coating Test Procedure
- Paragraph UG-101(m) – Bursting Test Procedure
- Paragraph UG-101(n) – Strain Measurement Test Procedure
- Paragraph UG-101(o) – Displacement Measurement Test Procedure
- Paragraph UG-101(p) – Procedure for Vessels Having Chambers of Special Shape Subject to Collapse
In Canada, a CRN (Canadian Registration Number) may be obtained by means of burst testing, provided that the pressure equipment is unlisted. For more information on listed vs. unlisted pressure equipment see the article in our newsletter of 2016.
Regardless of how one arrives at the conclusion that burst testing is required, once initiating burst testing, it is very important to keep in mind that some jurisdictions of Canada require a more stringent approach than others.
Comparing Hydrostatic vs Pneumatic Burst Testing
Burst testing can be performed using either hydrostatic methods, which utilise water or other incompressible fluids, or pneumatic methods, which use air or gas under pressure. Hydrostatic burst testing is generally preferred for pressure vessels, pipelines, and fittings because water is incompressible, minimizing stored energy and reducing the risk of explosive failure during the test.
Pneumatic testing, while faster and sometimes easier for on-site testing, carries higher risk due to the compressibility of gases, which can release energy suddenly if a failure occurs. The choice between hydrostatic and pneumatic testing depends on the material, vessel design, and applicable ASME or ISO standards. For CRN registration and ASME compliance, hydrostatic testing is usually recommended, providing reliable results and a safe testing environment.
Engineering Advantages of Burst Pressure Testing
Common Challenges in Burst Testing
Burst testing high-pressure equipment can be a complex process, and several challenges often arise during testing. Small-diameter vessels, for example, require precise instrumentation and specialised fixtures to apply internal pressure uniformly without damaging the component.
Complex geometries, such as vessels with multiple chambers or irregular shapes, can create stress concentrations that are difficult to measure without advanced sensors and data acquisition systems. Materials with varying properties, including composites or coated metals, may behave unpredictably under extreme pressure, making calibration and test planning critical.
At Titan Research Group, our engineers address these challenges by designing custom test setups, using high-precision transducers, and analysing data in real time to guarantee accurate burst pressure results for pressure vessels, piping systems, and fittings.
Proof/Burst Test Report Services
A burst test conducted for the purpose of obtaining a CRN is required in Canada to be witnessed by a manufacturer’s representative and by a provincial/territorial authorized inspector (when the test is conducted in Canada) or witnessed by an ASME National Board Authorized Inspector with a valid commission type A – new construction.
The burst test report is to include a number of key elements as per the following bullet points:
- The code or standard used to conduct the test and the test method
- Identification of the part tested by drawing and revision number, complete material specification, size or size designation, and the complete material specification
- Provide test gauge serial number and last calibration certificate
- Provide calculations relevant to the code or standard chosen
- Indicate the pressure the test was stopped at, the mode of failure, and any observations or reasons for stopping the test
- For tests conducted outside Canada, a copy of the ASME National Board Authorized Inspector’s commission card – front and back
- The signature of the witness and the manufacturer’s representative on the test report
- Drawing(s) of the tested part on which the tested sample part number and complete material specification are provided
Burst Pressure Test Report
The foregoing list is not comprehensive. For example, some code or standard burst test calculations require an actual tensile value result derived either by cutting at least three (3) tensile samples per a test standard such as ASTM E8 Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials.
However, it may be acceptable to use the minimum tensile value reported on the mill test certificate report if the parts are too small to cut tensile test samples from. That said, the line of acceptability between too small to pull test versus just right varies with the perspective of each SCC-authorized code survey engineer.
Another ambiguity relates to what the burst test report itself needs to contain versus what the drawings enumerate. One could say that as long as all data is traceable via a drawing/catalog number, part number, or serial number to the heat/cost/lot # of the material of construction, that is sufficient. However, others believe in the redundant listing of all of the above on both the test report and drawings/catalogs. This kind of ambiguity can cause entire tests to be thrown out.
The bottom line is that it is important to document as much data as possible on both the test reports and drawings to satisfy any prescriptive interpretations of the test code or standard rules.
Burst testing requires more than meets the eye and should probably be treated as a negotiation between the safety authority reviewer and the manufacturer who intends to test unlisted pressure equipment for a CRN application.
Technological Innovations in Burst Testing
Modern burst testing uses advanced technology to deliver safer, more accurate results. High-performance servo-hydraulic systems provide controlled pressure ramps and continuous monitoring of test conditions. NIST-traceable pressure transducers, high-speed data acquisition, and automated failure detection give real-time insights into pressure vessel performance.
Moreover, digital reporting and integrated documentation make all burst test data fully traceable and compliant with ASME, CSA, and ISO standards. These innovations shorten test duration, support informed material and wall thickness choices, and strengthen design safety.
At Titan Research Group, our advanced testing solutions set the benchmark for thorough, industry-compliant burst testing.
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FAQs About Burst Testing
- Hydrostatic burst tests (using liquid under pressure)
- Pneumatic burst tests (using compressed air or gas)
- Incremental proof pressure testing for ASME pressure vessels
- Determine the maximum burst pressure of a component
- Validate design safety per ASME pressure vessel testing requirements
- Ensure compliance with industry standards before service