Unless specified otherwise, it is typical to perform a hydrostatic test at a pressure of __________ the maximum working pressure.

A hydrostatic test is a standard procedure used to verify the integrity and safety of pressure vessels, pipelines, and various other equipment designed to hold fluids under pressure. The common practice for conducting these tests, unless otherwise stipulated by specific regulations or codes, is to apply a test pressure that is 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the system being tested.

This practice of using 1.5 times the MAWP provides a reliable margin of safety to ensure that any potential weaknesses or defects in the material or welds can be identified. By testing at this level, engineers can confidently assess the structural integrity and operational safety of the equipment under conditions that simulate a significantly higher load than what it would experience in normal service.

In contrast, other pressure multipliers like 2X or higher may be used in different situations, such as when specifically indicated by certain codes or standards, or when certain materials or design stress limits are being evaluated. However, without special instructions, the 1.5X standard remains the industry norm for routine hydrostatic testing.