For an oil tank piping system, what is the maximum test pressure?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to verify piping integrity by applying a hydrostatic test pressure that is higher than the system’s normal operating pressure. For oil tank piping, this test is typically set at 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP). This extra margin helps reveal leaks, weak joints, or failing components without stressing the system beyond code limits.

In practice, if the MAWP is around 6–7 psi, 1.5 times that is about 9–10 psi. The option near 10 psi matches this standard testing practice, making it the best choice. Lower pressures wouldn’t provide enough margin to detect issues, and higher pressures would exceed typical code limits for this application.