Setting Operating Pressures

• For safety reasons, a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) is set lower than a calculated yield pressure by a percent referred to as the Design Factor (F). The percent varies by the gas or liquid transported, pipe location, and governing codes.
• Before being placed into initial or changed service, a  new or existing pipeline is hydrostatically pressure tested to a higher level than the MAOP by a percent that is also variable.

Related Links