When will temporary supports be used during the testing phase?

Temporary supports are utilized during the testing phase specifically to support the weight of the test medium. When pipelines are tested, they are often filled with various test media—such as water, air, or other fluids—to verify their integrity and ensure they can handle operational pressures. The weight of these test mediums can be substantial, and without proper support, the pipeline might sag or become misaligned, which can lead to inaccurate test results or even damage to the system.

Using temporary supports ensures that the pipeline is maintained in a stable and secure position during testing, allowing for accurate assessments of its strength and durability. This aspect is crucial because any movement or misalignment can compromise the testing process and potentially overlook issues that need to be addressed before the system is put into service.

The other options do not align with the primary role of temporary supports during this phase. For instance, reducing overall test pressure or speeding up the testing process does not directly relate to the need for temporary support; these are managed through the test conditions and procedures rather than physical structural support.