Hydrostatic testing

Hydrostatic testing is the most commonly used procedure for checking the performance of pressures vessels. This testing is
especially brought into play to verify pressure vessels like cylinders, boilers and tubes either they have leaks or
manufacturing flaws that may result in leakage.
Hydrostatic testing is significant for safety of pressure vessels and their strength and stability when operating under pressure. This technique is normally
utilised under industry requirements or upon customers demand or specifications. Usually, there are more chances of leaks in low pressure devices like pipes
and plumbing, which are necessary to be identified. For this purpose, the best technique you can go for is hydrostatic testing, not only to detect leaks in
pressure vessels, this technique may also be applied for checking proof pressure and burst pressure as well.
The following are some main benefits of hydrostatic testing:
G Detection of definite leak location
G Verification of pressure vessel design is suitable for application or not
Procedure of this hydrostatic testing is simple and easy. I ncompressible fluids like oil and water are used for this test. The vessel which is to be examined is
filled with anyone of these fluids. This test will confirm if there is any leak, manufacturing flaw and/or enduring change in shape of the vessel. I n order to
make leaks easier to be detected, add red or fluorescent dye in liquid contained in the vessel. As safety factor, pressure applied for the test should always
be higher than operating pressure. The safety margin is normally 150% or 5/3 of operating pressure and depends on regulations applied. For instance, if
vessel is rated to 2015psi (139 bar) then it should be tested at about 3360psi (232 bar). Water is the most commonly used liquid in hydrostatic testing
because it is more incompressible than any other liquid. The vessel which is to be tested is placed in another sealed vessel filled with water. The adjusted
internal pressure for a set time period is applied to the test vessel. This subjected pressure result in expansion of test vessel. The overall and permanent
expansion of the vessel is then determined. After this, it is inspected physically and visually that the test vessel has been damaged/permanently distorted or
remained safe due to test pressure applied on it. For re-verification, the vessel may be subjected to proof-pressure test which is a modified form of
hydrostatic test. Procedure of this test is same that of normal hydrostatic test. The only exception is that the test vessel is checked for distortion or
malfunctioning during the course of proof-pressure test.
Generally, water jacket test is employed for testing of small pressure vessels. The vessel to be tested is visually inspected for defects and then put in water
filled container and by monitoring water level the change in volume of test vessel is measured. The vessel is then pressurized for about 30 seconds. After
de-pressurizing, water level is checked which will be raised if vessel distorts due to pressure change and unable to return to original volume.
Take full and appropriate safety measures during and after hydrostatic test execution. The reason behind is use of high pressure in this test. Make it sure
that there remained no pressure trapped in the test vessel or pipeline.
Groundforce offers specialist construction solutions. We stock essentials for pipe pressure testing, pipe stoppers, piling equipment, formwork, pump hire,
shoring equipment and trenchless technology. Take a look at what we have to offer. Groundforce has over 20 years experience in the construction field and
we continue to build on our success. We offer comprehensive technical support for a variety of our products and services. To find out more call us today on
0800 000 345, alternatively, email groundforce@vpplc.com.
G Get a call back from your local hire desk.
Request a call back
G --NEW FEATURE-- Engineers BIM Resource Centre
Visit our Design Hub
G Receive our E-Newsletter
G Click to view our pageflip brochures.
View our online brochure
G Free Technical Document Library
Sign Up Today!
G Training Services
G Order a 2014 Brochure
G Read Tony Gould's latest blog entry
TG's Technical Blog
G Case Studies
G Hydraulic Grave Support Systems
Gravshore
G Product Range
G Nationwide Depot Network. Find your Local Depot.
Locations
Useful Links
G Request a callback
G Recieve our e-newsletter
G View our online brochure
G Groundforce Technical Library
G Groundforce Online
G Groundforce I reland
G Groundforce Germany
Industry related
G Hydrostatic testing
G What Exactly I s Piling?
G Piling - getting it right
G Piling Equipment - Product Overview
G Blog: Wireless Load Monitoring
G Blog: Hydraulic Struts - Basic Principals



2014 Groundforce