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6/1
SECTION 6
For both gravity and pressure pipelines only testing of new, renovated, or
replaced sections of pipelines and fittings will be required under the Contract,
in accordance with this Specification, unless detailed otherwise. Such testing
will be carried out before making final connections to the existing network.
However where tees or other fittings are inserted into existing pipelines and
where lengths of pipeline are replaced no backfilling will be allowed at the tees
or fittings or at the joints between new and existing pipework until the pipeline
has been returned to service and a visual inspection of all such fittings and
joints made at the network pressure.
Should any inspection be unsatisfactory or any test fail the Contractor shall
replace defective pipes, leaking joints or otherwise re-execute defective work
as instructed following which cleaning and testing will be repeated until the
Engineer's Representative certifies the pipeline to be satisfactory.
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SECTION 6
Preliminary and final air and water tests will not normally be applied to
pipelines greater than 600 mm (nom.) internal diameter and acceptance of
these pipelines will be dependent on satisfactory visual inspection of the pipes
and joints.
Air Test (Preliminary Test)
After a length of pipeline is bedded and jointed, and before backfilling, it shall
be given a preliminary test as detailed below:
1. The Contractor shall plug all pipe outlets with suitable plugs, and brace
each plug securely where needed.
2. Air shall be pumped in slowly to the pipe until a pressure of 100 mm head
of water is indicated on a manometer connected to the system.
3. After the internal pressure of 100 mm is obtained, two minutes shall be
allowed for the air temperature to stabilize within the pipe.
4. Air may be added to restore the pressure to 100 mm.
5. During a further period of 5 minutes (without further pumping of air) the
pressure should not fall below 75 mm.
6. Release of the air pressure shall be carried out by removal of the stopper at
the end of the pipeline away from the manometer which will remain
connected. Failure to carry out the air pressure release in this manner shall
render the test invalid.
7. The Contractor will not be permitted to commence testing later than 4
hours after sunrise or earlier than 4 hours before sunset during the summer
period unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.
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SECTION 6
The Engineer may require any length of pipe suspected of being damaged to be
retested by the water test at any time during the contract period.
Infiltration Test
Each test shall be restricted to pipes of one class. Pipelines shall be tested in
sections not exceeding 500m or between valve positions. In addition the whole
pipeline shall be tested upon completion. Particular care must be taken to
isolate air valves, etc., not to apply higher pressure than specified at any point
on the pipelines and to ensure that the pipelines are adequately anchored before
any test is carried out.
Gauges used for testing pressure pipelines shall be capable of reading
increments of 0.1m head. Before any pressure gauge is used, the Contractor
shall arrange for it to be checked independently and a dated certificate of its
accuracy shall be provided to the Engineer. Calibration of pressure gauges
shall be carried out at regular intervals as required by the Engineer
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SECTION 6
As soon as a length of pressure pipe has been laid and before backfilling, when
applicable and when ordered it shall be subjected to the following preliminary
test:
1. The Contractor shall plug all pipe outlets with suitable plugs, and brace
each plug securely where needed.
2. Air shall be pumped in slowly to the pipe until a pressure of 300 mm head
of water is indicated on a manometer connected to the system.
3. After the internal pressure of 300 mm is obtained, two minutes shall be
allowed for the air temperature to stabilize within the pipe.
4. Air may be added to restore the pressure to 300 mm.
5. The test will not be satisfactory if the air pressure falls to less than 275 mm
during a period of 5 minutes without further pumping of air.
operation under working pressure and shall be adjusted so that they operate
smoothly, seat properly and are installed to tolerances recommended by the
manufacturer.
This shall be carried out before any backfilling and before the application of
any external concrete protection has taken place. Any damages revealed as a
result of such tests shall be made good to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
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