Hydrostatic testing allows for pressure vessels like plumbing systems, pipelines, boilers, gas cylinders, and fuel tanks to be tested for leaks and strength. This type of pressure test involves flushing the pipe or vessel with a liquid (usually water), often dyed in order to make visual leak detection easier. Flushing allows pressurization of the pipe up to the specified test requirement. Pressure tightness can be determined by shutting off the system's supply valve and observing whether or not there is any pressure loss. Leak locations can more easily be identified when the liquid used contains a colorant. Strength, on the other hand, is tested by evaluating the permanent deformation of the container.
Fluid (Hydro) testing is the most common means of testing pressure vessels and pipes. This test enables the maintenance of safety standards as well as the durability of vessels over time. Even newly manufactured pieces initially undergo hydrostatic testing for qualification and quality control. Hydro testing fluids are also used in more advanced proof pressure testing or modified hydrostatic tests. These procedures are critical because containers for transport and storage of gases (and liquids) may explode and cause all kinds of damage when they fail under pressure.
Professional pipeline testing should be performed to effectively expose defective materials which may have missed prior detection and to ensure that any remaining defects are small and insignificant enough to enable operation at the required pressures, thus serving as a final validation of the quality and integrity of the system. Industry standards and codes require pipelines to ensure strength and tightness.
Buried oil and gas pipelines should also be tested for strength, especially since they receive greater pressure. Testing them requires pressurizing the containers to at least 125 percent of their MAWP or maximum allowable working pressure to ensure structural integrity and strength.
Fluid (Hydro) testing is the most common means of testing pressure vessels and pipes. This test enables the maintenance of safety standards as well as the durability of vessels over time. Even newly manufactured pieces initially undergo hydrostatic testing for qualification and quality control. Hydro testing fluids are also used in more advanced proof pressure testing or modified hydrostatic tests. These procedures are critical because containers for transport and storage of gases (and liquids) may explode and cause all kinds of damage when they fail under pressure.
Professional pipeline testing should be performed to effectively expose defective materials which may have missed prior detection and to ensure that any remaining defects are small and insignificant enough to enable operation at the required pressures, thus serving as a final validation of the quality and integrity of the system. Industry standards and codes require pipelines to ensure strength and tightness.
Buried oil and gas pipelines should also be tested for strength, especially since they receive greater pressure. Testing them requires pressurizing the containers to at least 125 percent of their MAWP or maximum allowable working pressure to ensure structural integrity and strength.
