Pressure Testing mean, A newly installed pipeline has to be tested to check the reliability of its performance before being brought into service.
The flow chart of the field hydrostatic test was shown below.
Decide of pressure testing section
The test section has to be determined after considering pipe line conditions and site situations, for example, the ups and downs of the pipe line, the position of valves and air valves, and the space for testing, the availability of testing water,
the number of joints, and other factors. While the test section was determined, the position of the valves and the valve chambers must be considered, because the valve and valve chamber can be useful as terminal points for the end of the test section.
Decide test pressure
The test pressure was determined by referring “installation of Ductile Iron Water Mains and Their Appurtenances”
Test pressure restrictions
- Test pressure should not less than 1.25 times the working pressure at highest point of the test section.
- Not exceed pipe or thrust restraint design pressure.
- Be of at least 2 hours duration
Perform protective work at each end of the test section
- Protective method using a valve chamber
If a valve chamber had enough capacity of install the equipment and apparatus required for pressure test, it can be used simple to carry out the pressure test inside since the valve chamber were designed to be able to resist the force of the water pressure when the valve was shut off.
Other protective methods
If a valve chamber cannot be used for the pressure test, protection for the end of the test section can be anchored by bolts (end cap)