Whether you operate a largescale factory, or work with smaller pieces of equipment which depend on structural integrity to ensure safety and performance, hydrostatic pressure testing is an essential process.
Used by businesses to test the safety of pipes and equipment (whether they carry air, water, oil or gas), this type of testing is used to detect leaks and weaknesses, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely. If you're new to the process, this blog post will explain the "ins and outs" of the test and why choosing a specialist service is often far preferable to attempting the run tests in-house.
Used by businesses to test the safety of pipes and equipment (whether they carry air, water, oil or gas), this type of testing is used to detect leaks and weaknesses, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely. If you're new to the process, this blog post will explain the "ins and outs" of the test and why choosing a specialist service is often far preferable to attempting the run tests in-house.
What is hydrostatic pressure testing?
First things first, what exactly is hydrostatic pressure testing? Although a tricky test to perform, this process is actually relatively simple - at least on paper. To determine whether a pipe or piece of equipment is structurally sound, water (or occassionally alternative liquids) is used to fill the pipe or equipment in question to its maximum pressure.
In some cases the water will be dyed to make detecting leaks easier. In other cases, the system will be closed and the water will be shut off while the pressure of the fluid is observed. If the pressure drops, it's highly likely that the pipe is not structurally sound and most likely has a leak. This can be detected by searching for areas where coloured liquid has escaped from the system.
In some cases the water will be dyed to make detecting leaks easier. In other cases, the system will be closed and the water will be shut off while the pressure of the fluid is observed. If the pressure drops, it's highly likely that the pipe is not structurally sound and most likely has a leak. This can be detected by searching for areas where coloured liquid has escaped from the system.
What can the process be used for?
From testing the safety and functionality of fire extinguishers to ensuring pipes transporting water, oil and gas are safe to use, hydrostatic pressure testing is a very common process employed by companies across the UK to confirm the safety of their systems and equipment - both new and existing. The technique is often used to test boilers, plumbing systems, fuel tanks, plus oil and gas pipelines across a huge range of industries.
Do I need to test my system?
If you're not already regularly running tests on your pressurised vessels, it's likely that you'll need to use hydrostatic pressure testing to get up to spec. The Health and Safety Executive has numerous rules and regulations that all employers and businesses must follow to protect their workforce and the general public. Ensuring the safety of pressure vessels is a key part of a company's legal obligations. You can read more about the rules and legislation which relate to pressure testing here.
Can I run tests myself?
In short, yes - with the right engineers on staff. To answer in more detail, you can test your systems and equipment in house, but you may not want to.
Although the concept behind pressure testing is relatively simple, executing tests effectively can be complex. Without an expert on hand, it's only to easy to bungle hydrostatic pressure tests, which can result in employees making use of compromised equipment or even putting your whole service and premises at risk.
With numerous different types of pipeline and equipment to test too, this is a task which is often performed far faster and much more effectively by experienced hydraulic engineers - just like us!
Although the concept behind pressure testing is relatively simple, executing tests effectively can be complex. Without an expert on hand, it's only to easy to bungle hydrostatic pressure tests, which can result in employees making use of compromised equipment or even putting your whole service and premises at risk.
With numerous different types of pipeline and equipment to test too, this is a task which is often performed far faster and much more effectively by experienced hydraulic engineers - just like us!
Why work with a hydraulic engineer
But it's not just speed, efficiency and accuracy which prompt many businesses to outsource their testing. Teams like ours can offer numerous other benefits including:
Looking for fast, efficient and accurate hydrostatic pressure testing from an experienced team of hydraulic engineers? Turner Hydraulic Group are happy to assist. For more information, please browse our website - or our dedicated hydrostatic pressure testing page - or contact our team today online or directly on 01633 881966.
- UKAS Class 1 calibrated equipment (and a range of alternative options)
- Pressures ranging from 0-3000 Bar
- Pressures recorded using Hydrotechnik data log solutions (ideal for providing detailed electronic certification)
- Recording of temperature, pressure and flow transducers in a range of formats
- Antifreeze protection available
- Full test capacity on site or at workshops for portable equipment
- Control of delivery flow and fill rates from 2m³ to 800m³
- Extensive range of pressure and head height capabilities
Looking for fast, efficient and accurate hydrostatic pressure testing from an experienced team of hydraulic engineers? Turner Hydraulic Group are happy to assist. For more information, please browse our website - or our dedicated hydrostatic pressure testing page - or contact our team today online or directly on 01633 881966.