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The Importance Of Hydrostatic Pipeline Testing

By Robert Edwards


The number one priority in pipeline industry is the public safety. These is because every day, pipelines operate below our feet and many people are not even aware. The priority in ensuring public safety is all aimed at maintaining pipeline integrity. The hydrostatic pipeline testing is one management process that is used to protect such integrity. This process involves 24/7 maintenance and monitoring, and a high-level leak detection and inspection processes.

Hydrostatic testing is a process that involves filling the pipelines with a liquid commonly water, and pressurizing them at a high level that goes beyond the normal operation pressure. This process ensures that the pipes are defect free. This kind of testing is not only limited to pipelines but is also used to test for leaks and the strength of gas cylinders, plumbing, fuel tanks and boilers.

While performing the test, a measure of pressure tightness is taken through the closing of supply valves, then examining for any loss in pressure. For a simple detection of the leaks, a colored liquid becomes a bit better to use. By taking a measure from the vessel of permanent deformation, one is at a position to measure the containers strength. By this method of testing, vessel durability and safety standards are maintained ultimately. Altogether, fresh vessels are generally originally qualified by means of a hydrostatic test.

This type of test has been used for many years to verify and determine pipeline integrity. Through this test process, various flaws can be detected. Some of these flaws are such as material defects, active corrosion cells, stress corrosion cracking as well as actual pipe mechanical properties and localized hard spots which could lead to failure if hydrogen is present. The test is usually important for a nondestructive pipeline evaluation when correct test pressure is used and judiciously utilized to get the necessary results.

Usually, pipelines are designed to thrive under maximum pressure and require to be tested in order to make sure that they are structurally good and can endure internal pressure before usage. For example, gas pipelines are hydro-tested ahead of service. A part of the pipelines is filled with pressure and water is pumped to a value that is very high exceeding maximum operating pressure. This pressure is normally held for a certain time within four to eight hours.

This test is usually safe and is a suitable method for pipe testing. In the case of pipelines failure for the period of conducting the test, large water leaks are noticeable. Even though the leakage can result in flooding, a team charged with repair is usually in place as per the plans.

Before any test is carried out, extensive planning normally takes place in order to minimize any form inconvenience to the locals as well as the customers. However, depending on the weather and gas venting location, you could smell gas. Such a situation is normally safe.

After the test is carried out, any contaminant in the water used is normally filtered of, before being drained from the pipes. Once the water is tested and found to be clean it can be released by permit into a sewer system or an open field.




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