Tuesday, June 21, 2016

The Need For Performing Hydrostatic Pipeline Testing

By Robert Edwards


Public safety is the first priority in the pipeline industry. This is for the reason that each day, pipelines operates underneath our feet with most people not conscious of it. To ensure public safety, the major concern altogether aims at maintained pipeline integrity. In protecting such integrity, hydrostatic pipeline testing is one process of management that is applied. This process entails around the clock monitoring and maintenance, and a sophisticated inspection and leak detection 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 carrying out the test, pressure tightness is normally measured by shutting the supply valve and then checking if there is a pressure loss. For easier detection of the leaks, it would be better if the liquid is colored. By measuring the permanent deformation of the vessel, you are able to measure the strength of the container. Through this test method, safety standards and vessel durability over time can be maintained. At the same time, new vessels are usually initially qualified through the 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.

Generally, pipelines intended for use at a particular maximum pressure necessitate for tests that determine if they are able to withstand internal pressure and for structural soundness before they put to use. For instance, gas pipelines are hydro tested prior to use. A segment of the pipe is filled up with water and then the pressure is propelled into specified value typically above the maximum pressure for operating. This pressure is maintained for a specified duration in-between four to eight hours.

Normally, the test is always safe and it is generally accepted for testing pipelines. If the pipelines fail when being tested, usually there are large water leaks. Plans are always put in place as well as a repair team in case of the leakage. This is because such leakage can cause flooding.

Prior to any testing, extensive planning to minimize any inconveniences to customers and the neighborhood is carried out. Nevertheless, depending on the location of gas venting and weather, one may smell gas. Such situations are usually 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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