вторник, 21 юни 2016 г.

What You Need To Know About 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 the process that requires the pipelines to be filled with a liquid usually water, and then pressurizing it to a higher level that exceeds normal operation pressure. The process enables the pipes to be defect free. This type of test is not limited only to pipelines but it also used in measuring the strength of boilers, gas cylinders, plumbing and fuel tanks.

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.

For many years, this kind of test has been used to determine and verify pipeline integrity. Through this process, many defects can be detected. Examples of these defects are active corrosion cells, material defects, pipe mechanical properties, localized hard spots and stress corrosion cracking which may lead to failure when hydrogen is present. When correct pressure is used, the test is always important for the non-destructive pipeline evaluation, and judiciously used to attain necessary results.

Normally, pipelines designed to work at a given maximum pressure need to be tested to make sure they are structurally sound and that they can tolerate the internal pressure before they are used. Gas pipelines, for instance, are hydro-tested before they are put into service. A section of the pipeline is filled with water and pressure is pumped to a certain value usually higher than the maximum operating pressure. The pressure is then held for a given period of time between four and 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.

The contaminated water that is used is usually filtered of after the testing is done, before being released from the pipes. Clean and tested water can be released into an open field or a sewer system once permitted by the relevant authority before it is released.




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