When it comes to testing the durability of manufacturing machines and products, there are a few different tests which can be performed. The most common tests for welds are pressure tests and vacuum tests. Pressure testing will measure the integrity from the exterior of the component, and the vacuum testing will measure the integrity from the interior of a component. Hydrostatic testing is also a common method of testing – it is actually a form of pressure testing that is used across many industries. Hydrostatic testing is often used for re-qualifying low pressure components.
What is hydrostatic testing?
Hydrostatic testing is a testing process used to check equipment like storage tanks, gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and chemical pipelines and hoses.
The equipment will first be inspected for leaks before it’s overall integrity will be looked at. A hydrostatic tester will measure the rate of expansion of a tube with water pressure. This will determine whether the component can hold the amount of pressure that is required of it, and do it safely.
How does hydrostatic testing work?
To start hydrostatic testing, you will first need to fill the tank or whatever component you are testing with water until you reach a specified pressure level. The component will be filled just over the amount of pressure it is supposed to hold, and this will be left for a set period of time to see how it copes. During this time, it will be checked for leaks, and sometimes a dye is added to the water to make leaks more ent.
What is hydrostatic testing used for?
Hydrostatic testing is often used to make sure that a piece of equipment is fit for use after being repaired or rebuilt. Returning to service without being tested could put staff at risk.
Hydrostatic testing is used for testing why canisters have low pressure. The test will indicate if there are any leaks present at the time of the test, to check if it is ok to return to service.
Getting Your Hydrostatic Testing Outsourced
Industries do not have to carry out hydrostatic testing by themselves, they can choose to have someone perform the job for them. By doing this, companies can cut costs and labour which would come with buying the equipment and creating the tests.
Choosing a company with experienced testers can give a business reassurance that nothing will go wrong, and they have someone to fall back on if it was to do so.
