Key Takeaway

Pressure testing systems and equipment are critical tools used in various industries to assess the integrity and safety of pipelines, vessels, and other components by subjecting them to controlled pressure levels. Understanding their principles and applications is essential for maintaining the reliability and safety of infrastructure and machinery.

Introduction:

Pressure testing is crucial to ensure a pressure vessel's proper operation and safety. A pressure testing system is a process of testing the reliability of a vessel to specific laid out pressure ratings, and it is used to test parts of the equipment of a vessel for strength and leaks before their use. There are a variety of pressure test processes, each of which provides a different, specific check on the pressure vessel.

Table of content

• Introduction
• We are the Experts in integrated pressure testing equipment
• Hydraulic Testing and Hydrostatic testing
• Testing Equipment for pressure systems
• Service and Maintenance Activities
• Conclusion

We are the Experts in Integrated Pressure Testing Equipment

At Tikweld.com, we have over twenty years of experience distributing, designing, and building pressure testing equipment. We also have expertise in pressure test applications that utilize pneumatic, hydrostatic, hydraulic, and proof testing methods. With our experience and knowledge, you can be confident that your test performance will be optimized with safety in mind.

Hydraulic Testing & Hydrostatic Testing

Hydraulic power control systems such as pressure test benches are essential to the mechanical systems applicable in every automotive and mechanical field to test a vessel's reliability and ascertain pressure ratings. Hydrostatic testing is a great way to test for leaks and the structural strength in a container or cavity. This method is also an excellent way to test the integrity of your components. By designing and building low and high-pressure hydrostatic testing instruments, you can conduct burst-test, leak-test, flow-test, or calibrate your parts with ease.

Hydrostatic pressure testing units are designed to test the strength and durability of materials. They can include manual or automatic testing capabilities and automatic part load/unload features and are designed to collect detailed data for test evaluation.

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Testing equipment for pressure systems

1. Pressure Gauge

Pressure gauges come in all shapes and sizes, but for the most part, they are relatively inexpensive and are read manually. One of the most popular types is the Bourdon gauge, patented by Eugene Bourdon in France in 1849.

Bourdon gauges contain a thin-walled metal tube typically threaded into the compartment where pressure is measured. As pressure increases in the tube, the tube begins to straighten. On the other end of the tube is a lever system that contains a pointer. As the tube straightens, the pointer moves around a dial, indicating pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). Common tube shapes include curved or C-shaped, spiral, and helical. This is a mechanical device that is manually read. Another type of mechanical gauge that operates similarly and contains a pointer is called a diaphragm gauge.

There are many different pressure gauges, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Traditional gauges, such as the Bourdon and diaphragm gauges, are sensitive to vibration and condensation. Another type is called a "filled" pressure gauge, and it is filled with viscous oil. This design has fewer moving parts than the traditional pressure gauges and is more reliable. This design dampens pointer vibration and is not susceptible to condensation.

2. Temperature and pressure recorder-receiver

The temperature and pressure recorder receiver is an instrument that records controlled temperature and pressure on a graph. It can be used for various applications and is designed to be easy to use.

The static pressure system consists of a helical bourdon tube connected to a piping system and measures the static pressure. The thermal system consists of a spiral bourdon tube, a capillary, and a bulb. Usually, all parts are made of stainless steel.

The recording mechanism often is a pen system that continuously records data. It converts the mechanical input of the pressure and temperature into lines on a rotating chart.

3. Hydrostatic Test Pumps

A Hydrostatic Test Pump is a pump used to test equipment by filling it up with an incompressible liquid, usually water. The pump is connected to the equipment being tested by a high-pressure hose. The pump is self-contained, portable, and can be powered by hand, air, electric, or gas engines.

The pressure of the test component is slowly increased with the help of a pump with appropriate safety relief and controls. The pressure is held at a predetermined set point for a predetermined time, and then a visual inspection is done to see if there is any leakage or if the pressure has reduced from the set point.

This hydrostatic pressure test equipment is compact, efficient, and cost-effective, available in different pressure and flow combinations (pressures to 1000 bar (14,500 psi) are possible). Though theoretically, water is considered a non-compressible fluid, it requires multiple feeding to raise the pressure.

A Pressure Pump for Hydraulic Pressure Testing

Service and Maintenance Activities

The safe operation, service, and maintenance of any pressure equipment, pressure vessel, or pressure control system are essential to the efficient running of any organization. In turn, it forms the basis of compliance with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1992.

Generally, the following pressure system service and maintenance activities are performed:

• Carry out an entire system Site Acceptance Test (SAT).
• Identify and report any further additional corrective or preventative actions needed.
• Isolate and clean down the pressure equipment.
• Overall pressure equipment inspection to identify defects such as damaged parts, corrosion, or leaks.
• Provide a comprehensive service report signed off by a Tikweld Designed Solutions appointed person.
• Replacement of fluid cleanliness filters, seals, and any other defective or damaged parts.
• Review of the pressure system operation and performance against tolerances and specifications.

Further guidance on regulation 11 (Operation) and regulation 12 (Maintenance) of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 is given in the Approved Code of Practice Safety of pressure systems.

Conclusion

The Pressure test equipment is essential for firms that have pressure equipment and wants to test the integrity of their vessel before use constantly. Pressure testing equipment is used to test parts of the equipment vessel for strength and leaks before use. It can also help your company test new components and sub-assemblies before installation, thus shortening the troubleshooting time and taking the guesswork out of the diagnoses. Contact Tikweld welding supplies and services in Nigeria for further inquiries on pressure testing equipment.