Tuesday, June 21, 2016

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 doing the test, tightness of the pressure is usually measured by checking if there is any pressure loss and closing the supply valve. When the liquid is the colored, it is easier to identify the areas of the leaks. To test the strength of the vessel you are supposed to measure the deformation of the pipe. By this testing method, vessel durability and safety standard can be maintained over time. Also, new vessels always qualified by the hydrostatic test.

This kind of test used to establish and verify pipeline integrity has been in use for quite a number of years. In this test procedure, a variety of flaws are detected. A few of the flaws include active cells corrosion, localized hard spot, actual pipeline mechanical properties as well as stress corrosion cracking and material defects that could result in failure given the presence of hydrogen. This test is typically significant in nondestructive pipelines assessment with the application of the right test pressure and used to attain the necessary results judiciously.

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.

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.

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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