Call: 708-425-9080
Hydrostatic Pressure Vessel Testing
Hydrostatic pressure testing of an industrial process chamber
|
Hydrostatic pressure testing is performed by sealing off a pressure vessel except for a single-entry port. Deionized water is poured into the chamber until it is full. The chamber is oriented to eliminate trapped air inside the vessel. A hydraulic pump cart is then attached to the vessel to bring it up to a predetermined test pressure. The pressure is held for a predetermined amount of time to ensure no leaks around the welds or ports on the vessel.
The hydraulic pressure test is inherently safer than an pneumatic test in that a failure in hydro-static pressure testing would mean a few drips on the floor. A failure in hydrostatic pressure testing would result in a few drips on the floor, whereas a failure in a pneumatic test could lead to a catastrophic explosion. However, there are instances where a pneumatic test is preferred or required, as exposure to the hydraulic fluid could compromise the chamber's quality requirements. The minimum required test pressure for a hydrostatic test is: Minimum Pneumatic Test Pressure = 1.3 x MAWP x LSR - MAWP = Maximum Allowable Working Pressure - LSR = Smallest ratio of the allowable stress at test temperature to the allowable stress at the design temperature of the materials used in the vessel construction. Once the hydrostatic test is complete, the vessel is drained and disassembled for thorough cleaning. The vessel is then reassembled and packaged for shipment. |
