Pressure (Hydrostatic) Testing

UTS utilizes two hydrostatic procedures that are encompassed in the methods below:

* Pressure drop procedure with a sensitivity of between IxIO-2 and 10-3 std cm/sec. This method will not locate leaks but can be used to measure total system leakage. It is significant that the method recognizes that water additives can speed up the flow of water through leaks and make the test more sensitive.

* Visual inspection. This procedure can achieve a sensitivity of between lxl0-2 and lxl0-4 std cm3 /sec. This sizable jump in sensitivity is accomplished by not only reducing resistance to the fluid flow through leaks but by also enhancing the visibility of leakage indications.

Hydrostatic Leak Testing requires that a pipe be completely filled with a liquid such as water. Pressure is slowly applied to the liquid until the required pressure is reached. this pressure is held for the required time at which point the pipe is either checked for pressure drop or inspected visually to locate leaks. Color developer for water can be sprayed on seams and welds for immediate color change and location of leak. Even if leak happened overnight and has since dried, the color change remains visible.

UTS offers a complete Hydrostatic testing service, including high flow pumps to fill the line, pressure pumps, end plates with guages, dye and color developers, providing our clients with clear consise results of the integrity of their line.

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