Hydrostatic testing is the most common procedure used to qualify newly manufactured cylinders, spheres, tubes and pipe spools used for the transportation of dangerous goods. Hydro testing is also required periodically to re-qualify these pressure vessels for continued service.
Hot-Hed's hydrostatic testing complies with API and ANSI standards and can detect leaks as small as 5 scf/yr. Hot-Hed uses Nitrogen, Nitrogen/Helium or Air/Helium tracer gases as required.
During a Hot-Hed hydrostatic test, the pressure vessel or pipe spool is placed inside a closed system, and a specified internal water pressure is applied. The hydrostatic testing procedure is used to determine if a pressure vessel is safe for continued use, or has suffered from a degradation in its structural integrity and must be condemned.
Some pressure vessels may be re-qualified by means of a proof-pressure test. A Hot-Hed modified hydrostatic test consists of subjecting a pressure vessel to a specified internal pressure and inspecting the pressurized container for leaks, bulges or other defects. This method is permitted only when the applicable regulations do not require the determination of volumetric expansion measurements.
