What equipment do you need to conduct a pressure test?

Conducting a hydrostatic pressure test requires specific equipment to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance with the latest industry standards*. At AHS, we provide all the necessary tools and equipment for all types of pressure tests.

Pressure Testing Equipment for Type II Testing (Polyethylene)

The most common type of test is a Type II test, which is designed for visco-elastic pipe materials such as PE (polyethylene). It requires 5 essential pieces of equipment:

The first piece of essential equipment is the test pump, which is used to achieve and maintain the System Test Pressure (STP). The pump must bring the pipeline to STP within a maximum of 30 minutes.

Next, you need a flow meter to measure the amount of water added to the pipeline by the test
pump. An accurate flow meter is crucial for calculating the amount of air in a pipeline during a
pressure test. The flow meter must have a minimum resolution of 1 Liter and be fully compatible with the data logger to ensure precise measurements.

A pressure gauge is also necessary to monitor the pipeline’s pressure throughout the test. Our pressure gauges are calibrated and traceable through UKAS, with a resolution of 0.01 bar, allowing for highly accurate pressure monitoring during the test.

The data logger is another critical piece of equipment, as it collects and records all the necessary test data. It includes a data recorder and modem, a pressure transducer with a minimum accuracy of 0.25% across the full scale, a temperature probe, and a GPS locator. AHS data loggers collect data in approximately 10-second increments and send the information in real-time to our pressure testing team for analysis.

Lastly, pipe ends are used to isolate the pipework being tested. These must have a pressure rating of no less than 1.5 times the PN rating to ensure they can withstand the test pressure without failure.

Pressure Testing Equipment for Type I Testing (Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel, GRP)

Type I tests are designed for materials that do not have visco-elastic properties, such as ductile iron, stainless steel, and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). These tests require a slightly different methodology when compared to Type II tests.

For Type I tests, an additional piece of equipment called the Water Added Machine is required. This device, designed by AHS, is used to accurately control, and monitor the addition of water to the pipeline during testing. The Water Added Machine ensures that the STP is precisely maintained by adding water in small, controlled increments. This precise control allows for far more accurate testing compared to previous methods type I methods, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the test results.

Conclusion
Using the correct equipment when conducting a hydrostatic pressure test is essential for ensuring safety and compliance. At AHS, we provide solutions for all testing requirement alongside expert advice and support. Speak to our team today to find out the equipment you need to test with safety, efficiency, and compliance.