Navigation HYDROSTATIC TESTING: WHAT IS IT, HOW DOES IT WORK, AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Hydrostatic Testing: What is it, how does it work, and what are the benefits? Hydrostatic testing can be defined as the process of subjecting a material to a controlled pressure and observing how it reacts to the pressure. The test is used for many reasons: determining if an object will withstand various loads or stresses, detecting leaks in hydraulic systems or pipes, ensuring that equipment functions properly before use, etc. Hydrostatic tests are conducted by filling an object with water and pressurizing it to test for strength and leaks. The ability to detect leaks in an object is one of the most important reasons why this type of testing should be performed regularly. This article will discuss what hydrostatic testing entails, how it works, and the benefits associated with it. What is hydrostatic testing? Hydrostatic testing is an integral part of quality control. Hydrostatic tests are performed to determine the structural integrity and fitness for use of a variety of objects including gas cylinders, storage tanks, and chemical pipelines. The test works by filling the object with water until it’s completely full and then pressurized–ensuring that it can hold up under pressure without bursting open at any seams nor allowing leaks to escape from within its structure. The name comes from when engineers used compressed air as their hydraulic fluid instead of water; the term “hydro” meaning water in Greek) and “statikos,” which means solid (as in static). Hydrostatic testing also provides a level of confidence that the object will hold up under pressure and withstand exposure to corrosive environments without bursting open at any seams nor allowing leaks from within its structure. What is hydrostatic testing used for? Hydrostatic testing is a pressure-based technique used to test the integrity of piping systems, gas cylinders, boiler components, and all other kinds of pressure vessels. Hydro-tests are commonly done after repairs and downtime to determine if items will operate properly when put back into use. Hydrostatic testing is a common tool used by engineers to ensure that equipment has been rebuilt or repaired properly. It’s most commonly employed for DOT-required containers with the aim to work out any potential leaks and verify it is fully safe for use. This is important because if you have a DOT-required container and it’s not been properly tested, what is inside the canister could be contaminated. A hydrostatic test will bring up any potential leaks in equipment and also show if there are any structural problems with the exterior or interior of the tank that might lead to leaks later on. How does hydrostatic testing work? Hydrostatic testing is done by filling containers with water at high pressure until they reach their designated capacity; this allows engineers to see where leaks appear (signifying small holes) as well as find out how strong each welded seam really is. This type of inspection provides much more information than just visually inspecting your stainless-steel containers because you’re looking for inconsistencies and then repairing them before something goes wrong during use. Hydrostatic testing is an effective method for detecting a leak before it becomes costly. The process works because water will breach any gap between two pieces of imperfectly sealed pipe if there’s enough pressure applied to force its way through; this means every time we turn on our faucet and allow water into the pipes below ground, those leaks are being detected without us ever knowing about them. Precision Fabricating & Cleaning, is an innovative, highly-qualified company with unique capabilities to accomplish a wide range of industrial cleaning services, specializing in Hydrostatic testing, Oxygen service, Cryogenic testing, Mobile field cleaning, Passivating, High purity cleaning, Ultrasonic cleaning, and so much more. Meeting DOT Specifications for hydrostatic testing Hydrostatic testing is also mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the certification process to show that a cargo tank and its fittings are able to maintain an airtight seal under pressure when being filled or emptied. This ensures that they do not leak any flammable fluids during their use. The DOT’s rules mandate this test at preset intervals in order to prevent catastrophic damage in case there was a puncture somewhere along the way. How do I avoid disasters with hydrostatic testing? The best way to avoid disaster is to have an experienced technician perform your hydrostatic testing. There are two main types of tests: Type I, which is conducted at the completion of construction and includes a tank test for pressure integrity as well as confirmation that all welds are intact Type II, which evaluates specific components like tanks or pumps used in underground storage systems Just because you’ve done this type of testing before doesn’t mean it’s time to stop! Hydrostatic testing should be performed every year after installation or sooner if there has been any change in environmental conditions. What are the benefits with outsourcing hydrostatic testing? Working with a company that offers hydrostatic testing services can be more beneficial than purchasing and operating the equipment because of cost, time, and resources. Additional benefits include a faster turnaround time, increased safety for your staff and customers resulting in improved product quality assurance; decreased repair costs; minimizing risk exposure and liability claims. A team of highly trained hydro-testers can help chemical, industrial or other companies to stay compliant with hydrostat specifications. Conclusion Hydrostatic testing provides many benefits for a business by ensuring the quality of their product. For example, this process can be used to ensure that equipment is functioning properly before use and also detect leaks in hydraulic systems or pipes. If you are interested in learning more about hydrostatic testing and other methods we offer, or if you need help meeting DOT or CGA specifications, it may be time to outsource the process with an experienced partner like us here at Precision Fabricating & Cleaning. Contact us today! Hydrostatic Testing: What is it, how does it work, and what are the benefits? Contact 3975 E. Railroad Ave. Cocoa, FL 32926 (800) 508-9736 (321) 635-2000 COPYRIGHT 2019 PRECISION GROUP