Basic Requirements of starting the process of Checking air pressure in Pipes

Pneumatic and Hydrostatic pressure testing can be hazardous and unsafe therefore the procedures need to be carried out with immense attention and with all precautionary measures.

For ensuring the safety of all workers present at the site of work and the residents of the area, following precautionary steps must be followed:

1. Make sure that in the work center, high pressure test must not occur.
2. During the process of pressurisation, the personnel carrying the test should be behind a barrier.
3. Make an alert for the area as a dangerous site, and make assurance that the area is surrounded by only the individuals who are associated with the testing activities.
4. Inhabitants must avoid the area, if the testing location is normally occupied work area.

Result: All the prerequisites will be fulfilled after the above steps are preformed. Now you can start the process without any danger.
 

Procedure of conducting the air Pressure Test in pipes

A sound testing of checking air pressure in the pipes should go through following steps:

1. As per determined by Project Engineer or Field Engineer, select the upper limit of test pressure to be used.
2. Look for the type of pipe system to be tested. At one time, the total length of pipe to be tested has a maximum limit of 400 feet.
3. Make an inspection prior to the test for assurance of meeting appropriate level of tightness.
4. Check the pressure rating for all connected fittings as well as devices. This is important to determine if they are rated for the maximum test pressure.
5. For all the openings that are not blocked off by valves, place a blind flange or cap on according to the rated pressure of system.
6. All test, drain, and vent ports should be plugged if those are not required for the test.
7. After detaching the specific section of the pipe being tested form other sections by an aligned regulator, make sure that the portion not being tested is open to the atmosphere.
8. At initial level keep the test pressure equal to 25 psig, or as told by the Project Engineer. 
   Note: Hold this initial pressure for time of minimum10 minutes to take an account of a location that is being a reason of any major leaks. If leaks are found at this step or during any step during, you must reduce the pressure instantly and take precautionary steps to correct the leak. Consultation to the Project Engineer should be made for instruction, if required.
9. To reach the maximum test pressure, keep on increasing the pressure by increments of 25 psig, or as directed by the Project Engineer. Before increasing pressure, check for leaks for five minutes at each 25 psig increment. 
   Note: The maximum system operating pressure’s 150% should be the maximum test pressure. For those systems that drive their pressure from hydrostatic pressure, the required test pressure will be verified by the Project Engineer or the Field Engineer, before beginning the process of testing.
10. For a period of 10 minutes, hold the test pressure at its upper limit. This step must be observed keenly by an NSF Station Manager or other appropriate NSF representative.
11. Lessen the pressure to 100 psig after at least ten minutes.
12. For a whole day or 24 hours, hold this pressure continuously.
13. Successful test confirmation can be obtained by the NSF representative after the period of 24 hour.
14. With a watchfulness to avoid escaping air stream, wreckage, and high decibel noise level, remove the pressure.

Want more information on Pressure testing equipment?

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