Hydraulic testing for piping system

Simple and obvious: get an other pump able to rise the pressure to over 300bars!

Another suggestion is to plug all the ports, FILL IT COMPLETELY WITH HYDRAULIC FLUID, and then use a nitrogen cylinder at high pressure to pressurize the system through a nipple and a pressure regulator. Be sure to install a regulator with exhaust and/or a valve to depressurize the system. Nitrogen is used because it is cheap and avoids system contamination. If you do not fill with fluid and try to pressurize with gaseous media, in case of failure, it can explode. Also, be sure to conduct the test in a safe way, ok?

AND if the pipe DOES fail, the nitrogen cylinder will completely empty your system before you have time to blink your eye!!!!

What you should be looking for is a small porta-power hand pump and a check valve. Fill the system completely with hydraulic oil then connect the hand pump and very carefully give the system half a pump (ish) through the check valve and watch the gauge rocket up to your test pressure (be very careful not to pump too much as the pressure increase will be very rapid if the system is adequately sealed). Then watch for any leaks or pressure drop.

This is called a hydrostatic test and if your pipe work does fail, you will only notice the pressure drop and a perhaps few drops of oil!

Good luck with it!

Hi Bee,

I have a hand powered pump, it is helping to bring the system pressure upto 100 barg, If your suggeting pump (small porta-power hand pump and a check valve) can go more than 100 barg to my test pressure. Could you please give me more information about this pump.

Regards

Hi msmroomi

Yes, SPX Power Team make a hand pump with max pressure of 10,000 psi and so do Enerpac. I expect that you could go to any tool hire company and hire one for the afternoon.

Remember that the hand pump fits to portable tools like jack cylinders etc with a special hi pressure screw fitting (male and female) so you will need to hire (say) a small cylinder as well and 'borrow' the fitting on the cylinder to fit your pipe system.

Make sure that you use a gauge that can take the full 10,000 psi AND DON'T use nitrogen gas unless you are very confident that there will be NO leaks or if you are prepared to get VERY wet!

I believe they make an pressure multiplier (intensifing) units, I google and this came up, can see if there are smaller ones..............or make one, if the pipe is flooded it does not take much.

p911

GREAT SOLUTION, I AM ASHAMED TO SAY I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COME UP WITH THE SAME SOLUTION AND DIDN'T. MAYBE I NEED MORE EXPERIENCE, I'M ONLY 60.

Hi All,

Nitrogen cylider is helping me to go upto 200 barg pressure, However my system test pressure is 300 barg. Is there are any way of getting this pressure?

Cheers

Just forget that you ever heard about using gas - sort out the hydraulic hand pump. (as stated by others)

Tim Hawley Master Mech.

Hello msmroomi,

300 Bar is equal to 4,351 PSI. Before testing this high pressure you must have a pump output more then capable to meet the requirements. All pipe and fittings must be rated above this pressure value including your regulator and pressure gage. YOU MAYBE AIMING FOR A LAW SUITE, if you are not careful with all components to meet your desired output.

Perhaps this link will help you calculate the required pump, motor: horsepower and RPM required to fit your needs.

http://www.precisionfluidpower.com/fluid_power_formulas.htm

Good Luck,

Best Regards,

Tim

Hi All,

Thanks everybody for contribution,

Regards,

msroomi

Do not forget that pressure testing can be extremely dangerous.

Any personnel need to be behind strong bunds/ walls.

CCTV to observe,.

Good instumentation at remote location

I assume that you have such facilities available.

Do not presure test and put yourself and others in jeopardy.

Sleepy