Pressure test
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The pressure test , often incorrectly referred to as a pressure test, is carried out on pressurized components that are intended for the storage and forwarding of fluids in order to provide evidence of sufficient strength and proof of tightness .
Pressure tests are part of the acceptance test and are usually carried out as a hydrostatic pressure test. To do this, the pressure pipeline , the pressure vessel or other housing parts are filled with water, air or operating gas (e.g. natural gas, nitrogen). The pressure is then slowly increased to the level of the test pressure. The test pressure is based on the specified response pressure multiplied by the factor that was determined during the first pressure test. This factor can be limited to 1.5. The test pressure then acts for a certain time, during which the pressure may only fall within the specified tolerance and the object to be tested may not lose any water / gas / air. The level of the test pressure during the pressure test is determined in accordance with the relevant regulations and is usually above the permissible operating pressure.
- The pressure test can also be carried out as a gas pressure test or as a combination water / gas pressure test. Appropriate safety measures must be taken during the gas pressure test.
- As part of the recurring tests in accordance with the Industrial Safety Ordinance on systems that require monitoring , the required strength test is usually carried out as a hydrostatic pressure test .
A visual check is carried out to determine whether impermissible plastic deformations have occurred or whether there are any leaks, in particular at weld seams , closures or connections (flanges, threads, screw connections, etc.).
Regulations for pressure testing are contained in the applicable regulations such as
- Height of the test pressure
- fluid to be used
- Information on the pressure increase and holding time of the test pressure
- Assessment criteria
- documentation
For pipelines, visual pressure tests, pressure differential tests and stress pressure tests are carried out, among other things. The pressure test has 3 tasks: strength test, tightness test, stress relief .
Rules and regulations that contain information about the pressure test:
- Pressure Equipment Directive Annex I No. 3.2.2 and No. 7.4
- EN 13445-5 Unfired pressure vessels - Part 5: Inspection and testing
- AD 2000 leaflet HP 30
- EN 13480-5 Industrial piping - Part 5: Testing
- EN 12952-6 Water tube boilers and system components Part 6: Testing during manufacture
- EN 12953-5 Shell boilers - Part 5: Testing
For Germany:
The pressure test is part of the recurring tests according to Industrial safety ordinance on systems requiring monitoring.
- For pressure vessels, industrial pipelines and other pressure-retaining equipment parts, it is determined in accordance with the information in the Pressure Equipment Directive Annex I No. 7.4.
- Pressure tests of pipelines for gas / water supply are carried out according to DVGW 469 with 1.1 / 1.3 / 1.43 or 1.5 times the operating pressure.