Checking the he alth of communication systems is done in different ways. So, in the case of electrical wiring, clamping pliers are used, and gas supply circuits are checked using multifunctional thermostats. A separate place in the diagnostic operations of this kind is occupied by pressure testing of pipes, the features of which include the scale and technological complexity of execution. In addition, this procedure causes inconvenience to the direct users of the utilities, so service organizations carefully choose the timing of such tests. The intricacies of this procedure should also be known to owners of private houses who wish to extend the operational life of the pipeline.
Why do I need pipe pressure testing?
Traditionally, crimping is considered to accomplish two things. First of all, this is one of the preventive control measures that allows you to determine the condition of the pipes. In this way, specialists check the circuit for the integrity and quality of installation, if the pipeline was installed or repaired before. The second function of this procedure is to perform flushing work. Herselftechnology only indirectly implies this operation, but in essence the effect is the same as with targeted flushing procedures. At the same time, not all engineering systems carry out pressure testing of pipes. Water in heating systems, for example, is required to test the system in the summer. However, even in heating networks, this procedure is not performed in new houses, where there are special points for regulating heat supply.
When should I crimp?
Pipe pressure testing is subjected to various reasons. As already noted, the operation is performed after repair work and before the first launch of new engineering networks. Also, all structures that were connected by the docking method through the coupling are subjected to pressure testing. This is due to the fact that the connection between the fitting and the pipe is considered the weakest area in the circuits. To confirm the quality of this connection, a pressure test of the pipes is carried out, which checks the tightness and mechanical strength of the joint. Seasonal testing of pipes is also carried out on a regular basis. This usually applies to heating networks that are checked in preparation for a new heating cycle.
The sensitivity of plastic sewage to mechanical damage and deformation processes is also the reason for its regular diagnostics. In this case, pipe pressure testing can also be performed one-time, if the channel was previously cleaned or new sections of the connection were soldered.
Preparatory work
First of all, specialists inspect the valves,valves and other units with fitting fittings. The test should be carried out under optimal technical conditions for the operation of the pipeline, which will more accurately identify deviations from the standard operating condition. In order to increase the tightness of the circuit, in some cases, additional stuffing box seals are also introduced into the design - especially if it is planned to pressurize heating pipes, which, under critical load, can in itself provoke the formation of leaks. In order to avoid such phenomena, pipeline insulation is also checked. If defects are found in the material, specialists carry out its renewal. Also, a necessary condition for performing pressure testing is cutting off the tested channel from the central line.
Pipe crimping tool
Normally, the workflow is provided by a special pressure test pump, which has enough power for a particular circuit. For lines with small volumes, it is sufficient to use a blower with a capacity of about 2-3 l / min. It is also important to determine the working pressure that a particular unit is able to support. For example, a cast-iron pipeline is tested under a pressure of 1.5 atm. If it is planned to test plastic channels without pressure, then we can talk about a pressure of 2 atm. The pressure network is tested under conditions of 15 atm. At the same time, for a private house, it is quite enough to use a manual pipe crimping press, which is equipped with a pump and can support the ability to automatically adjustinjection indicators.
Execution technology
Work begins with the overlap of the shutoff valves on both sides of the site. If you plan to test the sewer, then you can block it with special plugs made of plastic or rubber. Next, a connection is made to a segment of the source, which will build up pressure. This is one of the pumping units discussed above, which must be connected to the line using an appropriately sized adapter. The next steps depend on the type of system in which this method is used. For example, pressure testing of metal-plastic sewer pipes is the easiest. It is enough to insert the pump fitting into the revision and adjust the operation of the equipment to the appropriate power potential. In the case of a heating system, the process is controlled through special valves that must be installed on batteries.
Conclusion
The result of pressure testing should be the data of the pressure gauge connected to the test complex and pipes. Experts take readings of pressure in the circuits before the start of the testing process. As a rule, pressure testing of pipes lasts about 8-10 hours, after which readings are again taken from the pressure gauge. A good result would be zero difference between the two instrument readings, but this is rare. Minimum deviations are also acceptable, but even with a large difference, you should not immediately redo the pipeline. Perhaps the changes in pressure readings were caused by otherreasons not related to the quality of sealing in the circuit.
