Pressure testing of pipelines with air SNIP

The heating system in private houses differs significantly from city apartments due to its complexity; it may contain several circuits of heated floors and heat exchange radiators with a large number of connections. After installation, a performance test procedure is mandatory; for this test, a technique called pressure testing of the heating system is used.

To carry out crimping work, special automatic or manual equipment is used; if it is available, the test will not cause any particular difficulties even for an unprepared homeowner. The only thing you should know when pumping water or air into the system is the pressure limits and time intervals for checking a specific heating network, which are specified in the regulations.

Fig.1 Hydraulic test process in the basement of a building

Pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of pipes: how it is done

Pressure testing of a pipeline is a technological operation performed on a relatively small isolated section of the pipeline. This section is specially tested by applying high pressure, close in value to the maximum permissible. Carrying out pressure testing of pipelines allows you to verify the integrity of the line, the quality of installation work and installation of fittings.

Pressure testing is a necessary and important operation that allows you to identify weak points in the assembled pipeline

The concept of pipe crimping

Pressure testing means checking the readiness of an object for operation by applying increased pressure. The object of such a check may be a pipeline system, a container, an assembly or machine, or a separate mechanism. When we talk about increased pressure, we mean a value that is 2-3 times higher than the working pressure and is close to the maximum permissible. An object that has successfully passed pressure testing is considered suitable for use. Leaks identified during the inspection are repaired.

Important! The amount of pressure during pressure testing is regulated by regulatory documents for certain groups of objects.

Pressure testing must be carried out by a trained specialist. Relevant employees of industrial and utility enterprises are required to undergo certification. Upon completion of the tests, a report is signed indicating the date, pressure value, holding time and other information.

The pressure in the system for testing is created either by a standard pump or a special pressure tester. They check, as usual, with water. When its use, for some reason, is unacceptable, air pressure testing of pipes is carried out, which makes it difficult to detect leaks.

When is pressure testing of pipelines carried out?

All new pipeline systems, tanks, etc. are subject to pressure testing before putting into operation. All objects that have undergone repair or replacement of some element are also checked. Since the joints with installed fittings are considered to be the most unreliable sections of the pipeline, sections where coupling was used are subject to mandatory inspection.

All types of pipelines, domestic and industrial, newly built and already in operation are subject to pressure testing

Testing is also carried out in other cases:

if the pipeline has been idle for a long time or operates in seasonal mode (like a heating system in the summer);
if scheduled inspections are provided. In this way, the polymer sewer system is checked when the integrity of the outlet pipeline is monitored. Pressure testing of a plastic water supply is one of the most popular operations carried out after any pipe cleaning, since mechanical damage is very likely, especially at the joints;
after flushing the pipeline, especially with the use of aggressive chemicals, which could cause damage to fittings or pipe walls;
Wells are tested in a special way - to check whether perched water (water from the surface layers) gets into its shaft, because consumers are concerned about the quality of water, especially drinking water.

Preparation for work

Carrying out pressure testing is a responsible procedure that requires preparatory measures. Before starting pipeline testing, it is mandatory to:

An inspection is carried out to identify visually detectable defects (corroded areas, missing parts, etc.). If violations are identified, they are eliminated. In cases where the system contains a working medium that is prohibited from being used for testing, it is customary to empty it (for example, the heating system is freed from coolant).
The pipes are washed to remove rust, scale, and deposits of organic and inorganic origin. Some of the flushing methods require the use of a compressor. Upon completion of washing, the quality of its implementation is checked. The quality of flushing is checked by the condition of the inner surface of a half-meter section of the pipeline cut out at a randomly selected location.

To carry out work, a pressure gauge must be installed on the equipment to control the pressure.

If the injection device does not include a check valve that retains the working medium in the system, and a pressure gauge, then they are installed after completion of the tests.

It is important to know! Pressure testing of the heating system of an apartment building precedes an inspection of the work on preparing the associated heating unit. This is explained by the fact that the thermal unit is checked using high pressure values.

Mechanisms for carrying out

Crimping operators, i.e. Special pumps for carrying out relevant tests differ in design. Based on this feature, they are classified into three types:

Porshnev.
Vane-rotor.
Membrane.

If testing of a pipeline (or other object) of a relatively small volume is required (for example, in private housing construction), then it can be performed using an inexpensive and easy-to-maintain manual pressure tester. This mechanism allows you to pump up to three liters of working fluid into the system in a minute.

To check the systems of a multi-story building, you will need a more powerful mechanism driven by an internal combustion engine or electric. The domestic UGO-30 is equipped with a 16-liter tank and allows you to develop a pressure of up to 30 atm. Manual two-stage pumps UGO-50 and UGO-450 are used when performing more complex tasks.

In domestic conditions, compact devices are used that can be manually controlled.

German-assembled electrically driven crimpers produced by Rothenberger (model ROTEST GW 150/4, for example, designed for testing drinking water and gas supply systems with air) and Ridgid (for example, model 1460-E 19021 are used in systems filled with as a working fluid water, oil or ethylene glycol).

SNiP and safety measures during crimp testing

The procedure for testing pipelines, technological diagrams of the pressure testing process and safety standards are determined by the relevant sections of SNiP:

for internal sanitary systems - SNiP 3.05.01-85;

Source: https://trubamaster.ru/obsluzhivanie/opressovka-trub.html

Description of the process - what is it?

Pressure testing should be understood as the process of testing the functionality of equipment or a pipeline by injecting water or air under high pressure. In other words, the system is tested for strength and density using non-destructive testing. The idea of pressure testing is as follows: the absence of leaks at increased pressure of the working medium guarantees uninterrupted operation of the system in normal mode.

It is very important to understand that pressure testing of a building involves the comprehensive implementation of the following actions:

Testing of pipelines with simultaneous flushing of the system.
Repair or replacement of some elements.
Insulation update.

In the private sector, pressure testing is performed in heating, water supply and sewerage systems, as well as in the hot water supply circuit.

Hydraulic tests are carried out for the following purposes:

Check the strength of the housing and walls of pipe sections, radiators and heat exchangers, as well as shut-off valves.
Determine the degree of tightness of the connections of various components of the system.
Check the functionality of various taps and sensors.

During operation, pipes are exposed to corrosion and mechanical damage, and the presence of manufacturing defects is possible. All this leads to weak areas, including boiler pipes and fittings, prefabricated fittings and joints. As a result of exposure to high temperatures and hydraulic shocks, leaks appear in weak areas, which can be identified by pressure testing the boiler and testing the batteries.

Pressure testing of pipelines with air SNIP

Pipeline depressurization is an extremely undesirable phenomenon that can lead to very serious consequences.

To minimize the risk of such incidents, it is necessary to ensure that the system is sufficiently reliable before putting it into operation.

A special procedure will help you do this - pressure testing of the pipeline.

1 Pressure testing with air and water - what is it?
2 When is crimping necessary?
3 Preparatory measures for crimping
4 Crimping machines, pumps for crimping pipes
5 How is this done?
6 SNiP
7 Safety measures when crimping pipelines
8 Cost
9 per topic

Pressure testing with air and water - what is it?

The essence of pressure testing is to fill a certain system with a closed volume - a pipeline, container, machine or mechanism - or its isolated section with a medium whose pressure is 2 - 3 times higher than the working one and almost corresponds to the maximum permissible value (the value of the test pressure for each specific case is set by the appropriate norms).

If the object passes this test, it is considered suitable for use.

The essence of crimp tests

Pressure testing of a water pipeline (as well as any other systems for pumping liquid or gaseous media) is the most important in the pipeline construction process, especially in such industries as the chemical or oil and gas industry, hydraulic engineering, and housing and communal services.
Along with checking the value of permissible compression in pipes, an analysis of the stress-strain state of pipes is also carried out, which makes it possible to assess their service life. Some pipe manufacturers - for example, the Rehau brand - are developing their own original methods for crimping their products. For these purposes, Rehau sells a special electro-hydraulic tool, with which you can test the pipeline immediately after its installation. The verification method is local: a pressure testing pump is connected to the sealed area, creating the necessary internal air pressure. The stability of the indicators is established by a pressure gauge.

Pressure testing of the heating system: rules and regulations snip, certificate of pressure testing of the heating system

To put the heating into operation, it is necessary to flush and pressure test the system. After completing this procedure, a certificate is filled out confirming that the installation of the heating network was done correctly. Employees authorized to perform this work are required to complete all relevant regulations.

SNiP crimping rules

The norms for pressure testing of the heating system are described in documents such as SNiP 41–01-2003, and also 3.05.01–85.

Air conditioning, ventilation and heating - SNiP 41-01-2003

Hydraulic checks of water heating systems can only be carried out at above-zero temperatures in the premises of the house. In addition, they must withstand water pressure of at least 0.6 MPa without damage to the seal and destruction.

During the test, the pressure value should not exceed the limit for the heating devices, pipelines and fittings installed in the system.

Internal sanitary systems - 3.05.01–85

According to this SNiP rule, it is necessary to check water heat supply and heating systems with the expansion vessels and boilers turned off using hydrostatic pressure equal to 1.5 working pressure, but not less than 0.2 MPa in the lower part of the system.

The heating network is considered to have passed the test if it holds the test pressure for 5 minutes and does not drop by more than 0.02 MPa. In addition, there should be no leaks in heating equipment, welds, fittings, threaded connections and pipes.

Conditions for performing crimping

Test work is carried out correctly if all necessary requirements have been met. For example, outside work cannot be carried out on the tested object, and the testing must be supervised by the shift supervisor.

Pressure testing is carried out only according to a program approved by the company’s chief engineer. It defines: the procedure for employees and the technological sequence of verification . They also outline safety measures for ongoing and current work performed at adjacent facilities.

There should be no strangers during pressure testing of the heating system; there should be no turning on or off of testing devices; only employees taking part in the test remain on site.

Price

The cost of crimping depends on several factors:

length (internal volume) of the system;
the age of the system and the condition of its constituent elements (amount of rust and dirt and salt deposits);
type of equipment used.

Prices from different performers, even within the same city, may differ by 2–3 times. Private teams and craftsmen charge the cheapest for their services.

On average, for flushing and pressure testing the heating system of a building with an area of 400 sq. m (two-story) performers charge from 7 to 15 thousand rubles. As practice has shown, if you know how to bargain, you can agree to complete this amount of work for 4–5 thousand rubles. The work will be completed in 1 – 2 days.

The same work in a building of 5 thousand square meters. m (5 floors) will cost from 30 to 80 thousand rubles.

Some performers indicate prices per unit of volume (150 - 250 rubles / cubic meter) or time (500 - 1000 rubles / hour).

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You will learn about the types of antiseptics for cesspools in this review.

Pressure testing of a heating system with air - Heating and insulation - a site about heat in your home

This technological operation is performed on new heating systems before they are put into operation.

It is also carried out after the completion of preventive or repair work on the specified systems after their complete completion, but before the restart of the specified systems into operation.

The implementation of these works is also associated with such a factor as seasonal operation of the heating system. Therefore, such work takes place every autumn on all sections of heating mains and centralized heating systems of apartment buildings.

The main task that pressure testing of a heating system with air is aimed at achieving is to identify possible places of coolant leakage from the heating system lines.

Diagram of pressure testing of an air heating system

Pressure testing of heating system with air

The crimping procedure is carried out either with water or air. The latter option is preferred in the cold season to eliminate the possibility of water freezing in the system if any defect occurs in it.

The technology for performing air crimping is quite simple. In any place convenient for you in the heating system (HC), a compressor is connected, which pumps air into the heating radiators and system lines. Its pressure rises to a predetermined value. After which the change in pressure is controlled by a pressure gauge.

In cases where the work is done efficiently, the pressure in the system does not drop over time.

Pressure testing of the heating system with air is performed in a certain sequence.

First, you need to completely drain the water from the system.

Next, you need to cover and seal the selected area of CO that is subject to subsequent monitoring. That is, the branch to be pressure tested is completely cut off from the central water conduit.

This procedure is performed using existing shut-off valves (valves or taps) located at the end and beginning of the section.

Before starting this stage of work, certain preparatory measures should be completed. Namely:

Carry out a thorough inspection of all shut-off valves;
If necessary, add oil seals to ensure complete sealing;
Restore pipe insulation where necessary.

It is necessary to connect a compressor to the controlled area, the power of which is selected taking into account the internal volumes of the tested area.

Then it is necessary to create excess pressure in this area, the value of which should be no less than two to three times higher than the operating pressure specified for the CO. (That is, at an operating pressure of up to 2 atmospheres, the pressure in the system when pressurizing it with air must be brought to at least 5 atmospheres).

As a rule, the compressor is connected either to the CO drain valve or to one of the radiators, having previously unscrewed the Mayevsky valve (heating system air bleeder) from it and replaced it with an adapter that allows the compressor hose to be attached.

Compressor connection

Next, all connections in the system are checked for leaks (lack of tightness of the assembly). In this case, it is necessary to look at ALL connections, not only detachable ones, but also soldered ones (if the CO is assembled from propylene pipes).

In cases where crimping is carried out with air, all connections should be pre-coated with a soap solution. If this procedure is performed with water, then leaks will become noticeable even without it.

Pipe crimping

Pipes can be handled in different ways. Most often, they are welded, soldered or pushed into a socket. However, in this article we will look at a completely different action - crimping pipes. Moreover, not only the process itself, as a result of which pipes are crimped, will come into our field of view, but also the technology for performing this work.

Pressure testing of water supply and heating systems - how is it done?

As a rule, the process of monitoring the integrity of pipes and the quality of joints using the crimping method can be implemented in the process of performing the following actions.

Action one: covering and sealing the controlled area. At this stage, we cut off the pipeline branch to be pressure tested from the central line of the water pipeline. To do this, you need to shut off the shut-off valves (taps or valves) at the end and beginning of the section. Well, for sewers, special plugs made of plastic, rubber or wood are used.

Step two: connecting to the controlled area a source that pumps pressure. Moreover, either a special pump for pressure testing pipes or a conventional pump responsible for circulating fluid in the system is used as such a source.

The pressure source (pump) is connected to a special outlet (pipe), the presence of which was provided for during the pipeline design process:

Pressure testing of the heating system is carried out using special taps attached to each battery,
the water supply can be pressurized through the connection pipe of the hot or cold water tap,
with sewerage it is even simpler - the sediment fitting is inserted into the inspection - a special tee mounted in the outlet pipeline in increments of 40-50 meters.

The accuracy of the results and operating time depend on the power of the pump. After all, a low-power pump will increase the testing time - a simple pipe crimper will not be able to quickly fill a large pipe with the required volume of air, and a leaky joint will distort all the results of our tests.

Therefore, pumps for pressure testing must be selected based on the volumes of the pipelines being tested. So, for a home system, a supercharger that pumps a couple of liters per minute through itself will be sufficient. Well, pressure testing of heating mains involves the use of circulation pumps, which are responsible for the flow of fluid in the system, as a supercharger.

Step three: pumping air (water) and monitoring the stability of pressure in the system. At this stage, a decisive action occurs - water or air is pumped into the system through the injection pump. Moreover, the injection occurs through a back pressure valve, which does not allow water (air) to move in the direction opposite to the direction of injection.

The value of the “control” pressure depends on the pipe material. Cast iron products are tested with a pressure of 1.5 atmospheres, free-flow plastic pipes with a pressure of 1.5-2 atmospheres, and pressure pipes with a pressure of 10-15 atmospheres.

Moreover, the pressure in the pipe itself is controlled both during the 8-hour “holding” and during the injection of air (water) into the pipe. The main measuring tool, in this case, is a conventional pressure gauge. The test results are taken from the scale of this device.

Of course, the pressure gauge must be located behind the back pressure valve, otherwise you will not see any results.

As a result, the crimp control process looks like this:

First we pump in air, monitoring the pressure using a pressure gauge,
after increasing the internal pressure to the desired result, turn off the supercharger,
fix the initial pressure value on the pressure gauge and leave the system for 6-8 hours,
After the control time has expired, we compare the initial pressure value on the pressure gauge with the current result.

If there is no difference, the system is sealed. Otherwise, the system is not airtight and needs improvement.

Pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of pipes: how it is done

Pressure testing is a necessary and important operation that allows you to identify weak points in the assembled pipeline

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

From the video you can learn how to work with mechanical press pliers, namely, how to crimp metal-plastic pipe fittings.

It is recommended to install metal-plastic pipes using the crimping method in environmental conditions with a temperature not lower than +10ºС. It is advisable to keep the purchased material (pipes) in new conditions for at least 24 hours and only then begin installation.

The installed water supply system must be tested for tightness and strength through hydraulic and pneumatic tests.

Do you have experience working with metal-plastic pipes and making their connections? Do you know the technological subtleties of producing this work that are not covered in the article? Please write comments in the block form below, ask questions, post photos.

Pipeline pressure testing: procedure for carrying out the operation on water supply and heating utility networks

Pipeline depressurization is an extremely undesirable phenomenon that can lead to very serious consequences.

To minimize the risk of such incidents, it is necessary to ensure that the system is sufficiently reliable before putting it into operation.

A special procedure will help you do this - pressure testing of the pipeline.

Preparing for work

All measuring equipment must undergo preliminary verification in a licensed testing laboratory. The hydraulic power supply is connected to the pressure line via a test pressure manifold. The manifold has a drain valve and a pressure gauge. Pressure gauges are installed at the end and beginning of the pressure line.

Before starting pipe pressure testing, all valves and valves must be closed.

Preparation for pressure testing of a pipeline includes the following steps:

Filling the circuit with working fluid;
Filling the line until a pressure equal to the test pressure is created there;
Connecting test instruments and equipment to the desired section of the highway.