The Importance of Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is an important part of assuring the integrity of piping and pressure vessels. Pressure testing is used to test at pressure levels higher than expected working pressure to ensure the system won’t fail under normal service conditions. HSI also regularly tests existing systems to ensure that the system is maintaining its integrity and is safe to continue operating. HSI is a leader in pressure testing technology and we have the experience and equipment to take care of any pressure testing needs safely and reliably. Whether using liquid or gas, HSI has the ability to pressure test up to 24,000 psi before systems are put into service.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic testing, as the name implies, is pressure testing using water. Water is safe to pressure test with since it stores very little energy under pressure unlike air which can be explosive in a failed test situation. ASME BPVC VIII requires a minimum of 1.3 x MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure) for hydrostatic testing with no specified maximum however, 1.5 x MAWP is most common. HSI has an inventory of hydrostatic test equipment and knowledgeable technicians to safely and reliably handle all our customers hydrostatic testing needs.
Nitrogen Testing
Hydrostatic testing is typically preferred however, when the system can’t be safely filled with water, can’t be easily or predictably dried, or the testing fluid could not be tolerated by the vessel then nitrogen testing is appropriate. ASME BPVC VIII states that the maximum pressure for an air test is 1.1 x MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure). Nitrogen is an excellent test media due to it being inert, dry, and inexpensive to produce using a nitrogen generator. HSI is a leader in pressure testing with the professional equipment and technicians to safely and reliably handle all our customers pressure testing needs.