Checking the operability of communication systems is carried out in various ways. So, in the case of wiring, clamping pliers are used, and gas supply circuits are checked using multifunction thermostats. A special 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 direct users of the public utilities sector, therefore, service organizations carefully select the dates for 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 pipe crimping?
It is traditionally believed that crimping is aimed at the fulfillment of two tasks. First of all, this is one of the controlling measures of prophylactic properties, which allows you to determine the condition of the pipes. Specialists thus check the circuit for integrity and quality of installation, if before that the installation or repair of the pipeline was carried out. The second function of this procedure is to perform flushing operations. The technology itself only indirectly implies this operation, but in essence the effect is the same as with targeted washing procedures. Moreover, far from all engineering systems, pressure testing of pipes is carried out. Water in heating systems, for example, without fail tests the system in the summer. However, even in heating networks, this procedure is not performed in new homes where there are special points for regulating heat supply.
When is pressure testing necessary?
Pipes are tested for various reasons. As already noted, the operation is carried out after repair work and before the first launch of new engineering networks. Also, all structures that are connected by the docking method through a sleeve are subjected to pressure testing. This is due to the fact that the bundle of the fitting and the pipe is considered the weakest zone in the contours. To confirm the quality of this connection, a pipe pressure test is carried out, checking the tightness and mechanical strength of the joint. A seasonal pipe test is also performed on a regular basis. Usually this applies to heating systems, which are checked in preparation for a new heating cycle.
The sensitivity of plastic sewers to mechanical damage and deformation processes is also the reason for its regular diagnosis. In this case, the pressure testing of pipes can be performed one-time, if before that the channel was cleaned or soldered to new sections of the connection.
Preparatory work
First of all, specialists inspect valves, valves and other components with fitting fittings. The test should be carried out in optimal technical conditions of the pipeline, which will more accurately identify deviations from the normative 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 pressure test the heating pipes, which under critical load can itself cause leaks. To avoid such phenomena, piping insulation is also tested. If material defects are detected, specialists will update it. Also a prerequisite for crimping is to cut off the test channel from the central line.
Pipe crimping tool
Typically, the workflow is provided by a special pressure pump that has sufficient power for a particular circuit. For lines with small volumes, it is sufficient to use a supercharger with a capacity of about 2-3 l / min. It is also important to determine the working pressure that a specific unit is capable of supporting. For example, a cast-iron pipe is tested at a pressure of 1.5 bar. 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 at 15 atm. At the same time, for a private house it is quite enough to use a manual press for crimping pipes, which is equipped with a pump and can support the ability to automatically adjust the discharge indicators.
Execution technology
Work begins with overlapping valves on both sides of the site. If a sewage test is planned, then plugging can be done using special plugs made of plastic or rubber. Next, a connection is made to the source segment, which will pump pressure. This is one of the pumping units discussed above, which must be connected to the line using an appropriate adapter. The subsequent steps depend on the type of system in which this method is applied. For example, crimping metal-plastic sewer pipes is the easiest. It is enough to insert the pump nozzle into the audit and adjust the operation of the equipment to the corresponding power potential. In the case of a heating system, the process is controlled through special taps that must be installed on the batteries.
Conclusion
The result of pressure testing should be the data of a pressure gauge connected to a test complex and pipes. Specialists take pressure readings in the circuits before starting the test 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 a zero difference between the two readings, but this is rare. Minimum deviations are also acceptable, but even with a large difference, do not immediately redo the pipeline. Possibly, changes in pressure indicators were caused by other reasons not related to the quality of sealing in the circuit.